Origination

While loan consolidation is a priority for many who consider home-equity products, a third of those with other debts aren't comfortable taking out a second lien on their homes.

Four national housing market experts presented their economic and residential outlooks Thursday in a panel at the National Association of Real Estate Editors conference in Atlanta.

The introduction of utility, cable and telco payment information follows noticeable growth in the past year toward the inclusion of rental history in underwriting.

The company, which is undertaking a substantial cost-cutting reorganization and laying off thousands, also announced pay raises last month for at least two executives.

The high interest rate environment is causing repeat buyers to pull back from the market, creating ample space for entry borrowers to purchase a home.

Origination activity dropped quarter-to-quarter by more than prior industry estimates, however.

Consumer and business confidence is already under immense pressure from the rising cost of living, at the same time that equity, bond and real estate prices are falling.

The West Coast and across the Rocky Mountain region are the most vulnerable to price declines in the coming months as both sellers and buyers readjust their expectations.

Loan officers say that the platform discourages them from originating loans.

The letter, sent under the banner of the Black Homeownership Coalition, is the second in two months sent by the trade group in its ongoing campaign.