Kayla Eames: AI Will Transform Mortgage Underwriting
AI-powered software solutions are increasingly being adopted in the mortgage industry to improve operational efficiency through intelligent automation. The technology automates processes, accelerates decision-making, enhances risk assessment, and personalizes the borrower experience. AI Agents, which are digital workers using machine learning and real-time data, can reduce loan processes from hour... more
MBA: Mortgage Delinquency Rate Increased in Q3, 'Led by Worsening FHA Loan Performance'
The national delinquency rate for mortgage loans increased to 3.99% at the end of the third quarter, with FHA loan performance worsening. Factors contributing to the increase include a softer labor market, personal debt obligations, and rising taxes and fees. States like Arizona, Louisiana, Indiana, Iowa, and Texas saw the largest quarterly increases in delinquency rates.
Mortgage Applications Increased Slightly Last Week Driven by a Bump in Purchase Apps
Total mortgage application volume increased slightly by 0.2% as rates rose. Refinance applications decreased by 6% from the previous week, but were up significantly compared to a year ago. Purchase applications increased by 8% from the previous week and were up 20% compared to the same week last year. The increase in purchase applications is attributed to factors like lack of affordability, low in... more
Cotality: Mortgage Application Fraud Risk Increased in Q3
Mortgage fraud risk increased by 8.2% year-over-year in the third quarter, with about 1 in 118 mortgage applications showing signs of fraud. Undisclosed real estate fraud, including hidden debt and credit events, was the only fraud category to see an increase. This rise in fraud may be due to more investors in the market and high home prices and mortgage rates.
Westcor Promotes Angela Fling to SVP, Central Area Manager
Angela Fling has been promoted to senior vice president, central area manager, at Westcor Land Title Insurance Company after spending nearly 16 years in the title insurance industry with a national underwriter. She has a background in compliance, sales, and management, and has most recently served as Westcor’s South Central States Region Manager. In her new role, she will oversee operations and dr... more
Clear Capital: U.S. Home Prices Decreased in Q3
U.S. home prices decreased in the third quarter compared to the second quarter but were up compared to the third quarter of 2024. Regionally, home prices increased in the Northeast and Midwest but fell in the South and West. Factors shaping the housing market include mortgage interest rates, labor market conditions, and the fed ending its quantitative tightening regime, which should result in lowe... more
Mortgage Applications Up Slightly Last Week Despite Rising Rates
Mortgage application volume increased slightly during the week ended November 7, with refinances decreasing but purchases increasing. Purchase applications were up 6% compared to the previous week and 31% higher than the same week one year ago. The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.34%, up from 6.31%. Despite the increase in rates, purchase applications strengt... more
Mortgage Rates Increased This Week But Affordability is Slowly Improving
Mortgage rates for both 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased slightly this week compared to last week, but are lower compared to a year ago. Despite the increase in rates, affordability is slowly improving for home buyers according to Freddie Mac's chief economist. Mortgage application volume decreased last week as rates went up slightly.
Rate Re-Launches Rate App to Help Reduce Home Buyer Anxiety
Rate has relaunched its Rate App to help reduce stress for homeowners and homebuyers. A national study by Rate revealed that homeownership is a leading source of stress in America. The Stress Gap Report shows that buying a home is considered more stressful than other major life events. Key causes of stress include fear of making a bad investment, timing the move or sale, dealing with paperwork, an... more
MBA: Homebuyer Affordability Improved in September
In September, homebuyer affordability improved with the national median payment decreasing to $2,067 from $2,100. The Mortgage Bankers Association's index score decreased to 155.0, indicating better affordability conditions. Affordability has been improving due to lower mortgage rates and a growing housing supply. The index is expected to strengthen in 2025 and 2026 with stable mortgage rates and ... more
Mortgage Applications Fell Last Week on Slightly Higher Rates
Mortgage application volume fell by 1.9% as the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slightly increased to 6.31%. Refinance applications decreased by 3% compared to the previous week but were up 151% compared to a year ago. Purchase applications also decreased by 1% from the previous week but were up 26% from the same week last year.
Carrington to Acquire Reliance First Capital
Carrington Holding Company is acquiring Reliance First Capital, a mortgage banking firm offering various loan programs, to strengthen its mortgage platform. Reliance brings a direct-to-consumer retail channel, loan officers, sales managers, and a servicing portfolio to Carrington's platform.
PartnerOne to Acquire Mortgage Cadence From Accenture
Software firm PartnerOne has acquired Mortgage Cadence, a provider of digital lending solutions, in a deal with undisclosed financial terms. PartnerOne plans to provide Mortgage Cadence with a supportive environment for growth and innovation, aiming to enhance customer relationships and develop new capabilities to meet the needs of financial institutions, credit unions, and independent mortgage ba... more