In July, lenders loosened up their underwriting standards more than they have in yeas as purchase mortgages overtook refinancing as the leading source of mortgage originations according to Ellie Mae’s July Originations report. Read More »
Lenders
Wells and Chase Duke it Out
Wells Fargo and Chase traded positions as the industry leader in originations as new purchase mortgages originations edged up in the second quarter. Read More »
Mortgage Delinquencies Erupted in June
After five consecutive months of declines, the national delinquency rate-borrowers who are past due 30 days or more but not in foreclosure-zoomed 10 percent in June. Read More »
Mortgage Defaults Boost Bank, Credit Union Failures
Thanks to a jump in bank failures and a continued worsening trend in the credit union sector, quarterly mortgage-related casualties rose to the highest level in a year. The forecast is for a decline in bank failures and an increase in credit union and non-bank closings. Read More »
Purchase Mortgages Hit New High
In June the nation’s leading residential mortgage platform reported the highest market share of loans were closed for home purchases as opposed to refinancing mortgages in the two years the company has been reporting monthly origination data. Read More »
Mortgage Default Risk Nears Ten Year Low
Tough lending standards have cut the risk of mortgage defaults lower than they have been in nearly a decade, but high unemployment is making it premature to declare victory in the mortgage crisis. Read More »
Bank Crack Down Bolsters Foreclosure Inventory
Investors desperate for foreclosures to buy got a break in May as banks cracked down on overdue defaulters, increasing starts and repossessing homes occupied by defaulters. Read More »
Mortgage Originations Fell 6.2 Percent in Q1
Despite the housing recovery and home sales running 10.3 percent above the level of a year ago, mortgage originations are falling, signaling weakening refinancings. Read More »
Banks Cool to FICOs Below 620
Borrowers with FICO scores of 620 or lower will get a chilly reception from a growing number of banks unless they are willing to make substantial down payments. Read More »
Title Business Boomed in 2012
The 9.2 percent jump in home sales last year and record refinancings translated into a 21 percent increase for the nation’s title industry and $504 million in profits. Read More »