Mortgages

US new-home construction unexpectedly fell in November as a drop in multifamily projects mitigated a rebound in starts of single-family houses, solely in the storm-ravaged South.  

Homeowners experiencing a death in the family, divorce or domestic violence complained of being strong-armed into costly refinances, facing long delays or simply not being helped.

Monetary policy officials greenlighted a 25 basis-point federal funds cut but mixed economic signals dimmed hopes for more affordable home financing costs.

Borrowers with new foreclosure filings also grew, but the number of loan modifications decreased, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Premium volume increased by 5.3% year-over-year, while operating income was up, but industry expenses also rose in the third quarter, the American Land Title Association said.

Releasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship without legislation is very high risk for the shareholders, writes the chairman of Whalen Global Advisors.

Purchase activity was buoyed last week by conventional and Department of Veterans Affairs-backed loan activity.

Depending on how far rates fall, loan officers could be on the hook for a significant part of their compensation if borrowers refinance in an expedited period.

Six years after Pres. Trump signed Dodd-Frank reform, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued rules bringing these loans under Truth-in-Lending.

Nonagency issuances are expected to increase 85% for this year over 2023, and rise another 36% in 2025, the second best since the financial crisis.