New Petition Urges Mortgage Re-HARPing
Well, file this one under “was bound to happen,” or, “was only a matter of time.” A clever guy by the name of Marcus J.… Read More »New Petition Urges Mortgage Re-HARPing
Mortgage News
The latest real estate and mortgage industry news, digested. Look beyond the headlines to better understand what’s really happening.
I’ve been covering the mortgage industry since 2006, at a time when scores of banks and lenders were closing their doors after some very big boom years.
In fact, you can see my ongoing list of mortgage layoffs and closures if you’re curious just how many companies didn’t survive that period.
Fortunately, the climate has improved considerably since then, despite a big uptick in mortgage rates lately.
This too has led to companies merging or folding entirely, though this time around due to a lack of volume as opposed to an increase in loan defaults.
I strive to write compelling mortgage news stories, whether it’s the top lenders for a given year, a novel mortgage product, new loan limits, or a big policy change.
You can see all my latest mortgage news posts below.
Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rules Unveiled
Well, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau finally released its “Ability to Repay” and “Qualified Mortgage” rules today. At first glance, they look to be pretty… Read More »Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rules Unveiled
Mortgage Rates Not as Low as They Could Be
A new Fed study and associated workshop revealed that mortgage lenders continue to offer inflated mortgage rates to consumers, despite ongoing efforts to reduce such… Read More »Mortgage Rates Not as Low as They Could Be
10 Predictions for Mortgage and Housing in 2013
Well, another year has passed, and unlike previous years, 2012 was a fairly decent year for the housing market. After all, 30-year fixed mortgage rates… Read More »10 Predictions for Mortgage and Housing in 2013
FHA Goes Easy on Borrowers with Soft Changes
There’s been a lot of hubbub lately regarding the FHA, its seemingly high-risk lending, and its dwindling insurance fund (that would eventually be taxpayers’ problem).… Read More »FHA Goes Easy on Borrowers with Soft Changes
Fiscal Cliff Deal May Include Loan Modifications for Non-Agency Mortgages
Here’s a little nugget of potentially good news that may materialize out of the fiscal cliff. The Treasury Department is reportedly floating a new initiative,… Read More »Fiscal Cliff Deal May Include Loan Modifications for Non-Agency Mortgages
BofA Boss: Not Everyone Should Own a Home
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan got down to brass tacks today. Well, sort of. As much as the CEO of one of the world’s… Read More »BofA Boss: Not Everyone Should Own a Home
Consumers Prefer PayPal Over Walmart for Mortgage Needs
File this under confusing. A new “online study” from Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group released today revealed some interesting consumer sentiment regarding mortgages. The point… Read More »Consumers Prefer PayPal Over Walmart for Mortgage Needs
To Mess or Not Mess With the Mortgage Interest Deduction
That is the question… I’ve been trying to avoid writing about this subject for a week or two now, mainly because it’s so controversial, so… Read More »To Mess or Not Mess With the Mortgage Interest Deduction
Survey: Lower Income Borrowers Do Less Mortgage Research, Shopping
There have been plenty of reports about lower-income borrowers getting the short end of the stick during the latest housing downturn. And a new National… Read More »Survey: Lower Income Borrowers Do Less Mortgage Research, Shopping