Origination

Some words of advice to pass on to your referral sources and clients about the post-underwriting checks now in place.

So, every week I write a column in this space, and often I get some interesting feedback.

Homeowners who took advantage of the refinancing boom aren't buying new houses, because it would mean taking on higher-rate loans. That's a problem for banks already reporting huge declines in mortgage revenue.

Mortgage applications increased during the week ending May 9, driven by a jump in requests for refinancings, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Clarifying if a gift card giveaway on my business Facebook page is a violation of the anti-kickback section of RESPA.

Carrington Mortgage Services has opened its fifth retail lending branch in Virginia as part of its effort to originate more loans to borrowers with lower credit scores.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's 10-year plan to build and preserve affordable housing units is credit neutral for New York City, according to Moody's Investors Service.

The government-sponsored enterprises just went a long way toward encouraging lenders to make more loans to borrowers with lower credit scores.

The agency is developing a new methodology for evaluating underwriting defects to give lenders a better handle on the risk posed by any given flaw in a loan file.

In a wide-ranging speech on Tuesday, new FHFA Director Mel Watt said he would not weigh in on the housing finance reform debate percolating in Congress, while also detailing what changes he plans to make at the agency, including encouraging more access to credit.