National Mortgage News - May 2017

Private mortgage insurers have brought their once-beleaguered sector back to financial health. But rebuilding trust with their business partners is still a work in progress.

While consumers pay for mortgage insurance policies, carriers like Arch MI are forging new relationships with real estate agents and strengthening lender partnerships to reach the growing segment of millennial and low-to-moderate-income homebuyers.

The six private mortgage insurers are jockeying to differentiate themselves with value-add services that complement their core product.

After years of sitting on the sidelines of the housing market, a growing population of millennials has begun to embrace the financial benefits of owning a home.

The industry expects to lean on technological efficiencies this year as higher rates and dwindling refinances test their businesses.

The combination of rising rates and real estate prices has made home buying less affordable, reviving interest in a product that lets consumers borrow against the future equity of their homes.

Ocwen Financial and its subsidiaries faced a slew of accusations from federal and state regulators on Thursday, which raised questions about whether the firm could survive.

The Federal Housing Administration needs additional funds to replace a 1960s-era computer operating system and make other necessary tech updates.

Fintech could cut the closing times on the simplest home loans by more than 50%, but the mortgage business' complexity means there are limits to how much time and money can be saved.

Lawmakers from both political parties are increasingly interested in forcing lenders that offer loans to upgrade home heating and cooling systems to issue better disclosures, a prospect that has some in the industry nervous.

The Mortgage Bankers Association continues to push back against regulations stemming from the financial crisis, as the industry's biggest lobbying group continues pushing for regulatory relief to bolster the housing market — and boost profits for its members.

Suspending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's regular dividend payments to the Treasury, thus enabling the companies to replenish their reserve capital, would put their future on better footing.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending May 5.

From loan product mix to compensation plans, here's a look at the top factors that make or break independent mortgage banker acquisition deals.