Real estate

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.

Mortgage industry groups are frustrated by the lack of progress on real estate finance reform, and that spurred one group — the National Association of Home Builders — to endorse Congressional candidates for the first time.

Shifting demographics are leading to a rise in the number of millennials and minorities, but homeownership rates among these groups remain depressed. One contributing factor is the lack of mortgage industry hiring and marketing focused on these demographics.

Bank of America's first-mortgage originations increased 23% over the third quarter of 2015, as rates remained near record lows throughout the summer.

Fitch Ratings has identified more than 1,000 properties in commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions that had exposure to Hurricane Matthew.

Regions Financial in Birmingham, Ala., has bought a business that manages low-income housing tax credits.

A leader who surrounds herself with diverse thought and talent, Nikki Groff of Wallick & Volk Mortgage Bankers, formed a team that helped propel her to Top Producer status from a small Arizona town.