Author name: Ricky Vasquez

Lenders anticipate more revenue, but split on hiring plans

Most lenders expect to make more money this year, but aren’t committing to increase hiring. Processing Content Those sentiments are part of a largely bullish forecast by mortgage professionals in the National Mortgage News Predictions 2026 survey. A combined 84% of respondents said they expect a slight to significant increase in revenue this calendar year

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Lady Gaga featured in Rocket, Redfin Super Bowl ad

Once again Rocket Mortgage will advertise in the Super Bowl, this time featuring Lady Gaga singing a song meant to tug at the heartstrings. Processing Content The megastar will sing “Won’t You be my Neighbor,” the theme song from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. The company wants to build upon the emotional foundation created with its commercial

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Calls to rethink FHFA credit changes grow with FOIA reveals

Calls to rethink FHFA credit changes grow with FOIA reveals

Newly released documents from a Biden-era Freedom of Information Act filing by the Housing Policy Council are reigniting debate over credit score modernization at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, showing internal resistance to VantageScore 4.0 and skepticism about using a single credit report.   Processing Content HPC highlights two takeaways from the redacted FOIA responses: that

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How one CDFI is navigating the chaos in Minneapolis

Key insight: WomenVenture, a Minneapolis-based Community Development Financial Institution, has assisted 108 small businesses seeking emergency assistance as federal immigration enforcement operations strain revenues and workforces across Minnesota. Forward look: The organization is establishing an emergency rapid response fund with other Minnesota CDFIs and community foundations, while navigating uncertainty around the CDFI Fund, which provides

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HEIs see boost from investors but also legal setbacks

Economic trends look to be a primary driver in growth of the home equity investment segment, which is seeing investor interest and liquidity enter the market in the new year but also ongoing legal obstacles.  Processing Content Current housing costs are paving the way for consumer uptake. In a survey conducted last summer by HEI

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Bessent offers deregulatory vision, but few specifics

Key insight: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the smallest banks should be deregulated, but didn’t endorse any specific policies to do so.  Forward look: Chairman French Hill’s, R-Ark., community bank policy package has been overtaken by crypto bills and other priorities on the House floor and the Senate.  Expert quote: “Stop being his flunky.”

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Costar board blasted for $3B Homes.com loss

The battle over Costar Group’s high-risk, money-losing Homes.com venture escalated as activist investor D.E. Shaw publicly criticized the company’s board for its handling of the $3 billion investment. Processing Content The latest letter was signed by managing directors Edwin Jager and Michael O’Mary, and came out before the market opened on Feb. 4. D.E. Shaw

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UWM’s Justin Ishbia raises $400 million for new industrial fund

Shore Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm founded by billionaire Justin Ishbia, has raised more than $400 million for its second industrial fund. Processing Content The closing extends a string of successful fundraising for the firm, following a dry spell for the private equity industry more broadly, driven by higher interest rates and macroeconomic

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