Origination

USA Mortgage/DAS Acquisition finds purchases are filling in the gap as rates have risen and refinances have dwindled in lines with national trends.

Private-equity firms and hedge funds are increasing their control of the rights to collect America’s monthly mortgage payments, an almost $10 trillion market that banks are retreating from amid looming regulations.

The operators of a national online foreclosure rescue scam that deceived hundreds of distressed homeowners into surrendering their properties to the company have been sentenced.

Essent Group Ltd. has filed an S-1 registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to do an initial public offering.

Even though builder confidence is currently at an eight-year peak with a mark of 58, there is some hesitancy from buyers due to the recent increases in interest rates.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ruled that seller points can be excluded from the 3% points and fees test in the qualified mortgage rule.

The latest Redfin Real-Time Homebuyer Survey found that rising interest rates are as much a concern for those looking to purchase a house as the lack of inventory is and it could keep them from going forward.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has removed some obstacles to community banks offering balloon mortgages in rural areas, but the exemption in the qualified mortgage rule should be expanded further.

The new president of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals also is planning a marketing and image campaign for the industry.

The overall market, as well as investors in mortgage-related stocks, were pleased with the news that Lawrence Summers will not replace Ben Bernanke.