Secondary

Affordability constraints and a lack of awareness about low-down-payment mortgage options are tempering confidence about buying a home, according to the National Association of Realtors.

American Homes 4 Rent has repaid the $342 million loan that serves as collateral for its first securitization of single-family rental properties.

Renovate America is marketing a $320.2 million securitization of Property Assessed Clean Energy bonds, its third of the year and eighth overall.

Regions Financial Corp. has agreed to pay $52.4 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by originating and underwriting mortgages that did not meet Federal Housing Administration requirements.

Starting in 2010, regulators warned banks about the risks associated with rising interest rates. The problem has turned out to be just the opposite: persistently low rates.

American International Group will provide reinsurance coverage on three years of United Guaranty's policies and that was an important consideration to do the deal with Arch, said AIG's Rob Schimek.

Home purchase lending hit its highest point since 2007 as low interest rates and growing consumer confidence continue to support the housing market.

The owner of 9 West 57th St., an entity controlled by real estate developer Sheldon H. Solow, is using the loan to refinance the building, cashing out $485 million of equity in the process.

Regardless of who wins in November, the mortgage industry will see significant changes, but Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump would take very different approaches to housing and regulatory issues, said Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David Stevens.

Mortgage rates moved slightly lower for the week, helping to spur ongoing refinance activity, according to Freddie Mac.