Late last month, federal banking regulators proposed lowering the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) for qualifying community banks and bank holding companies from 9% to 8% while extending the timeframe for certain banks to remain in the program. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance […]
MBA supports proposed cut to Community Bank Leverage Ratio Read More »
Since the implementation of mandatory buyer broker agreements via the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) commission lawsuit settlement agreement, many have wondered what happens if a buyer breaches a contract. Jeff Lichtenstein, the broker-owner of Florida-based Echo Fine Properties, found out when his firm entered into arbitration with a
Florida brokerage wins $24k from buyer after buyers broker agreement breached Read More »
Last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and 14 other trade groups representing insurance companies, lenders and other financial institutions urged Congress to approve a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In a letter to congressional leaders dated Dec. 2, the organizations said that millions of U.S. homeowners depend on the federally
Trade groups urge Congress to reauthorize NFIP Read More »
Both stocks and bonds lost ground on Monday. This pushed mortgage rates up near their highest levels in just over 3 months (because mortgages are based on bond prices). To put the 3-month highs in perspective, today’s rates are right in line with those seen 2 weeks ago. When we see a larger-than-average shift in
Mortgage Rates Start Week Near 3 Month Highs Read More »
Treasury yields climbed to the highest in more than two months, following losses in most global government-bond markets, ahead of a Federal Reserve interest-rate decision that may alter expectations for monetary policy in 2026. US yields rose from 2 to 3 basis points across the curve, with intermediate maturities proving the weakest. The market trimmed
US treasury yields hit multimonth highs as focus shifts to Fed Read More »
Milliman has acquired Morvest Capital, expanding the global consulting and actuarial firm’s reach in a specialized corner of the housing finance market. The company is adding a mortgage servicing rights analytics and risk-management provider through the transaction. Milliman did not disclose terms in its announcement. “This acquisition accelerates our growth in the mortgage sector and
Milliman buys Morvest in deal that deepens MSR expertise Read More »
Jeffries Financial Group is purchasing a 50% stake in the parent company of Hildene Capital Management, which has a secondary market/securitization arrangement with Crosscountry Mortgage. Concurrent with this transaction, Hildene Capital Management is acquiring the holding company for SILAC Insurance, a provider of fixed and fixed indexed annuities for $550 million in cash. Compensation for
Jefferies expands credit reach with Hildene stake Read More »
Key takeaway: A majority of Supreme Court Justices appeared willing to undo a nearly century-old precedent underpinning the notion of independent regulatory agencies. Expert quote: “Humphrey’s must be overruled. It has become a decaying husk with bold and particularly dangerous pretensions. It was grievously wrong when decided and cases [in recent years] have thoroughly eroded
Supreme Court doubtful on validity of independent agencies Read More »
Forward look: Home BancShares CEO John Allison said Mountain Commerce Bank will serve as a platform for future Tennessee expansion. Supporting data: Allison ranked Tennessee as one of the most attractive markets in the country along with Texas and Florida, where Home already has a presence. Expert quote: “Given the current regulatory environment, we would
Home ends dry spell with $150M deal for Tennessee bank Read More »
Mortgage rates dropped almost 50 basis points in the third quarter, prompting more borrowers to refinance and retention rates on those customers to hit a three-and-a-half-year high, new industry data showed. Refinance retention reached 28% last quarter, the highest percentage since early 2022, and servicers held onto more than half of borrowers refinancing out of
Lower mortgage rates lift refi retention to 3.5-year high Read More »