Originations

Black Knight Financial Services Inc. is benefiting from new banking regulations that push mortgage lenders to use automation software, sending the company's shares surging since its initial public offering two months ago.

Homes in the San Francisco Bay area sold last month at the fastest pace in almost nine years and prices approached a record as growing consumer confidence, historically low mortgage rates and job growth propelled sales.

Loan officer Eric Rotner's first boss made him understand the entire origination process, which has given him an edge against his competition.

Mortgage professional hiring and new job appointments for the week ending July 17.

So-called shadow lenders have been making an increasing number of leveraged loans to midsize businesses. Now their involvement is growing in commercial real estate, a market that scorched traditional lenders when it blew up after the 2008 financial crisis.

New-home construction climbed in June to the second-highest level since November 2007 as builders stepped up work on apartment projects.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., reported second-quarter profit of $50.5 million, a 12% jump from a year ago, as mortgage banking revenue improved.

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill. reported higher second-quarter profit due to loan portfolio growth and higher mortgage banking revenues.

Mortgage applications for new-home purchases rose 1% during June compared with the previous month as housing prices continue to recover, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The Cleveland company, which this spring said it had decided to start originating its own mortgage loans again, shared more details on the start date of this new effort and the rationale behind it.

Citigroup's combined gain-on-sale and mortgage servicing revenue increased by 34% in the second quarter over the same period last year.

Incorporating bill and rental payment data into consumer credit scores would be a boon for underserved Americans. New legislation in Congress could help credit reporting agencies realize this goal.

Confidence among homebuilders held in July at the highest level since November 2005, indicating the residential real estate market may be picking up speed.

Mortgage rates for 30-year loans rose to the highest since October after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reiterated plans to increase borrowing costs this year and the likelihood of a Greek exit from the euro region faded.

M&T Bank reported a higher quarterly profit that reflected increased fees and higher net interest income.

June's home sales are up 12% over the same month in 2014, according to the Re/Max National Housing Report.

The housing market may get a bump from two groups — first-time homebuyers and Hispanic consumers, according to a TD Bank survey.

Federal Housing Administration endorsements continue to rise following the 50-basis point cut in January.

Residential mortgages for new-home purchases increased in June, according to an Ellie Mae report.

Mortgage Builder general manager Larry Alston is overseeing an update of the LOS aimed at the self-service customer.