May 2026

CFPB prioritizes Reg X, GSE streamline refis as LO Comp hopes fade 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) could finalize changes to its Regulation X servicing rules while creating a regulatory pathway for streamlined refinances through the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) by the end of this year, mortgage industry sources told HousingWire. Meanwhile, prospects for changes to the loan originator compensation rule (LO Comp Rule) — particularly revisions […]

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Why housing construction can’t grow at current demand levels

The U.S. has too much supply of single-family homes and not enough demand. But why can’t housing starts grow when the White House says we are 10 million homes short? I go back to the 1984 movie “Ghostbusters” and this quote from from Dan Aykroyd’s character: “Personally, I liked the university. They gave us money

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Mortgage vendors face consolidation as compliance costs rise

Mortgage vendors are entering a new phase of consolidation as they respond to rising regulatory and cybersecurity pressures, according to a white paper released this week by investment banking firm Houlihan Lokey. Scale is also becoming a decisive advantage for companies that sell mortgage technology and services, a trend that follows a mergers-and-acquisition wave among

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Brokerage consolidation is not the threat, weak relationships are

Every few years, the real estate industry gets a jolt that sends agents scrambling to reassess their careers and where they hang their license. The current wave of consolidation — eXp acquiring Next Home, Real acquiring Remax, Compass acquiring Anywhere — is the latest version of that jolt. And if the conversations I’m having with

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NEXA makes ‘strategic investment’ in Copper Ridge Ventures

NEXA makes ‘strategic investment’ in Copper Ridge Ventures

NEXA Lending entered into what it described as a “strategic investment and phased acquisition agreement” with Copper Ridge Ventures. Processing Content Copper Ridge Ventures is a holding company for mortgage joint ventures owned by Tim Owens. NEXA noted its president, Geri Farr, and Tammy Richards, its chief strategy officer, have had a relationship with Owens

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Rocket confirms VantageScore availability for retail and TPO

Rocket confirms VantageScore availability for retail and TPO

Rocket Mortgage and its third-party originations unit Rocket Pro have begun utilizing the VantageScore 4.0 model, a company statement said. Processing Content It will be doing this alongside the Classic FICO model, which has been in vogue since automated underwriting was introduced by the government-sponsored enterprises. This is now live in both channels at Rocket.

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Surprise! Contract signings, listings point to best spring in years

The housing market is seeing its best start to home buying season in years, thanks to competitive seller pricing, according to a report from Realtor.com.  Processing Content Year to date, new seller listings are up 1.4% compared to 12 months earlier, while contract signings grew 2.9% versus 2025, the home buying platform said in its

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Mortgage rates surge to 9-month high amid market turmoil

Mortgage rates enter the Memorial Day weekend at levels not seen since last Labor Day with the bond market in a tizzy this past week. Processing Content News over inflation and the Iran conflict influenced investors and as a result, the 10-year Treasury reached its highest point in 52 weeks. For the week of May

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Housing starts decline on drop in single-family homes

US housing starts declined in April as construction of single-family homes dropped by the most in nearly a year, suggesting builders are growing cautious amid higher mortgage rates. Processing Content New residential construction decreased 2.8% last month to an annualized rate of 1.47 million homes, according to government figures released Thursday.  Starts of single-family homes

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