Origination

Purchases of new homes rose in May to the highest level in seven years, signaling the industry is gaining momentum heading toward the second half of the year.

Nonbank lender HomeBridge Financial Services has lifted the curtain on a new mortgage platform aimed at community banks and credit unions.

A recent critique of the CFPB's enforcement action against an alleged loan officer point bank run by RPM Mortgage perpetuates misinformation that only serves to undermine the policies and practices of responsible lenders.

Wells Fargo Bank is marketing $914 million of commercial mortgage bonds, according to a presale report released by Kroll Bond Rating Agency.

Royal Financial in Chicago has agreed to sell $29.1 million in distressed assets, a deal mandated by a bankruptcy judge as part of the company's acquisition of PNA Bank.

Fewer consumers today believe it's difficult to get a mortgage than a year ago. However, the majority of survey respondents still think the origination process is too tough and that there are too few homes on the market.

Previously owned homes sold in May at the fastest pace since November 2009, driven by first-time buyers and indicating budding momentum in the residential real estate market.

A Lone Star Funds affiliate agreed to buy U.S. apartment landlord Home Properties Inc. in a transaction valued at about $7.6 billion, including debt.

Many lenders may not have been ready for the CFPB's new mortgage disclosure rule if it took effect on Aug. 1 as planned. Now a slip-up by the agency itself has given lenders a two-month reprieve.

Varde Partners has closed a $500 million fund that will invest in real estate securities, the firm announced this week.