In a highly expected move, the Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate on Wednesday, but Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments ultimately may have more influence on whether policy provides a boost for lenders and home buyers. Processing Content The central bank slashed its funds rate by 25 basis points at the close of the Federal […]
Fed moves won’t move needle on housing — yet Read More »
Shared-appreciation contract provider Hometap announced a new capital raise this week, which comes at the end of a year when several tailwinds helped fuel growth for equity investment products and loans. The Boston-based home equity investment platform this week secured $50 million in new funding led by affiliates of Gallatin Point Capital. The company plans
Hometap’s new funding caps a big year for HEI growth Read More »
Freddie Mac is updating its guidelines to include explicit language requiring mortgage companies to establish a clear artificial intelligence framework governing the technology’s internal use. The new rules become effective on March 3, 2026 and mandates compliance with the policy for businesses using AI and machine-learning tools in connection with loans sold to or serviced
Freddie Mac issues updates mandating AI governance Read More »
Embattled MV Realty has settled a lawsuit filed by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador involving an agreement it promoted known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services or NTRAPS. These contracts, also known as “Homeowner Benefit Agreements,” lock a homeowner into a long-term arrangement to sell the property in exchange for a fee. This encumbrance
MV Realty settles NTRAPS cases in Idaho, New Jersey Read More »
Absolute Home Mortgage has acquired assets from Fidelity Direct Mortgage in a partnership announced Tuesday. Absolute, a nationwide mortgage lender based in New Jersey, added Fidelity’s team of 55 producing loan officers to its team of roughly 190, a Fidelity spokesperson told National Mortgage News. “This is an important step forward for both of our
Absolute Home Mortgage acquires Northeast lender’s team Read More »
Home equity investment companies were busy last month, securing investments and issuing securitizations. READ MORE: Home equity investment products set to soar, experts say The following is a roundup of recent news from some of those firms making moves in the marketplace. Myriad Group invests in The Home Equity Partners The Home Equity Partners, a
3 things that happened in home equity investment last month Read More »
Key Insight: Wells Fargo has tapped its head of consumer and small-business banking, Saul Van Beurden, to lead its expanding efforts in artificial intelligence. Supporting Data: Just in the past year, Wells Fargo has trained over 90,000 employees to use new AI tools, according to CEO Charlie Scharf. Expert Quote: The new appointment is “a
Wells Fargo taps head of consumer banking to lead on AI Read More »
Zillow is helping renters use their monthly payments to boost their credit profiles through CreditClimb, a new tool powered by Esusu. Renters can now enroll in CreditClimb directly through Zillow to have their on-time rent payments reported to the three major credit bureaus for $20 a year. The tool also helps renters track their credit
Zillow launches new tool to help renters build credit Read More »
The pairing of exchange-traded funds to residential mortgage-backed securities is no new concept, but 2025 looks like it is turning into a renaissance year for RMBS ETFs, based on recent trends. Since November 2024, the bond market has seen at least four new issuances from investment banks, including the likes of JPMorganChase, Charles Schwab, Regan
Why 2025 might be the year of the mortgage ETF Read More »
Fraud and forgery attempts that appear in refinance transactions are turning out to be a rising risk factor leading to claims that end up costing title insurers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Claims resulting from fraud or forgery now average $206,976, according to research conducted by the American Land Title Association and consulting and actuarial
Forgery, fraud make up 40% of title insurance losses Read More »