Economy

Contracts to purchase previously owned homes rose less than forecast in December, indicating more tempered progress in residential real estate early this year.

The number of U.S. mortgages that were underwater continued to improve in the fourth quarter, although there are still millions of properties in the category, according to RealtyTrac.

The U.S. housing market continued to improve in November, as some local economies continued to bounce back from the recession, according to Freddie Mac.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is reducing the mortgage insurance premiums it charges on Federal Housing Administration multifamily loans to encourage the renovation of affordable housing units and promote energy-efficient upgrades.

Interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages dropped again this week as the Fed decided to hang tight on interest rates, according to Freddie Mac.

The homeownership rate in the U.S. rose for a second straight quarter as job growth and loosening credit put an end to almost two years of steady declines.

Umpqua Holdings in Portland, Ore., posted stronger quarterly earnings because of an increase in mortgage banking fees and lower costs.

Residential markets will continue to rise in value over the next 12 months, according to Veros Real Estate Solutions.

Freddie Mac has priced a $757 million offering of structured pass-through certificates under its "K Certificates" program that securitizes recently originated multifamily mortgage loans.

Amid concerns about the added complexity of the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosures and growing demand for purchase loans, Flagstar Bancorp plans to reduce its over-reliance on third-party originations by expanding its retail mortgage business.

NVR Inc. in Reston, Va., reported more new orders and a higher mortgage capture rate in the fourth quarter from the previous year, the homebuilder reported Tuesday.

In the absence of congressional action on housing finance reform, here is what the Federal Housing Finance Agency should do sooner rather than later.

A drop in interest rates due to global economic worries fueled an increase in mortgage applications last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Purchases of new homes surged in December to the highest level in 10 months, closing out the best year for housing since 2007.

D.R. Horton is expanding its entry-level Express Homes brand amid first-time buyers' growing demand for both homes and mortgages.

The mortgage industry can better manage disparate regulatory requirements with a comprehensive approach that streamlines compliance.

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose at a faster pace in the year ended November, underscoring the shortage of supply amid steady demand.

American International Group announced $3.6 billion in new costs to fill a reserve shortfall and said it will hold an initial public offering for its mortgage insurer and sell an adviser network as CEO Peter Hancock seeks to boost returns and protect his job after criticism from activist investor Carl Icahn.

D.R. Horton, the largest U.S. homebuilder, reported fiscal first-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates as sales increased.

U.S. home prices rose 5.5% in November on a yearly basis, according to Black Knight Financial Services.