Purchase

Fannie Mae reported that the Home Purchase Sentiment Index rose 3.3 points in July to 86.5, an all-time survey high.

Mortgage application activity decreased 3.5% from one week earlier as refinancing volume continued to fade, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Robust demand for mortgages. Real estate values rising at a solid clip. Construction employment in decent shape. A fresh cycle high for single-family home sales.

Home sales rose to their highest level since the financial crisis last week. While that's a good sign, full recovery is going to take a long time. Here's why.

Loan application defect risk continued its downward slide in June, according to First American Financial Corp.

The homeownership rate fell to the lowest level in more than 50 years as rising prices put buying out of reach for many renters.

By investing time early on with clients who may not be immediately ready for a mortgage, loan officer Becky Sandiland establishes relationships that generate future business.

Contracts to purchase previously owned homes rose less than forecast in June as a lack of supply and rising prices offset the benefits from historically low mortgage rates.

Mortgage application activity decreased 11.2% from one week earlier as refinance volume continued to slow while the bond market and interest rates stabilized.

Purchases of new single-family homes rose in June to the highest level in more than eight years, indicating a firm and resilient housing market.

Waterstone Financial reported a 71% year-over-year jump in net income during the second quarter thanks to growth in its mortgage banking division.

Technology developed by SmartZip analyzes 2,000 variables about a housing market and its homeowners to help real estate agents and lenders identify consumers most likely to sell their house or need a new mortgage.

Guaranteed Rate has begun offering 1% down payment mortgages through a new nationwide program.

First American Corp. had a second-quarter profit of $102.1 million as the title insurer's pretax margin of 13.7% was its best ever.

FNF Group, the title insurance business of Fidelity National Financial Inc., had net earnings of $187 million for the second quarter, up from $160 million last year.

Purchase originations reached their highest share of the total number of loans closed in almost two years, according to Ellie Mae.

Mortgage applications decreased 1.3% from one week earlier as rates on conforming and jumbo mortgages increased by five basis points, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The value of owning a home has never been greater, at least according to one figure buried in a monthly Commerce Department report.

MGIC Investment Corp. earned $109 million in the second quarter, as an income tax provision for the period cut into net income.

In markets where consumers spend a substantial amount of income on housing, it's often cheaper to rent than buy. But in these expensive markets, owning a home is more affordable.