MBA Proposes Ginnie Mae Early-Buyout Securitization to Improve Issuer Liquidity
December 12 2024 | |
“MBA’s proposed Ginnie Mae Early-Buyout (EBO) securitization would expand liquidity for government servicing through all economic cycles,” said MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, CMB. “An EBO security addresses the timing mismatch within Ginnie Mae’s program, helping to alleviate an ongoing issue that has concerned issuers and regulators alike. It also has the potential to increase the value of Ginnie Mae servicing, which could translate into lower costs for FHA, VA, and USDA borrowers.”
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National Association of Realtors® Unveils 10 Top Housing Hot Spots for 2025
December 12 2024 | |
The National Association of Realtors® today announced 10 top hot spots for the 2025 housing market based on economic, demographic and housing factors predicted to significantly impact local markets as detailed in NAR's newest report, Housing Hot Spots for 2025: Top Markets Amid Stabilizing Rates. NAR Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Lawrence Yun revealed 10 top housing hot spots, provided a 2025 real estate and economic outlook and reviewed the 2024 housing market during NAR's sixth annual Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead.
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Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
December 11 2024 | |
“Mortgage rates decreased again for the third consecutive week, with the 30-year fixed rate dipping to 6.67 percent,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “Applications increased 5 percent, driven by a 27-percent surge in refinance activity, as borrowers with higher rates acted on the chance to lower their payments. VA refinance applications were up 85 percent from the previous week, matching some of the larger swings in VA activity reported in recent months.”
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First American Title Expands Breadth of AgentNet® Services, Introduces Order Insights With Real-Time Fraud Alerts
December 10 2024 | |
"Order Insights is another example of First American’s leadership in the digital transformation of title and settlement and our dedication to helping our valued agents protect their clients’ transactions and grow their businesses,” said Stephen Vincini, president of First American Title’s Agency Division. “Dynamic fraud alerts help our agents deliver the certainty and trust needed to power seamless real estate transactions for their clients.”
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Stewart Title National Commercial Services Announces Rebrand of Specialized Energy Group
December 10 2024 | |
“Stewart’s evolutionary DNA and general ability to continually adapt and change along with the fluctuations of national markets are what inform strategic decisions exactly like this rebrand,” said Erin Sheckler, Head of National Commercial Services. “For us the primary goal isn’t necessarily to change or keep up with the times, but rather to constantly evolve predictively versus reflexively. With the growing prevalence of AI and other global innovations, this important rebrand is consistent with that philosophy of our always pivoting in a future forward manner.”
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Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
December 04 2024 | |
“Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level in over a month last week, with the 30-year fixed rate decreasing to 6.69 percent,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist. “The recent strength in purchase activity continues, supported by lower rates and higher inventory levels, which are giving prospective buyers more options compared to earlier in the year."
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Kensington Vanguard Hires Heather Peterson in Chicago
December 03 2024 | |
Kensington Vanguard National Land Services ("KV"), one of the largest independent, full-service national title insurance agencies in the country, announces that Heather Peterson has joined KV as a senior national commercial escrow officer. Peterson brings 27 years of expertise to Kensington Vanguard, making her a valuable addition to the team.
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Increased Construction in Low Density Areas is the New Status Quo
December 03 2024 | |
“The trend of construction expansion in lower density areas occurred prior to and during the Covid pandemic, as many households chose to move out of areas where population density was highest to take advantage of additional telecommuting flexibility and the ability to purchase larger homes in areas of the country where housing is more affordable,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan.
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Stewart Announces Contract Extension for CEO Fred Eppinger
December 03 2024 | |
“In five years as CEO, Fred has guided Stewart by developing our strategy, capabilities and team, much in a down market, resulting in more than doubling our market cap and increasing market share to over 10 percent,” said Thomas G. Apel, Chairman of the Board. “Fred has built momentum, both financially and operationally."
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