Data and information management

Millennial renters and Americans overall have become more optimistic about the housing market since January, according to Zillow.

The closing rate for mortgage originations climbed to a three-year high in August, according to data released by Ellie Mae.

Purchases of previously owned homes unexpectedly declined in August for the first time in five months as investors retreated from the market.

The loosening of mortgage credit "hasn't been as significant as some have reported," and first-time buyers remain scarce, complains Stuart Miller of homebuilder Lennar.

Home values in the United States rose more slowly in August on a monthly basis than they have in a year, according to Zillow.

Home loans to lower-income Americans are dwindling as Washington regulators and major banks continue to haggle over who pays when riskier mortgages go bad.

Housing starts slumped in August after reaching the highest level in almost seven years, pointing to an uneven pickup in the residential real estate market that will limit its contribution to economic growth.

Mortgage rates jumped to a four-month high, increasing home-loan costs as the economy shows signs of strengthening.

Lennar Corp., the second-biggest homebuilder by stock-market value, reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that beat analysts' estimates as it sold more homes at higher prices.

Confidence among homebuilders rose in September to a nine-year high, showing the industry is gaining ground and will be a source of momentum for the economy.

Mortgage applications rebounded a week following the Labor Day holiday even as interest rates increased to their highest level since June.

The nation's youngest adults will spend more than $2 trillion in the next several years on rent and mortgage loans, according to a recent report by The Demand Institute.

Another important concern when it comes to the safety of borrowers' home loan information is physical location. There have been many physical loan files stolen, as well as computers.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded the U.S. residential mortgage servicer rating of EverBank Financial in Jacksonville, Fla., despite servicing-operations changes that are expected to improve its performance.

Data Facts has acquired One Source Credit Reporting Agency of Houston, to further expand the company's footprint in Texas.

The delinquency rate for commercial mortgage-backed securities remained stable last month, according to data from Fitch Ratings.

Mortgage rates increased slightly during the week ending Sept. 11, according to data released Thursday by Freddie Mac.

Mortgage applications to buy a new home decreased 9% in August compared to the prior month, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

While year-over-year foreclosure activity continued to decline in August, an uptick in foreclosure auctions suggest the housing market still is in detox mode, according to RealtyTrac.

Homebuyers had to put slightly more money down on a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during the second quarter, reversing an 18-month downward trend, according to LendingTree.