Origination

Sales forces can command the responsibility for lending tens of millions of dollars in home loans each year, but often the actual amount of training they get remains minimal.

Despite existing home transactions being low and recent construction activity remaining below normal levels, all 42 counties tracked by DataQuick reported an increase in property values.

The Chicago-based special servicer only uses former mortgage sales people in its customer contact positions because they are experienced in the business and familiar with its terminology.

Regulatory pressure is expected to be as strong as ever next year when mortgage lenders and servicers will test new waters in compliance implementation, process improvements and business strategies. Market veterans find regulatory compliance risks are higher almost in every area of the business.

Affordability issues will reduce the stock of potential homebuyers.

This week’s increase in borrowing costs in Freddie Mac’s survey confirms that last week’s average decrease in rates was temporary.

Refinancing share is up week-to-week, but the Mortgage Bankers Association’s raw numbers show purchases are higher both week-to-week and year-to-year.

Increases in medium- and long-term interest rates still pose risks, but the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s Quarterly Banking Profile revealed that a rate recovery can also have advantages.

Shrinking origination volumes and margins have reduced lenders’ training efforts, but they are willing to invest in programs and systems that ensure compliance or payoff.

Even though home price appreciation was up 5.2% on a yearly basis, it still is a much slower pace than the 7% figure that was seen over the summer.