Commercial Mortgages: Deal-hungry lenders open toolboxes
“Back in 2011, U.K. alternative band The Wombats had a hit song “Jump into the Fog” that had nothing to do with commercial real estate lending, but aptly describes many lenders today.”
4 signs the real estate market is in trouble
“I wish I’d said this (and in a few weeks I will have, I’m sure) but Ramsey Su at Acting Man Blog did it first and in a way I’ve been searching for the words to explain.”
The 7 ‘dirty’ words of mortgage lending
“It’s hard to resist this post on Forbes, because it starts by saying the mortgage business is filled with dirty words.”
Can Colorado keep dropping in foreclosure auction sales?
“Colorado new foreclosure auction sales fell to the lowest level in a decade and were down 41.4% in 2013 from 2012, according to a report from the Colorado Division of Housing.”
Wingspan keeps open mind for acquisitions in 2014
“Dallas-based Wingspan Portfolio Advisors completed 2013 with several significant profile acquisitions that drastically increased the company’s size and expanded its capabilities.”
TransCentra processes 100 million transactions
“TransCentra, a provider of billing and payment software and services, announced its suite of software solutions now processes nearly 100 million mortgage transactions annually and streamlines customer communication efforts to meet the operational and compliance needs of servicers.”
LRES launches new REO operating model
“LRES unveiled Monday its new REO operating model which is designed to increase efficiency and accommodate the influx of new clients with portfolios of assets in various stages of the foreclosure process.”
National Tax Search launches flood determination service
“Based in Chicago, National Tax Search, a provider of property tax management services, announced the launch of its flood determination services.”
Miles Says ‘Big Stick’ of Rate Hike Too Blunt for Housing Market
“Bank of England official David Miles said policy makers will only use interest rates as a last resort to cool Britain’s housing market if it begins to overheat.”
US Homebuilder Confidence Sinks in February
“U.S. homebuilders’ confidence in the housing market has declined sharply as the severe weather battering much of the nation keeps many would-be buyers at home.”
Hypo Real Estate ‘bad bank’ to privatize services unit
“(Reuters) – Germany’s FMS Wertmanagement, the bad bank of nationalized lender Hypo Real Estate, said it would start the sale of its services business in the second quarter of this year.”
HomeSteps® Announces Incentives for Homebuyers and Real Estate Agents in 23 States
“MCLEAN, VA–(Marketwired – Feb 18, 2014) – HomeSteps®, the real estate sales division of Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC), today announced a special 2014 Winter Sales Promotion that will pay cash incentives to real estate agents who list or sell HomeSteps homes in 23 select states between February 18, and April 15, 2014. The 2014 HomeSteps Winter Sales Promotion also offers homebuyers a choice of incentives, including funds to cover condominium association fees.”
Will Housing Take Gold?
“MCLEAN, VA–(Marketwired – Feb 18, 2014) – Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) released today its U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for February showing that despite the Federal Reserve’s taper activity, long term rates have eased over the past month, providing a chance for some borrowers who are holding older mortgages an opportunity to refinance. A short preview video, and the complete February 2014 U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook are available here.”
Why Is Mortgage Demand Falling In 2014?
“By just about every measure the housing market is looking better — home values of the rising, new construction is on the increase, foreclosures are down and millions of people have gotten mortgages to finance and refinance their homes in the past few years.”
New QM Rules Produce Higher Costs and Elevated Risk Factors
“Although the new QM rules are expected to bring stability to loan manufacturing, the many nuances of compliance have resulted in doubling the cost of loan origination. This assessment was offered by Tom Showalter, Chief Analytic Officer at Digital Risk, a top provider of risk, compliance, and transaction management solutions.”