Origination

The nonprofit gave away $1 million in grants in 2013 through its Dream Makers program.

Land-backed debt, called dirt bonds, earned 1.1% through Dec. 23. This is more than any other area of the market, according to Standard & Poor’s.

Higher-margin products like policies for home purchases and commercial properties will take the sting out of doing fewer refinancings.

There were 11 of 17 Mortgage Industry Equity Composite members which lost money on Thursday.

Anthony Orso, CEO of Cantor Commercial Real Estate, has a forecast for commercial mortgage-backed securities issuance that far outstrips that of others in the market.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the federal mortgage insurance fund can reach 1.25% capital ratio in the next couple of years.

The deal brings in slightly more than the expected recovery from the bankruptcy estate.

The average weekly rate for a 30-year mortgage is currently two basis points shy of 4.5% and the average rate for a 15-year loan is two basis points above 3.5%.

An unexpectedly better jobless-benefit claims report and the taper contributed to the rise.

If you are in your office this week, there are some things you can do to get your originations business ready for 2014.