Origination

Most of use would agree that mortgage business is tough these days. Guidelines tightening, rules changing, compliance issues, companies downsizing. There can be a crisis on every turn and plenty to worry about on a daily basis. In fact, you could let the stress of the business overwhelm you to the point that it affects your health, and ultimately even the number of your days.

A proposal to hike guarantee fees on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the second time in two months was floated Wednesday night during negotiations over a $150 billion bill that would extend the payroll tax deduction and unemployment benefits.

Stewart Information Services Corp., Houston, Thursday reported net earnings of $2.3 million for 2011, its first annual profit since 2006.

Perhaps, banks that have been exiting the residential finance space will look really stupid if housing and mortgages recover. Figures released Thursday suggest that delinquencies are falling but a huge overhang of foreclosures is on the way. Corporate earnings are at record levels, employment is rising, and just maybe, maybe housing is on the mend. But a huge stumbling block remains: ultra tight underwriting standards.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage held fast to its record-low rate of 3.87% for the third week in a row, according to Freddie Mac's primary market survey.

The pace of housing construction hit a three-year high in January as multifamily starts rose nearly 15% while single-family activity declined 1%, according to government figures released Thursday morning.

The government owned Ally Financial has agreed to sell $1 billion worth of senior notes to a group of underwriters including Barclays Capital, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

The Center for Responsible Lending was one of 15 organizations on Thursday to receive a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

Taking a trip? Most prudent travelers create some sort of plan before venturing on any type of journey. Where to begin the trip, what items to pack and what markers you'll encounter to aid in getting to your destination are just a few of the details to be addressed.

Has home building finally turned the corner? On Thursday morning the U.S. government will release housing starts figures for January with the expectation that the industry is on the mend.