Mortgage applications decreased by 3.9% for the week ending May 30, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). On an unadjusted basis, the index fell 15% during the week marked by the Memorial Day holiday. But economists and loan officers say the year-to-date landscape looks much better. “Mortgage applications decreased over the week, […]
Mortgage demand dips over holiday but keeps yearly momentum Read More »
Often I am asked questions like, “When should I hire a coach?” or “Is coaching a requirement to become a top producer?” Equally as often I hear originators make statements such as “I can’t afford a coach”. All three questions are great questions and each comes with its own unique yet boilerplate answer. So before
What’s the deal with loan officer coaching? Read More »
As borrower expectations for personalized, timely communication rise, loan officers are turning to AI-powered tools to stay competitive. Intelligent automation is no longer a future vision but a present necessity that helps lenders scale personalization, deepen client relationships, and uncover new opportunities. Ryan Young, founder and CEO of Fello.ai, recently shared how AI is transforming
Fello’s next big move: Bringing AI-powered human touch to the mortgage industry Read More »
Nondepository origination of home equity products has been growing as traditional mortgage opportunities have waned, leading to increased reliance on secondary market buyers whose interest may vary over time. And while investors’ collective involvement has generally kept pace with increased production as lenders have originated more second liens, volatility in broader markets has led to
How the secondary market is shaping home equity strategies Read More »
Industry professionals were full of optimism heading into the spring that the housing market could pick up after a sluggish start to 2025. But heading into the summer, that optimism has largely faded. Existing-home sales are hovering around 4 million and many markets that are typically fruitful for homebuilders have stalled. In its midyear housing
Two maps that show where the housing market is struggling Read More »
In a move that’s designed to simplify prior policy, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Tuesday published a new Mortgagee Letter (ML) that targets borrower default engagement practices that were published in the waning days of the Biden administration. ML 2025-14 makes changes to final guidance first floated last summer to open up communications between
HUD walks back prior default guidance as too ‘burdensome’ for mortgage servicers Read More »
While reverse mortgages in the U.S. have struggled to push beyond their current market penetration rate for the past several years, their international equivalents don’t always have the same challenges. Lenders in other countries who make use of home equity tapping in a similar way can have different perceptions and market activity in their territories
Global reverse mortgages in the news: growth, delay and launch Read More »
When you think about the best states for aging in place, the choice retirement destinations likely spring to the top of the list. After all, with high and growing populations of older residents, wouldn’t these states be an ideal place to call home in later life? Not according to a new report from Seniorly Resource
The best state to age in place is not where you think Read More »
Brown Harris Stevens will soon be without its longtime president, Hall Willkie. On Monday, the real estate firm announced that Willkie will be stepping down as New York City brokerage president, effective July 1. But Willkie’s journey with the firm is not over as he will serve as a full-time consultant. His consulting contract is
Hall Willkie steps down as president of Brown Harris Stevens Read More »
Three senators are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal watchdogs to investigate whether U.S. DOGE Service aides tasked with downsizing government agencies violated conflict-of-interest laws by holding stocks in companies overseen by thes, according to a recent ProPublica report. The request — sent last week by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden
Senators call for investigation of possible DOGE ethics violations Read More »