Capital markets

Issuance of new mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae has returned to levels last seen during the year monetary policymakers began raising rates.

The increase in refinance volume in July took place before the mortgage rate collapse in early August that brought the share to over 25%, Optimal Blue data showed.

Risks include pushing debt-to-income ratios too high for qualifying and rising costs leading to defaults, all of which affect the secondary markets.

Soaring insurance costs may add to escrowed funds that servicers can earn money on in some cases, but higher premiums also could lead to affordability issues.

Appraisal appeal rules announced by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA set to go into effect in three weeks, will now be required starting on Oct. 31.

The reverse mortgage lender is closer to profitability and plans to maintain its New York Stock Exchange listing status, executives said in an earnings call.

Mortgage bonds tend to lag Treasuries when it's unclear where rates are going, because changes in yields can have a big impact on how many borrowers refinance their home loans.

While the REIT still seeks to grow servicing, it's been willing to sell for the right price as it responds to new rate-related risks and opportunities.

The company earned about the same in the second quarter but less versus the prior period as it added to credit reserves due to loan acquisition activities and higher mortgage rates.

Nearly all of the business came from home purchases, but reflecting the decline in mortgage volume and a revived Federal Housing Administration offering, fewer people overall used the product.

Election speculation about policy change at Fannie Mae has boosted its stock slightly this year. It's also profitable, but there's much more to consider.

Kroll Bond Ratings Agency offers some preliminary guidance on examining newly available, historical data that may aid stakeholders in a credit score transition.

But the industry-backed proposal differs by $13 million from the House version of the appropriation bill and it is not likely to get resolved until after the November election.

Catch up on the housing and mortgage industry issues pushing to the forefront of the 2024 election — and how each campaign is responding.

First Foundation in Dallas recently got a $228 million capital injection led by Fortress Investment Group. Now it's announced plans to pivot away from its heavy focus on multifamily loans, which lost value as interest rates rose.

Climate change is leading to an increase in frequency of catastrophic weather events, causing property damage and issues with homeowners insurance.

The election reflects a battle between two administrations that have had different philosophies on risk sharing the GSEs do with private investors.

The proposal would add reforms aimed at broadly prioritizing owner-occupant access and end the "test" or "demonstration" mode these sales have been in since 2002.

Some commenters on the Federal Housing Finance Agency's request for input about the Federal Home Loan Bank system mission demand more focus on affordable housing while others firmly advocated against member incentive programs.

Last year alone, insurers increased their holdings of residential mortgage loans by a whopping 45%, or about $20 billion, according to an analysis by Ellington Management Group.