Mortgages

Special purpose credit programs, down payment assistance and potential mortgage insurance premium cuts came into focus over the past year.

The past 12 months were chock full of impactful changes to the home lending industry but keep an eye on these in particular in the new year.

Sales of high-end homes fell 38.1% year-over-year, per a Redfin report.

The overall share of distressed mortgages fell in every state, but the effects of Hurricane Ian led to a small uptick in early-stage late payments compared to one year ago, CoreLogic said.

The National Association of Realtors index of contract signings to purchase previously owned homes decreased 4% last month to 73.9, the lowest outside of the pandemic in data back to 2001, according to a release Wednesday.

Condominiums have long been a staple for anyone seeking a slice of Florida real estate on a budget, but safety legislation that passed earlier this year in the wake of the deadly Surfside building collapse could plunge the condo market into turmoil.

Kindred Home Loans will serve buyers of properties in Dallas and San Antonio markets.

Automation similar to that used by appraisers working with homeowners during the pandemic can be used by inspectors getting information about damage from weather events and disasters too.

Eligible borrowers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and Philadelphia can apply.

Prices fell 0.5% from September, the fourth consecutive monthly decline for a seasonally adjusted measure of home prices in 20 large cities, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index.

Prospective borrowers can secure significant square footage for often below $300,000 in these mostly Midwest cities, according to industry veterans.

The sharpest run-up in rates seen in over three decades slashed mortgage origination volumes, and contributed to a volatile market environment, but had some cyclical benefits for servicing.

A mid-month retreat in 30-year mortgage rates back below 7% along with an increase in builder incentives may have helped support demand.

Some companies are making them available for a broader range of mortgage products, and one also offers a future no-fee refinance option.

The company's recently purchased subsidiary, Blue Water Financial, will provide tools for asset pricing, transfer, due diligence and other tasks to ease secondary market trading functions.

Mortgage-purchase applications were 4.6% higher in December from a month ago, per a Redfin report.

Fannie Mae also reportedly took assets from its small senior loan program that were part of RMF's book of business.

Many have called for a heavy analysis if not an outright denial of the transaction by the government, but this could finally move the needle, said former Obama Administration official and former head of the MBA David Stevens.

Foreclosure starts also increased by over 19% between October and November but remain below pre-pandemic levels.

The partnership will expand UHM reach to new markets in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina and California.