Two large government-related investors saw their annual nonperforming-loan sales reverse course and resume an upward trend for the first time since 2021, adding to signs that more distressed mortgages are slowly making their way to market as pandemic restrictions get lifted. The number of NPLs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sold in 2024 rose to […]
Enterprises’ NPL sales reduce bad assets to a 9-year low Read More »
Lenders evaluating residential properties often overlook the influence of surface-level features that directly affect valuation outcomes. Flooring is one of the first elements an appraiser notices, often shaping their perception of a home’s overall maintenance, quality, and appeal. Poorly chosen or inconsistently installed flooring materials can introduce uncertainty that undermines final estimates. Loan originators, brokers,
How flooring choices affect mortgage appraisals Read More »
Mortgage lenders face significant risks when financing properties with compromised roofing systems. A damaged roof creates immediate financial exposure through reduced property values and potential structural hazards that threaten loan security. Smart lenders recognize that thorough roof assessments protect both borrowers and lending institutions from expensive surprises after closing. Understanding these roof red flags every
Roof red flags every mortgage lender should know Read More »
Equity Prime Mortgage is defending its lending practices after a federal regulator terminated some of its regional approvals following a data analysis review. The Department of Housing and Urban Development won’t allow EPM to submit Federal Housing Administration loans in six eastern jurisdictions, it disclosed Thursday. The terminations relate to certain elevated default and claim
Equity Prime Mortgage fires back at HUD’s FHA prohibitions Read More »
Foreclosure starts are notably up from last summer as the strain of today’s high-cost environment is affecting more borrowers. Lenders began the foreclosure process on 24,254 properties last month, up more than 17% from last August according to Attom. The total 35,697 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings last month represented 1 in every 3,987 homes
Foreclosure starts jump 17% as borrower strain mounts Read More »
Cost optimization is key to creating success in the world of mortgage servicing. Mortgage servicers have dedicated significant resources in pursuit of optimized processes and prices, as every fraction of the cent saved contributes to the bottom line. Servicers are laser-focused on enhancing throughput efficiency, applying advanced technology to automate and streamline every step from
Uncovering the hidden costs of investor reporting in mortgage servicing Read More »
Evidence of homeowners’ desire to refinance at the first signs of falling mortgage rates appeared in August’s data as rate-and-term transactions hit a 2025 high. Rate-and-term locks accelerated 69.8% from the prior month, according to Optimal Blue’s Market Advantage report. Compared to August 2024, though, volumes finished 8.7% lower. Cash-out refinances also saw a monthly
Rate-and-term refi activity hits 2025 high mark Read More »
Recent mortgage fraud discussions have been centered on high-profile occupancy misrepresentation cases, but the bigger question is how these claims can be proven and what level of risk they pose to the industry. For one, the allegations to date, such as a Trump administration criminal referral that a Federal Reserve Board member is fighting, typically
Occupancy fraud scrutiny raises questions for lenders Read More »
Congress faces tough budget negotiations this month over the National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization and other issues, putting the single-family mortgage market on alert. Without a NFIP renewal by Sept. 30, flood coverage could lapse and a broader congressional impasse could cause a new government shutdown, requiring workarounds. What follows are a few of the
How lenders can prep for NFIP lapse, shutdown Read More »
A securitization trustee is petitioning the Supreme Court to hear New York’s Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act, but the wheels of justice turn slowly, in the interim the law raises concerns for various industry stakeholders. “They haven’t decided whether to review it or not, but that will be conferenced by the justices of the Supreme Court,”
FAPA disrupts market as petition pends before Supreme Court Read More »