LOAN PRODUCTS

Rocket introduces buy-before-you-sell bridge financing

Rocket Mortgage unveiled a new equity-backed financing product aimed at giving homebuyers an advantage when vying for homes in competitive markets. The Detroit-based lender’s new bridge loan offers prospective buyers the opportunity to draw into their accrued equity to put down an offer on a new purchase while still living in their existing property. Borrowers […]

Rocket introduces buy-before-you-sell bridge financing Read More »

Nonwarrantable condos fuel niche lending boom

In the four years since the Surfside condo collapse, a wave of regulatory changes continues to unsettle property owners and lenders, compounding challenges in an already fragile housing market. The scrutiny on condo developments in the aftermath of Surfside led to tightened lending rules that continue to put properties across the country onto a nonwarrantable

Nonwarrantable condos fuel niche lending boom Read More »

How to guide military PCS clients through home financing

For many career servicemembers in the U.S. military, relocation is part of the job. Known as a Permanent Change of Station, these reassignments typically happen every two to four years and often involve moving an entire household: spouse, kids, pets and all. This is where lenders and real estate agents can play a critical role

How to guide military PCS clients through home financing Read More »

UWM brings back 1% down conventional mortgage

United Wholesale Mortgage is bringing back a conventional purchase mortgage in which the borrower only has to come up with a 1% down payment. A previous version of the product was last offered in May 2024. With this iteration, the mortgage is available up to the conforming loan limit for buyers at or below 80%

UWM brings back 1% down conventional mortgage Read More »

Banks vs IMBs: who wins the HELOC war?

In the race to capture home equity line of credit customers, non-bank lenders say they have plenty to offer compared to their larger competitors. All mortgage players are staring at a lucrative HELOC opportunity in the next two years with soaring equity alongside stale mortgage rates and rising consumer debt. While homeowners who secured ultra-low

Banks vs IMBs: who wins the HELOC war? Read More »

What fraud risks do HELOCs pose?

Forged checks, false occupancy claims and scams on senior citizens are among the schemes  lenders should be aware of as growing interest in home equity lending catches the attention of fraudsters.  While home equity lines of credit have been available for decades, the rapid acceleration of mortgage rates over the past three years is raising

What fraud risks do HELOCs pose? Read More »

Volo secures funding to expand expat mortgage lending

A mortgage lender helping Americans buy homes abroad received a capital boost this week thanks to a new warehouse agreement with an investment management firm.  Volo Loans, which specializes in serving U.S. citizens looking to finance properties in Costa Rica, landed its $50 million investment from Gramercy Funds Management, a global firm specializing in emerging

Volo secures funding to expand expat mortgage lending Read More »

Home equity lending has strong two-year runway ahead

The next 12-to-24 months will be a good time for the home equity lending market because of the conditions affecting the first lien business, experts say. With elevated mortgage rates, the amount of equity homeowners hold right now and the relative shortage of inventory “it’s a really lucrative environment for home equity, and has been

Home equity lending has strong two-year runway ahead Read More »

Home equity lending is flourishing as HELOC rates fall

Home equity lending hasn’t been this hot in almost two decades.  Second-lien equity withdrawals approached 2008 levels in the recent first quarter, according to Intercontinental Exchange. Homeowners grabbed nearly $25 billion in home equity lines of credit, while overall first quarter equity withdrawals, including cash-out refinances, totaled $45 billion.  Introductory rates on second-lien HELOCs fell

Home equity lending is flourishing as HELOC rates fall Read More »

New proprietary reverse mortgages hit the market this spring

With tappable home equity near historic highs and a preference among a majority of baby boomers to remain in their homes, several reverse mortgage lenders have recently launched products to capture the greater opportunity in this part of the market.   Demographic trends suggest a market primed for growth and current interest rate levels also make

New proprietary reverse mortgages hit the market this spring Read More »