Real estate

Home prices, when adjusted for income and interest rates, decreased in August by 2.6% on a year-over-year basis, making properties more affordable, according to First American Financial Corp.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities continued to rise at a steady pace in August, according to data Tuesday from S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller.

Real estate franchisor Re/Max Holdings is getting into the mortgage brokering franchise business with its new unit Motto Mortgage.

Bank of Hawaii expanded lending for residential mortgages and commercial real estate, boosting its third-quarter profit.

China Oceanwide Holdings Group has agreed to purchase Genworth Financial in a $2.7 billion cash deal, joining a record buying spree by Chinese companies as they seek to boost growth overseas.

The U.S. housing market is about 10 times larger than Canada's, but we can learn a few lessons from the country's cautious approach to its housing policy.

Profit fell at SunTrust Banks during the third quarter because of higher costs for technology and deposit insurance premiums, as well as an unfavorable yearly comparison.

A simple rhyme reminds one loan officer in a bustling California housing market to stay focused, committed and to treat every loan equally.

Associated Banc-Corp in Green Bay, Wis., reported higher quarterly profit on the strength of tight expense control and strong mortgage banking revenue.

A new Rural Housing Service construction-to-permanent loan program is garnering strong interest from lenders and builders who see it as a much-needed opportunity.

BancorpSouth in Tupelo, Miss., reported higher third-quarter earnings after net interest and fee revenue improved from a year earlier.

Record deposit growth, improved expense management and strong revenue gains from mortgage banking boosted Umpqua Holdings' profits in the third quarter.

Sales of previously owned homes increased more than projected in September, showing residential real estate continues to contribute modestly to growth.

Many home equity line of credit borrowers don't know when their draw period ends, and many do not have plans in place to handle that transition, according to TD Bank.

New-home construction unexpectedly fell in September on a plunge in multifamily building while permits rose more than forecast, in signs of fitful progress in residential real estate.

MGIC Investment Corp. posted the biggest intraday gain in 11 weeks as third-quarter operating profit advanced on lower costs tied to soured home loans.

Confidence among homebuilders cooled in October from an 11-month high, reflecting a pause in the market for single-family houses.

Regions Financial reported a higher third-quarter profit, citing improved fee income from mortgage lending, capital markets and credit and debit cards.

Fluctuations in home price and wage gains have created a volatile outlook for housing affordability across the country. By better deciphering market data, mortgage companies can hone their strategies to respond to prevailing economic trends.

Independent mortgage bankers are concerned that if Congress votes to privatize the Common Securitization Platform, it could give large banks too much control over the real estate finance market.