Law and regulation

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae investment vehicles averaged returns of about -1% to -3% over the course of the year when Federal Reserve policy and long-term rate trends changed.

The bank is training the group as a way to increase lending without losing control of quality, according to Brad Blackwell, head of portfolio lending for the San Francisco-based lender.

The vast majority of loans originated today will qualify for the safe harbor.

While there are some home sellers who are willing to accept the Internet currency for their property, the inherent volatility makes it difficult in a financed transaction.

The GSE regulator will give lenders 120 days’ advance notice of any increases.

Despite the risks, lenders have calculated that certain loans that fall outside of QM are worth making and holding on their balance sheets.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could consider expanding exemptions for small lenders from its qualified mortgage rule after it goes into effect on Friday, according to Richard Cordray, the agency's director.

Since its inception in 2010, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has implemented wide-ranging changes to the rules and regulations governing financial institutions and other entities operating in the financial arena.

The bureau is putting pressure on servicers to do a better job.

Taylor Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. and Home America Mortgage resolved allegations that they falsified loan applications and misrepresented qualifications of applicants to secure federally funded insurance for home loans that ultimately defaulted.

A company's decision to commit to offering the loans despite new rules that increase their liability resonates with one reader. More reactions to recent stories follow.

The bureau director supports monitoring all aspects of the qualified mortgage rule to see how it’s affecting the marketplace.

The Senate Banking Committee is moving forward with a plan to overhaul the housing finance system, but leaders still face a delicate balancing act in swaying some liberal members of the panel to sign on to the bipartisan effort without losing conservative supporters.

Industry groups back bill that requires FEMA to conduct affordability study.

Edward DeMarco still mum on his plans but some expect he will leave the FHFA after the transition.

Loan brokers dominated purchase lending more than a decade ago when it last represented the majority of the U.S. mortgage market. Credit unions could take their place this time around.

Recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actions suggest the agency is poised to utilize the ambiguous Unfair Deceptive Acts and Practices standards to the fullest extent.

Lawyers for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh said in Pennsylvania state court that they had reached an agreement, without disclosing terms of the deal.

Lawmakers are expected to forge ahead on several key initiatives in the new year, including housing finance reform—but must move quickly in the early part of 2014 before legislative action grinds to a halt ahead of the mid-term elections in November.

Borrowers have been generally in a rush to refinance during the holidays. This year, there has been no such impetus.