A study by Andrew Davidson & Co. found meaningful credit score discrepancies among the three major bureaus — a key data point for those arguing in favor of maintaining the tri-merge standard rather than shifting to a bi-merge or single-report model. According to the paper, released Friday, 35% of the 245 million scored consumers in […]
Study reveals bureau score gaps, fueling tri-merge credit debate Read More »
Huntington Bank — which is poised to become a $280 billion institution after its acquisitions of Cadence Bank and Veritex Bank — is aggressively expanding its mortgage footprint across Texas and the Southeast while emphasizing a “partnership” culture over a traditional acquisition model. That’s according to Carolyn Gorman, the bank’s senior vice president and mortgage
Mortgage lending has a Day 28 problem. Borrowers engage with lenders on Day Zero. Expectations get set. Loan options get discussed. Confidence gets built. Then income finally receives scrutiny on Day 28—deep in underwriting, after time, money, and operational effort have already been spent. The result? Income surprises kill deals. Borrowers wait, frustrated. Lenders scramble
How upfront income accuracy transforms lending Read More »
A ban on abusive trigger leads that’s set to take effect in early March is already driving up overall costs to acquire leads and putting pressure on mortgage originators’ business models, industry experts told HousingWire. Sources say this short-term shift is part of a broader set of trends — including heightened competition for first-party data
Mortgage originators brace for rising costs as ban on abusive trigger leads nears Read More »
Mortgage lenders are entering the 2026 spring homebuying season with strengthening business pipelines, fueled by lower mortgage rates, rising refinance incentives and early signs of improving purchase demand. “We’re off to a great start,” Alex Elezaj, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) said in an interview with HousingWire. “Spring
Mortgage lenders report strong start to 2026 homebuying season Read More »
Mortgage lenders don’t have the luxury of waiting for AI regulations to settle. While states and Washington spar over who sets the rules, lenders remain fully accountable for how artificial intelligence is used in underwriting, servicing, marketing and fraud detection. The question is no longer if AI will be regulated; it’s whether lenders are ready
Three moves lenders should take now to stay ahead of AI regulation Read More »
A federal judge this week refused to block a special purpose credit program (SPCP) designed to reduce the racial homeownership gap across Washington state, rejecting a constitutional challenge brought by nonprofit Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR). U.S. District Court Judge John H. Chun denied FAIR’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt the Covenant
Judge upholds Washington state’s special purpose credit program Read More »
NEXA Lending CEO Mike Kortas is in the process of acquiring several shell companies to build joint ventures, he said in an exclusive interview with HousingWire on Monday. “They are for multiple JVs with large teams, agencies, builders and strategic partnerships,” Kortas said without providing details on each transaction, which he said will be announced
NEXA Lending CEO Mike Kortas explains why he’s buying shell companies Read More »
A proposal to replace the longstanding tri-merge credit report with a single-file model has reignited debate over borrower costs and systemic risk, placing trade associations on opposing sides. Supporters argue a single pull would encourage more predictive credit data and reduce systemwide costs without materially increasing risk in some cases, noting that mortgage servicing rights
Single-file credit proposal reignites debate over savings vs risks Read More »
Mortgage rate declines in early January allowed for refinance opportunities for nearly 5 million borrowers and pushed housing affordability to a four-year high, according to ICE Mortgage Technology‘s February 2026 Mortgage Monitor Report released on Monday. The company also said that 2025 ended with the highest level of negative equity since 2018 and the weakest
Mortgage affordability at four-year high after rates fell in January Read More »