It’s no secret that real estate is getting more expensive on all fronts. Collecting rent on a spare room is one time-tested strategy to offset housing costs. It even has a name: “house hacking.” But renting a room isn’t everyone’s
Lower-rate loans dominate PLS pipeline
The loan quality of mortgage pools backing private-label securitization (PLS) deals has remained solid this year through the end of June, even as deal volume slowed appreciably between the first and second quarters. In addition, the average coupon for PLS
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, also known as the Keystone State, is one of the most populous states in the US. It’s the 33rd largest state by land area and has a population of over 12 million people. Pennsylvania offers both big city living
Defying Mediocrity is Game Changing
21 Years with the CENTURY 21® brand When Jamie Skeen boldly purchased his town’s largest brokerage after fewer than two years as an agent and just two years out of college, some thought he was crazy. But this game-changing move
Struggling loanDepot to cut nearly 5,000 jobs in 2022
Nonbank lender loanDepot is making what appears to be the largest series of cuts in the mortgage industry this year, eliminating 4,800 jobs over the course of 2022. Overall, the California-based lender is implementing a program dubbed “Vision 2025” to save
How to Become a Landlord: A 16-Step Beginner’s Guide
Investing in residential real estate and renting it to tenants can be a great way to own assets that create passive income and may gain value over time. But becoming a landlord takes plenty of planning, investment, and patience. How
10 Most Affordable Charlotte Suburbs to Live In
Charlotte, NC, aka “Queen City,” is one of many beautiful cities to reside in in the Southeast. With great sports teams, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Charlotte is also home to about
10 Most Affordable Tampa Suburbs to Live In
Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “the Big Guava,” or just by its name, Tampa, FL, is one of many picturesque destinations to reside on the Gulf Coast. With its waterfront views of Tampa Bay, stellar seafood
No Design Needed: What is a Furnished Apartment?
For many first time renters and seasoned renters alike, designing your apartment or rental home is the way to put your stamp on the place. Whether that’s through meaningful art, choosing a color scheme, or just buying your first set
10 Most Affordable Raleigh Suburbs to Live In
Raleigh, NC, “City of Oaks,” is quickly becoming home for many North Carolinians and out-of-staters alike. With countless historic museums, iconic BBQ, outstanding local restaurants, and scenic oak tree-lined streets, it shouldn’t come as a shock that nearly 490,000 people
Inexpensive Outdoor Upgrade Ideas!
Living in Western New York brings the best of the four seasons, doesn’t it? And now that Spring is here, let’s look at our outdoor living space. There are number of ways to upgrade your patio or deck with inexpensive upgrades that won’t break the bank. Add a rolling bar cart or serving station Utilize mirrors […]
HW+ Member Spotlight: Jeremy Potter
This week’s HW+ member spotlight features Jeremy Potter, chief evangelist at Stavvy, a 2022 Tech100 Mortgage winner. Potter was recently promoted after serving as head of legal and capital markets and is a thought leader in the industry, regularly sharing his insights
CFPB wants lenders to disclose reason for denial of credit
All lenders must explain their rationale when denying credit to loan applicants, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau affirmed Thursday, after looking into whether companies claiming exemption because they rely on “complex algorithms” were in violation of federal anti-discrimination law. The
Freddie Mac single-family division chief announces resignation
Donna Corley, head of the single-family division at Freddie Mac, is stepping down from her post at the government-sponsored enterprise. Corley will stay on until Nov. 25 as executive vice president and special advisor, reporting to Michael Hutchins, president of
Opinion: A unified approach for reducing appraisal bias
There is no single silver bullet that will rectify the pernicious impact of bias in residential real estate valuations — it is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted solution. But there is the promise of a better future on
Purchase apps are at 2009 level: where’s the inventory?
It’s an excellent time to discuss housing inventory. The housing market shifted in March of this year. As the 10-year yield broke above 1.94% and mortgage rates rose, we saw the impact on housing data. Since the summer of 2020,
How Long Does an Appraisal Take? Here’s What You Can Expect
Congratulations! You’ve been preapproved for a home mortgage, found your dream home, negotiated an agreeable sales price, and successfully maneuvered through the home inspection process. You now have the fully executed sales contract for your new house. Next, on to
Opinion: A more balanced approach to manufactured home energy efficiency
The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) appreciates that the Biden administration has created a White House Task Force on Manufactured Housing. We also commend the administration for the White House initiative announced a week ago Monday to “Ease the Burden of
Clean and Green: Here’s How to Compost In an Apartment
People eat a lot of food in the U.S. In fact, the average citizen ate 1,996 pounds of food in 2021. Composting even half of that would reduce methane emissions, help the food supply, and cut agricultural water needs significantly.
How top originators can build and retain borrower relationships
In the midst of a competitive purchase market, it’s more important than ever to foster existing borrower relationships. In light of this, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins spoke with Steve Reich, COO at Finance of America Mortgage, to learn more
Florida-based LO accused of falsifying documents
A Florida-based loan officer faces more than 30 years in federal prison if convicted on charges alleging she falsified divorce papers and child support payment information to help unqualified borrowers secure a loan, according to a Department of Justice indictment.
Passive Income Ideas 2022: Best Opportunities To Make Money
Passive Income Ideas Passive income is income that continues to generate revenue for you even when you are not actively working. Sounds intriguing? So let us talk about the best passive income ideas for 2022. There has never been a
How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent When Buying or Selling Your Home
Congratulations, you’re in the market to buy a house. Or perhaps you are ready to sell. Either way, it’s time to find a real estate agent to guide you through what can be a challenging – and sometimes stressful –
Freddie Mac automates pre-closing employment verification
Freddie Mac will now automatically verify borrower employment 10 days ahead of closing, which it says is more efficient than obtaining that information through oral or written verification. The option will be available starting June 1. To verify the borrower’s