Commercial banking

Both purchase and refinance activity declined last week, despite rates falling to a two-month low with market concerns over geopolitical and tariff issues.

Home sellers, no longer required to pay the buyer's representative after major rule changes last year, are still covering the costs as concessions.

The Trump administration is seeking to fire roughly 90% of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's staff and is fighting for that right in court. But if the administration prevails, can other consumer protection authorities from other federal regulators pick up the slack?

Prior to this development, the CFPB was the sole industry participant to publish an average prime offer rate index on a weekly basis.

Privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac risks a return to the kind of perilous mortgages that helped cause the global financial crisis unless regulatory safeguards are kept in place, an affordable housing nonprofit said in a paper on Tuesday.

The closed meeting between the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Treasury, and the Securities and Exchange Commission is the first publicized in some time.

The anti-evasion exception introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic provided servicing flexibility to help borrowers struggling for many reasons, ABA said.

Adam Tahir, CPA, is a strategist at Bizora, an AI-powered tax research and compliance platform built specifically for CPAs and tax professionals.

None of the economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer predict the Fed will cut rates at this week's meeting, few expect one in July and 41% said after September.

Katerina Brahy is vice president of product and engagement at Maps Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Oregon. She is currently researching how "relational risk" shapes loyalty, decision-making and long-term relevance in financial systems.

Confidence among US homebuilders fell to the lowest level since December 2022 in June, with potential buyers deterred by high mortgage rates and anxiety about tariffs and the economy. 

Senate Republicans plan to modify the massive fiscal package to lower maximum deductions for state and local taxes and limit the impact of a "revenge" tax.

Kevin C. Gillen holds positions as both a senior research fellow with the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and an adjunct professor of finance at Drexel University. His research is concentrated on applied work in the analysis of real estate developments and operation of real estate markets, including their fiscal, economic and financial implications. He holds a doctorate in economics.

Housing permits fell for the fourth consecutive month as builders pull back on construction amid high costs and uncertain demand.

The Mortgage Bankers Association chief thinks the move could fit in with regulatory goals, and it's getting pushback like an earlier version of the concept did.

As the chief people officer at Firstup, Sabra Sciolaro leads the organization's strategic initiatives to attract, develop and retain top talent, while fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and innovation. She has a deep passion for people and a commitment to creating exceptional employee experiences. She believes people are at the heart of any organization's success and are dedicated to creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered and inspired to perform at their best.

Kari Mayfield is the head of diversity, equity & inclusion at Ping Identity

Even before January's fires in Los Angeles, change-of-address data shows residential moves based on fire risks and insurance availability.