Originations

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill., has bought certain assets of American Homestead Mortgage in Montana.

Builders started work on more homes than forecast in January after an upward revision to starts in the prior month, a sign construction was on a steady path entering 2017.

Black Knight Financial Services has launched a new tool that identifies potential liabilities to reduce title insurers' claims.

Loan applications for new home purchases increased 9.2% year over year in January, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo said Wednesday that although he plans to begin working on housing finance reform and changes to the Dodd-Frank Act, the poor relationship between Democrats and Republicans will slow any progress.

Zeus Mortgage in Houston is positioning its new online crowdfunding platform as an alternative to traditional mortgages for property buyers and others having trouble borrowing to remodel homes or fund construction projects.

The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 46.9% of total applications, its lowest level since June 2009, from 47.9% the previous week.

American International Group posted its fourth loss in six quarters, burned again by higher-than-expected claims costs as Chief Executive Officer Peter Hancock struggles to sustain profitability.

Changes in the housing market are creating new opportunities and challenges for credit unions, including how they market themselves to potential borrowers.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen appeared Tuesday before an uncommonly collegial hearing of the Senate Banking Committee, but the lack of outward drama masked the fact that lawmakers from both parties were using her testimony to lay the groundwork for a broader battle over the future of regulatory reform.