Technology

Lessons for small business marketers inspired by @Pontifex.

Mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablets, have greatly reduced turn-around times and overhead costs for businesses.

Freddie Mac purchased $62.5 billion in mortgage loans and securities in November, up 25% from the month prior.

Home prices in November increased by 2.2% over October and by 10.1% over November 2011.

Aggregate Ellie Mae loan origination system data show the percentage of conventional refinances with loan-to-value ratios of 95% or higher was at 9.62% in November, suggesting Home Affordable Refinance Program activity remains relatively strong.

Home values gained an estimated 6% in the U.S. this year, the first increase since 2006, as the housing market began to recover from its worst slump since the 1930s.

The seasonally adjusted House Price Index published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency shows prices rose 0.5% nationwide in October after a 0.2% increase in September.

The Harnessing Mobile Award commends the development and implementation of mobile technology in the mortgage industry. Learn about this year's finalists and see who won the 2012 MT Award.

Overall, existing-home sales are up 14.5% from a year ago.

Social media, especially in the mortgage industry, has been proven to generate a massive response within a community.