Origination

Wells Fargo & Co. continued to dominate the origination landscape in the third quarter, funding $90 billion of product and amassing a market share of just over 25%—the largest reading ever for one lender.

Outstanding mortgage debt secured by apartment buildings rose to $806 billion at Sept. 30, a $4.1 billion increase (up 0.5%) from mid-year, according to new figures compiled by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Ranieri Real Estate Partners LP, New York, has established two new advisory services groups and as part of the initiative signed a definitive agreement to acquire boutique investment banking and advisory firm, Occom Capital Partners LLC, which has offices in New York and Portland, Maine.

A new report indicates unexpected changes in geographic patterns that helped cause nearly $20 billion in flood and hurricane losses to homeowners and lenders in 2011 call for a re-evaluation of existing emergency plans and insurance options.

Application volume increased by 4.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ended Dec. 9, as rates fell to their lowest levels this year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Some mortgage industry members are applauding Congressional efforts to raise the guarantee fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge lenders, saying the increases could help bring private investors back into the mortgage market.

The real estate firm Lincoln Property Co. purchased an office and retail complex that was in receivership for $76 million.

Americans of all political leanings are showing signs of increased anxiety about having enough money to make ends meet during retirement, a recent survey commissioned by the Americans for Secure Retirement found.

ANAHEIM, CA—The ever-optimistic National Association of Realtors believes the worst housing downturn since the Great Depression is almost over.

The Federal Open Market Committee's statement from its last meeting of the year acknowledged some slight economic growth but generally kept current stimulus, including mortgage-related programs, on a steady path.