Secondary

Fannie Mae has entered into deals with JPMorgan Chase and other companies that transfer some of the credit-loss risk on mortgage-backed securities to investors. Not only do these deals reduce the danger that taxpayers could be forced to cover the GSEs losses, they may help make mortgages more affordable.

Republicans are unlikely to push the ball forward on reform of the federal housing agencies, but Congress has a number of other opportunities to make changes that will encourage mortgage lending.

Mortgage rates fell slightly compared to last week, according to Freddie Mac.

Applications for new home purchases picked up in October, particularly for higher-priced properties, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Regulators are preparing rules to curb financial risks of expanding nonbank mortgage companies after investigating homeowner complaints that include improper foreclosures and unauthorized fees.

A new multifamily investment product will for the first time allow Freddie Mac to buy and guarantee bonds backed by multifamily loans that were originally underwritten by private entities.

One-third of the nation's counties now have access to e-recording software, according to the Property Records Industry Association,

Federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch may soon replace Attorney General Eric Holder, leaving bankers wondering whether she will be tougher on institutions than her predecessor.

Mortgage applications declined for the third consecutive week as fewer borrowers are choosing to refinance due to rising interest rates.

A renewed interest in subdivisions that stalled during the recession is likely the main reason the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission reported doubling of refunding volume in land-secured Mello-Roos bonds from fiscal year 2011-12 to 2012-13, according to government consultant Larry Kosmont.