Technology

It's a distinction that doesn't portray the mortgage business in a very good light. But it's a milestone nonetheless: The national Loan Modification Scam Database has now collected more than 20,000 complaints.

Fitch's U.S. commercial mortgage-backed securities report shows 2011 ending with another decrease in delinquencies during December, but notes that office delinquencies are continuing on an upward trajectory.

The trend toward fewer loans becoming delinquent appears to have halted momentarily, according to the latest mortgage monitor report released by Lender Processing Services.

Strong refinancing activity spurred mortgage companies to add new loan officers and processors to their payrolls in November for the second consecutive month.

Delinquencies on home equity lines of credit rose a scant 2 basis points in the third quarter to 1.93%, according to new figures compiled by the American Bankers Association.

Only 5% of Americans surveyed in a Harris Poll said they plan to refinance their mortgage this year, while just 1% said they expect to take out a home equity line of credit.

In 2011, technology tools were crucial for lenders and servicers to adapt to changing compliance demands, new trends in origination and servicing, as well as in the valuations and default arenas. And many industry players are expecting more of the same in 2012.

The MT Advisory Board discusses lender M&A, tech interests in 2012 and the effect of MERS on e-mortgages.

As the economy makes gradual steps in its recovery effort and the unemployment rate is slowly improving from all-time record highs, individuals nationwide still believe in the "American dream" of owning a home.

Big news in the online lead generation world—Google is no longer selling mortgage rate advertising to lenders in all but four states and the District of Columbia.