Originations

Refinancing volume rose for the fourth consecutive month in November, according to Ellie Mae.

Originators need to have quality and consistency in their marketing and public relations.

JPMorgan Securities is arranging a $353 million RMBS securitizing 677 prime pre-crisis mortgages originated by Merrill Lynch Credit Corp.

NeighborWorks America has named Paul Weech as its new president and chief executive.

Despite looser credit consumer demand has been on the decline, according to Fannie Mae's fourth-quarter Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey.

GuardHill Financial Corp. CEO Alan Rosenbaum has recruited veteran New York City mortgage originator—and former competitor—Melissa Cohn to bring an under-the-radar lender out of the shadows.

The Senate approved a bill late Tuesday that would retroactively extend over 50 expiring tax provisions for one years, including one that shields distressed homeowners from paying taxes on any mortgage debt forgiven in a short sale.

Consumers who supposedly can't be credit scored are being evaluated using antiquated methods, so they can't qualify for a mortgage loan.

The housing market will resume its recovery in 2015 after a "disappointing" year as sales accelerate, construction increases and mortgage credit eases.

Mortgage applications decreased last week despite several lenders now offering interest rates below 4%.

George Engelke Jr., former chairman, president, and chief executive of the Astoria Financial in Lake Success, N.Y., has died.

A new report suggests that the credit quality of residential mortgage-backed securities will continue to improve in 2015.

The amount of commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding rose to a record high in the third quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

AmeriSave Mortgage Corp. in Atlanta has closed on its acquisition of CertusBank's mortgage business.

New-home construction exceeded a 1 million annualized pace in November for a third consecutive month, continuing a slow recovery in the housing market.

Mortgage fraud remains a national problem as loan applications have seen misrepresentations increase on an annual basis for three consecutive years, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

Lenders concerned about maintaining vendor oversight compliance may require title insurance and settlement firms to adopt the American Land Title Association's quality standards, even though the industry guidelines are only voluntary.

Marketplace lender Social Finance may pursue a larger initial public offering than expected, CEO Mike Cagney said. Progress in its mortgage business and a new lending app will be pivotal to the company's future, he said.

Impac Mortgage Holdings in Irvine, Calif., is currently in negotiations to acquire an unnamed mortgage originator, the company said in a recent regulatory filing.

Confidence among homebuilders hovered in December close to a nine-year high, indicating the residential real estate recovery continues to make progress.