February 2026

Retirement planning faces longevity risk as Americans live longer

Advancements in health care mean that Americans are living longer than ever. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that U.S. residents born in 2024 have an average life expectancy of 79, an increase of more than six months compared to 2023. While a longer life span is positive news, it also means […]

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CoStar touts Homes.com momentum and AI gains as profits dip in Q4

Despite recording the 59th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth during the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenue jumping 27% to $900 million, CoStar Group’s financial results may not have been as strong as many expected given the firm’s recent rhetoric about how well the company is performing.  During the quarter, net income fell from

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Better taps crypto funding to target sub-5% rates

Better is turning to crypto-linked capital to fund as much as $500 million in mortgages, betting the move can double originations and eventually push borrower rates below 5%.  Processing Content The lender is partnering with Framework Ventures to tap funding through the Sky stablecoin ecosystem, positioning the platform as an alternative source of warehouse liquidity

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Consumer debt accelerates in December, fueled by mortgages

Consumer debt accelerated in December, driven by substantial growth in first mortgage and home equity lines of credit balances, a new industry report showed. Processing Content Total consumer debt in the United States reached $18.2 trillion by the end of last year, with $12.8 trillion attributed to first mortgages, according to Equifax’s fourth quarter consumer

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Non-QM specialist Lendermac acquires Utah’s Direct Mortgage

Wholesale and correspondent mortgage firm Lendermac announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Direct Mortgage Corp., the latest deal in the current wave of industry consolidation. Processing Content The move aims to bolster the national presence of Cypress, California-based Lendermac and facilitate its efforts to create a scaled multichannel platform that supports future expansion,

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MI volumes jump 12%, competitive pressure builds

Helped by a strong fourth quarter, the six active private mortgage insurers wrote 12% more business in 2025 over the prior year. Between the third and fourth quarter, new insurance written grew by 4%, according to a report from Bose George of Keefe Bruyette & Woods. Typically, the last three months of the year are

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Onity Group adds a former Truist executive to c-suite

Onity Group adds a former Truist executive to c-suite

Aulene Wessel, chief accounting officer at OnityOnity Onity Group has named Aulene Wessel, a former executive vice president at Truist, as a new member of its leadership team. Processing Content Wessel is taking on the chief accounting officer role previously filled by Francois Grunenwald, who will be leaving the company after a transition period “to

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UWM production nears $50 billion on strong refi quarter

United Wholesale Mortgage produced nearly $50 billion in loans during the fourth quarter, as its parent company ended the period with substantially higher net income than the comparable quarters. Processing Content UWM Holdings reported fourth quarter GAAP net income of $164.4 million. This included a $28.8 million markdown on its mortgage servicing right portfolio. In

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Citi commits  billion to affordable housing initiative

Citi commits $60 billion to affordable housing initiative

Citi is pledging more than $60 billion to a new initiative focused on improving housing affordability. Processing Content The bank announced Tuesday its Blueprint for Housing Opportunity plan, a five-year commitment dedicated to increasing the housing supply through the creation and preservation of at least 250,000 units across the country. The Citi Foundation also devoted

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