Origination

Mortgage aggregators that paid billions of dollars in fines over faulty loans may soon play a new role: plaintiffs in their own lawsuits against originators.

Bill Cosgrove intends to make the return of the first-time homebuyer his primary focus as the new chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

A rise in shorter-term refinances and lower cash-out volume has contributed to the rebound in home equity.

Freedom Mortgage in Mount Laurel, N.J., continued its recent growth strategy by acquiring the assets of Continental Home Loans in Melville, N.Y.

The giant servicer picks its reverse mortgage CEO Otto Kumbar to lead its forward and reverse mortgage lending businesses.

Scrapping the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage and starting fresh could be the boost needed.

Although this is a benefit to lenders who make a mistake in calculating points and fees, it does not address problems associated with a lack of clarity in the rules.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt has struck a conciliatory tone, seeking lenders' input and making loan-buyback rules more industry-friendly — a clear signal the administration thinks it needs bankers' help to reignite the tepid housing recovery.

TIAA-CREF and Jonathan Rose Cos. have launched a national fund dedicated to "green" and affordable mixed-income multifamily housing development.

Wide-ranging efforts to reform Home Equity Conversion Mortgage lending and servicing practices are designed to close loopholes and resolve policy inconsistencies, but some obstacles remain unresolved and more work needs to be done.