Origination

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are working with their regulator to adopt new appraiser independence standards that reflect changes mandated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

The total dollar amount of outstanding subprime loans in the nation fell to $714 billion at June 30, a 45% decline from the peak back in 2007, according to figures compiled by National Mortgage News and the Quarterly Data Report.

While not on the radar of many credit unions, the SAFE Act, which goes into effect on Oct. 1, could have a major impact on mortgage lending by credit union service organizations, or CUSOs.

Home builders remain pessimistic about both a recovery in the housing market and new home sales, according to a September survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, and Wells Fargo & Co.

A flight attendant’s highly publicized reaction to one evoked some sympathy, but this type of action actually represents a danger to both careers and businesses. In the hours after he made his great escape down an airplane slide, Steven Slater became America’s newest folk hero, based on the number of friends his Facebook page has attracted as well as the media attention he received.

Residential home sales leveled off in August after plunging 30% in July, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report.

Among the few states that can be seen to be a bellwether for the mortgage broker industry as a whole is Florida.The state has been among the leaders in passing regulations that affect the industry, including one of the earliest continuing education requirements.

The Government National Mortgage Association guaranteed roughly $34 billion of MBS in August, as the FHA/VA market remained strong, particularly for buyers of new and existing homes.

Moody's Investors Service on Friday took ratings action on $5.2 billion of Alt-A mortgage-backed securities issued by J.P. Morgan in 2006 and 2007.

The concept/law of Continuous Process Improvement begins with the concept that a plan—a process—is needed in most areas of your business and your life. Process simply is defined as the way, the best way, to accomplish a business plan and even a basic task.