Housing

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.

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.

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.