A residential securitization trustee could be held to a fiduciary standard under federal retiree law as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals looked to split definitional hairs on whether the mortgages are considered plan assets. Processing Content The case was brought by six trustees of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union & Employers Midwest […]
REMIC servicers may have fiduciary duty under retirement law Read More »
A section of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, titled “Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit,” caused confusion throughout the mortgage industry, seemingly addressing a nonissue. Processing Content Section 10 of the order called for “eliminating duplicative or unnecessary requirements regarding licensing or registration for mortgage loan officers of any smaller bank.” The directive fits with
Mortgage industry baffled by Trump’s MLO order Read More »
As shocking as it may seem with all the crazy things that have happened in 2026 — AI labor disruption headlines, epic snowstorms and especially the Iran conflict — housing demand, even last week, still showed year-over-year growth with mortgage purchase applications data and our weekly pending home sales. However, that growth has slowed and
Housing demand holds up despite mortgage rates at yearly highs Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s total retained portfolios hit a new multiyear high last month, and March’s numbers could be even higher amid reports they may have stepped up MBS buying to counter market disruption. Processing Content Fannie held $150 billion in its portfolio in February, including nearly $77 billion of its own MBS, $63
Fannie, Freddie portfolios surge to multiyear high Read More »
It may come as a surprise amid the noise, negativity, and volatility in today’s new-home market that Florida remains one of the most dynamic homebuilding markets in the country. The housing landscape in the nation’s third-most-populous state shares a vertiginous, bumpy near-term outlook with other Sun Belt markets. The region has been challenging for homebuilders.
Florida: In choppy 2026, one state is many homebuilding markets Read More »
DeCaro Auctions has expanded its executive team as the luxury real estate auction firm seeks to grow its international platform. The appointments come after Mario Vargas was recently named CEO. “Luxury auctions are about more than marketing reach. They are about relationships, strategy and execution,” said Vargas. “Each member of this team brings deep experience
DeCaro Auctions expands executive team Read More »
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill into effect earlier this week that bans noncompete agreements across the state. The move marks a significant shift in employment law that will take effect on June 30, 2027. The measure prohibits contracts that restrict workers from joining or starting competing businesses after leaving a job. Noncompete agreements
Washington just banned noncompete agreements. Will other states follow suit? Read More »
BuildersUpdate.com has rolled out a “pay upon performance” model that shifts new-home marketing costs from upfront spend to a flat fee due only when a sale closes, aiming squarely at builders’ growing concern over wasted lead-gen dollars in a choppy demand and rate environment. Announced March 26, 2026, the program lets homebuilders list communities on
BuildersUpdate pay-at-closing model targets builders’ marketing risk Read More »
A federal judge in Texas has vacated the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) nationwide anti-money laundering (AML) rule — creating a legal vacuum and uncertainty among title and real estate professionals. While the ruling eliminates a significant compliance burden that industry groups had criticized, legal observers warn that FinCEN retains broad authority over real estate
A Florida appeals court has ruled that funds available but not yet withdrawn from a reverse mortgage line of credit are protected under the state’s homestead exemption and cannot be garnished. The March 25 decision by the Fourth District Court of Appeal found that a creditor could not force a homeowner to access unused funds
Florida court shields unused reverse mortgage credit from garnishment Read More »