In the 16 years since the peak of the Global Financial Crisis, the structured products industry has transformed from a market dominated by large banks to one with space for new players. New relationships are forming between insurers seeking long-term
The biggest reverse mortgage opportunities in 2025
While 2024 was rife with challenges for the mortgage industry broadly — across forward and reverse — a new year brings a new mindset. Some challenges remain, with mortgage rates being chief among them. Education and distribution can also likely
Refinance activity is up 27%, but higher mortgage rates have pumped the brakes
Refinance volume is only a fraction of what it was three years ago when mortgage rates plummeted to historic lows, but borrowers have returned in greater numbers this year. Recent data from CoreLogic shows that $347 billion in refinances were
The best real estate transaction management software for 2025
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finding the right transaction management software for your real estate business. Whether you’re running a large brokerage, managing a small team or working on your own, the right transaction management platform can
The 25 best books for real estate agents in 2025
As you plan your 2025, it’s important to be intentional about including self-development activities. After all, our business will only grow as much as we do as business owners. With hundreds of books to choose from, it can be overwhelming
Thinking of joining a real estate team? Here’s everything you should know
If you’re reading this article, you’re not alone. You’ve likely heard about real estate teams and how they can impact your career — but what exactly are they, and why are so many agents joining or building teams? It’s a
Rising inventory is the most positive housing market story in 2024
The most positive development in the housing market over 2024 has been the increase in active housing inventory, which is approaching the levels seen in 2019. Although those 2019 levels represent a five-decade low before COVID-19, the market was still
The biggest challenge for the reverse industry in 2024? Mortgage rates
Reverse mortgage business — and mortgage business generally — is not where people want it to be. That was a repeated idea shared by a group of reverse mortgage professionals when asked to assess what they see as the biggest
HUD announces new partnerships, funding to address skyrocketing homelessness
The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, attributed to a lack of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Active listings climb as the end of 2024 nears
A new report from Redfin revealed that active listings climbed 12% year over year (954,703 listings) during the four weeks ending December 22, though that was the smallest increase since March. Pending home sales sat at 58,267 for the four
How the “lavish” comp and perks NAR leaders enjoy compares to other housing trade groups
NAR’s volunteer leaders receive financial benefits that no other nonprofit in the housing space comes close to matching, 990 filings reveal. Earlier this week the National Association of Realtors(NAR) made headlines for the extravagant perks and compensation its executives and
Side seeks more than $4 million from Alexander brothers, Official Partners
White-label brokerage Side is seeking more than $4 million from the Alexander brothers and the brokerage Official Partners. According to an amended complaint filed this week, Side alleges that Official Partners and its founders Tal and Oren Alexander committed multiple
Rethinking resident experience: Why consumer tech trends matter now more than ever
Industries like retail, banking, transportation and food service have undergone massive digital transformation in recent years by leveraging new technologies to enhance consumer experience. As a result, today’s consumers now expect the same seamless digital experiences in all areas of
Credit reports will be at least 20% more expensive in 2025, frustrated mortgage execs say
Executives at mortgage lenders anticipate a minimum 20% increase in credit reporting costs in 2025 compared to 2024. And the soaring costs will hit as lenders try to dig out from multiple years of financial losses and mass layoffs. In
10.5 million borrowers at or over age 65 still have forward mortgages
While many older homeowners own their properties free and clear of a mortgage payment, this is not a feasible reality for many seniors. In fact, more than 10.5 million Americans at or over the age of 65 still pay into
Rate announces revamp of reverse mortgage division with industry veterans
Chicago-based multichannel mortgage lender Rate, formerly known as Guaranteed Rate, has announced a shakeup in its reverse mortgage division’s leadership by appointing two longtime industry veterans to lead the company’s efforts with older borrowers. Jesse Allen, most recently of OneTrust
Fannie Mae’s new version of DU to focus on credit risks
Fannie Mae on Wednesday announced that its next version of the Desktop Underwriter (DU) software platform will be available for users on Jan. 11. The platform will feature “enhanced” risk assessment by incorporating new data points, including updated market conditions
76% of home sellers say real estate agents are absolutely worth it
Nearly three quarters of recent American home sellers said in a Clever survey that using a traditional real estate agent is the best way to sell. As real estate agents adjust to sweeping changes brought by the commission lawsuit settlement,
HSBC commits $25M to NCRC partnership following redlining allegations
HSBC has agreed to direct $25 million over the next four years to support underserved communities in an agreement with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) following allegations of redlining, the parties announced on Wednesday. In August 2023, the bank
FHA wants added flexibilities for borrowers renting out a bedroom
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Wednesday posted a proposed Mortgagee Letter (ML) that would add flexibility for people receiving rental income from “boarders” who pay for space in an existing dwelling when considering them for an FHA-insured mortgage. Borrowers
CFPB seeks settlement in Townstone Financial redlining dispute
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on Friday announced that it is seeking a settlement with Chicago-based Townstone Financial that would resolve a case over what the bureau calls “discriminatory lending practices and redlining African American neighborhoods in Chicago.” The
What is a real estate broker vs. an agent? We explain the key differences
Vetted by HousingWire | Our editors independently review the products we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether you’re looking to start a career in real estate, already have one or are involved in
Rep. Barbara Lee expresses interest in leading HUD if Harris becomes president
Rep. Barbara Lee (D), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who serves California’s 12th Congressional district in the Oakland area, has signaled that she is interested in the role of secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and
Sonu Mittal on Freddie Mac’s newest moves to lower lender, borrower costs
In the newest episode of the HousingWire Daily podcast, host Sarah Wheeler sits down with Freddie Mac’s Sonu Mittal — the agency’s senior vice president and head of single-family acquisitions — to explore its recently announced alternative to loan repurchases,