Origination

The regional banks are repurchasing excess stock and increasing dividends.

Ellie Mae in Pleasanton, Calif., reported a rise in second-quarter profits compared to last year, boosted by sales of its mortgage origination software.

If finalized and then approved by regulators, the combination of the Des Moines and Seattle Home Loan banks would be the first voluntary merger in the system’s history.

Mortgage rates held steady over the past week, remaining near their lowest levels for the year, according to Freddie Mac.

Home price gains have caused borrowers to turn to second liens to access cash for home improvement or other needs as higher interest rates damp first lien originations.

Over the long haul, ignoring online leads is going to make it difficult for retail lenders to survive, since recent studies clearly show more and more borrowers are finding their lenders online.

Mortgage application volume decreased from the previous week as refinances fell but purchase activity rose slightly.

Equifax Inc. has created a new Verification of Hazard Insurance service for mortgage and home equity lenders.

Customer relationship management technology and new regulations require lenders and loan officers to re-evaluate how they manage the ownership and use of lead sheets.

The homeownership rate in the U.S. fell to a 19-year low as rising prices and tight credit kept many first-time buyers out of the property market.