Economy

The maximum baseline conforming loan limit in 2017 is being increased to $424,100 by the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Purchases of new homes declined in October to a four-month low, showing the residential real estate market began to soften a month prior to a jump in borrowing costs.

Former BB&T Chief Executive John Allison is a late entrant on a short-list for the job of U.S. Treasury secretary, according to two people familiar with President-elect Donald Trump's selection process.

The multifamily lending caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will stay the same as they were in 2016 next year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced.

The transition team for President-elect Donald Trump announced a series of names this week for people who will help facilitate an orderly transfer of power at the federal financial regulators.

The pending purchase of Carlile Bancshares will lower Independent's concentration in commercial real estate, while introducing the company to fast-growing markets in Texas and Colorado.

President-elect Donald Trump said in a tweet Tuesday that he is considering Dr. Ben Carson — one of his opponents in the Republican primary — to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tight lending standards resulted in 1.1 million fewer mortgages being originated than if looser requirements were in place, according to the Urban Institute.

If President-elect Donald Trump selects House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling as his Treasury secretary, it would be a clear sign that he intends to embrace a more traditional Republican agenda when it comes to financial services issues.

Sales of previously owned homes unexpectedly climbed in October to the highest level since February 2007, a sign of momentum in the housing market a month before a jump in borrowing costs.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue growing modestly in 2017, but the unknown about policies to be enacted by President-elect Donald Trump's administration pose both upside and downside risks, according to Fannie Mae.

Shortage of appraisers in rural areas and compensation issue force lawyers to re-consider restrictions on communications between lenders and appraisers.

While nonbank servicers are expected to continue to gain greater market share in 2017, much of that growth will come from their own loan origination activity rather than mortgage servicing rights purchases and subservicing, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.

John Paulson went long on Donald Trump when much of Wall Street went short. Now, he's reaping the rewards.

Fannie Mae said Thursday it obtained reinsurance on another $11.7 billion of residential mortgages through its Credit Insurance Risk Transfer of the year.

Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati has expanded its community development pledge to $30 billion.

While the rate of homeowners who owed more on their home than what it is worth decreased nationwide, there were 17 neighborhoods with a large percentage of underwater homeowners.

Banks already have a difficult time collecting data on mortgage lending to minorities. New data requirements scheduled to take effect in early 2018 could lead to even more mistakes — and financial penalties — not to mention higher compliance costs and longer delays in closing loans.

Two consumer advocacy groups in California have accused CIT Group's OneWest Bank of failing to provide mortgages and other financial services in minority neighborhoods.

New-home listings declined significantly in October even as increased demand continued to drive faster sales times and higher prices, according to Redfin.