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
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
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
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,
MISMO tech VP on what the reverse mortgage working group brings to the table
The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), a subsidiary of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), has been developing a series of uniform technology standards that will ideally allow for the somewhat siloed reverse mortgage industry to more easily collaborate with
FirstTeam’s Michele Harrington talks innovative recruitment strategies for brokerages
In this week’s episode of the Power House podcast, host Diego Sanchez sits down with FirstTeam Real Estate CEO Michele Harrington for a provocative conversation about female empowerment, leadership in the real estate industry and recruitment strategies. This interview has
Why did mortgage rates rise after the negative jobs report?
Update: Since publishing this story, mortgage spreads have improved from yesterday, so some lenders may have better pricing today. Today’s jobs report showed the lowest job-growth data for the year at 12,000. You would think this would cause the 10-year
NRMLA asks HUD to extend reporting timetable for cybersecurity incidents
The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) said this week that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requesting that the agency, at minimum, align its cybersecurity reporting requirements with those of Ginnie
Optimal Blue’s Joe Tyrrell on deciding where to use gen AI
Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler sat down with Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell to talk about how the company decides where to deploy generative AI and why return on investment (ROI) for customers is paramount. Before arriving at Optimal Blue
Introducing the 2024 HousingWire Tech Trendsetters!
HousingWire is excited to announce the honorees of this year’s Tech Trendsetters award. The Tech Trendsetters are made up of the top product and technology leaders who have been essential in bringing innovative tech solutions to market for mortgage and
Real estate mailers: The ultimate guide for 2024
Real estate mailers aren’t dead — far from it. With so many agents focused on digital marketing, mailers can help you stand out from the crowd to attract new leads, increase brand awareness, generate more referrals, and ultimately close more
Is mortgage demand really picking up?
Are we seeing the start of a market shift in mortgage demand? Notably, mortgage rates have been gradually declining, and we’ve observed back-to-back positive weeks in purchase application data for the first time since mid-March. While I typically prefer to
Why are home prices at all-time highs with more inventory?
Both existing housing inventory and home prices have been rising together year over year, which might seem odd at first glance since existing home sales are trending near all-time lows. However, I can clear up any confusion on this topic.
FHFA grants conditional approval for Freddie Mac second mortgage pilot
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Friday announced that it has given conditional approval for Freddie Mac to begin purchasing closed-end second mortgages through a pilot program. The pilot program includes several limitations to the types of loans the
Could aging in place be ‘a poor long-term decision?’
In survey after survey in which Americans are asked about their preferred living situations in retirement, recent data is clear — they want to age in place in their current homes and remain in the familiar environs of their house
Montana aims to remind seniors about its ‘reverse annuity mortgage’
The Montana Board of Housing is aiming to remind the state’s seniors about a government-administered program that is specifically designed to help older adults access their home’s equity — and it should be very familiar to members of the reverse
