Underwriting

The next 12 months could be a rather bumpy ride for the mortgage industry as consumers take more control over the loan origination process.

Golden First Mortgage Corp. agreed to a $36 million settlement of claims that the company — which allegedly saw 60% of its government underwritten loans go into default since 2002 — defrauded a federal mortgage program.

Take a look back at National Mortgage News' top stories of 2014.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is an uncomfortable spot in 2015, caught between a Republican majority already critical of its recent actions and an Obama administration bent on increasing access to credit in part by using the agency's powers.

The Lenders' Choice Award commends the technology provider that offers the best customer service, value proposition and overall user experience. The winner is selected by a vote of industry professionals from mortgage lending and servicing institutions. Learn about this year's finalists and see who won the 2014 MT Award.

Credit Karma has begun offering on-demand access to credit reports from Equifax.

Experian will now offer FICO credit scores through its direct-to-consumer products, the Costa Mesa, Calif.-based credit bureau announced today.

Data Facts Inc., a mortgage credit report and verification services provider based in Cordova, Tenn., has adopted AccountChek, a deposit verification service provided by FormFree.

The ongoing push for more robust loan data will continue in 2015, as market participants across the mortgage lifecycle adopt new regulatory requirements and take advantage of recent developments in paperless processing and self-service capabilities.

Here are some easy ways to introduce your loan origination group to your clients.

What you don't know about a builder's operation could do more than delay your client’s project. It could sink your business.

Wells Fargo, HSBC, Bank of New York Mellon and Deutsche Bank were sued by an Irish securities firm that claims the banks failed to protect investors in their role as trustees of securities backed by home loans that defaulted after the 2008 credit crisis.

The government-sponsored enterprises' changes to their representations and warranties regulations could increase lending — and some risks. Here's the downside to the move and how lenders can mitigate related concerns.

Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN) was ordered to face a lawsuit by New York's attorney general accusing the bank of fraud in sales of mortgage-backed securities before the recession.

The Release of the Year Award recognizes a new software, platform, alliance or initiative that's expected to have the broadest future impact on the mortgage industry. Learn about this year's finalists and see who won the 2014 MT Award.

Appraisers are often the only party involved in a real estate transaction that has no "skin in the game," unlike mortgage originators and real estate agents.

The 3%-down payment mortgage has been made available to consumers with a speed rarely seen in this business, in large part because more lenders than ever are selling loans directly to Fannie and Freddie.

The number of mortgages outstanding is down considerably from pre-recession levels but is starting to slowly increase. How much further it needs to go depends on certain public policy goals.

As the real estate market ramps back up, lenders are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios, even if the returns are slim.

The government-sponsored enterprises' changes to their representations and warranties regulations could increase lending, or cause taxpayer losses related to GSE purchases of bad loans. Here's why advocates like the move.