PMI

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's new low down payment loans products may not represent such a risk to the Federal Housing Administration program as some have feared.

The Federal Housing Administration's mortgage insurance fund is finally in the black, but not strong enough that the agency is likely to lower premiums anytime soon.

Mel Watt, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has set off a political tempest.

Fannie Mae has entered into deals with JPMorgan Chase and other companies that transfer some of the credit-loss risk on mortgage-backed securities to investors. Not only do these deals reduce the danger that taxpayers could be forced to cover the GSEs losses, they may help make mortgages more affordable.

Mortgage insurers Radian Guaranty Inc. and MGIC Investment Corp. both saw their inventory of delinquent loans drop during October.

While the government-sponsored enterprises' move to allow down payments as low as 3% comes with some inherent risks, Fannie Mae executives are confident they can responsibly administer the new guidelines to ensure they're an effective tool for increasing access to credit.

Essent Group, a mortgage insurance company based in Radnor, Pa., reported higher third-quarter profits, due to a surge in revenue from premiums.

Genworth Financial Inc. posted a third-quarter loss of $844 million, driven by costs tied to its long-term care insurance operation.

The recent dip in mortgage rates isn't likely to spur a refi boom, but with the industry now into the fourth quarter of a tough year, many lenders are looking for ways to boost business.

In order to make homeownership more affordable, the FHFA should make sure that GSE guarantee fees fully recognize private mortgage insurance and restore the longstanding tax-deductible treatment of mortgage insurance premiums.

United Guaranty Corp. reported higher third-quarter earnings compared to last year, due to a drop in first-lien claims.

Earnings at Radian Group swung to a profit the third quarter, boosted by mortgage services revenue and a lower credit-loss provision.

The nearly 45% of new insurance written for other types of mortgage lenders could be a sign that the formerly credit union focused company is gaining some traction in the broader market.