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Although some recent reports are saying that homeownership is struggling, newer “super low down” loans are beginning to become more popular with millennials. It is estimated that, on average, it takes young people nearly a decade to save for a traditional 20 percent downpayment. In response, some lenders are implementing 3 percent equity mortgages.

ValuAmerica of Clayton Holdings LLC announced that it has acquired ValuEscrow, Inc., expanding its closing and escrow operations.

CalyxSoftware announced that registration is now open for CalyxVision 18, the company’s second national user conference. CalyxVision offers the unique opportunity for lenders and brokers to receive Calyx software training. Attendees will learn practices from Calyx software experts to help increase their company’s productivity and maximize profitability.

Recent data hints that the 20 percent downpayment may not be entirely necessary anymore. First-time homebuyers are increasingly pursuing different vehicles to obtain their dream of being a homeowner. They also account for almost half the total homes purchased in the first quarter of 2017, a number which continues to rise.

The availability of mortgage credit has dropped more than a full percent over the last month, indicating lenders are continuing to tighten their credit standards. Overall mortgage credit availability fell 1.1 percent in May and 0.2 percent in April. Broken down by loan type, government credit availability saw the biggest drop, falling 1.9 percent over the month. Conforming credit dipped 0.3 percent, while conventional and jumbo credit availability headed the other direction, rising 0.2 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively. Jumbo loan credit availability, which has risen 13 out of the last 15 months, has helped to offset falling credit availability in other sectors.

LoanCare announced that Adam Saab has assumed the role of EVP and COO. Saab had previously held the position of SVP at PNC Mortgage where he was responsible for core servicing for all mortgage and consumer products for the bank, as well as for the home lending integration as PNC combined the mortgage and home equity products onto the Black Knight MSP platform.

U.S. Real Estate Services, Inc. (USRES) announced Monday that Tiffany Malm-Ruiz has joined the USRES Management team. She will be responsible for the oversight and management of the REO Division. Her experience boasts a broad understanding of mortgage servicing, operations, and vendor and asset management.

Two weekly reports show that mortgage rates are down—the lowest they’ve been in seven months, and mortgage application volume is up. Seasonally adjusted, purchase index is on the rise while unadjusted remains down over 10 percent. 10-year treasury yield also fell this week.

JPMorgan Chase COO Matthew Zames will be stepping down from his role after 13 years, the bank announced on Thursday. According to sources, Zames is leaving to start his own business. “I have been in this business almost 25 years. I spent the vast majority of my time running businesses, driving things forward, facing off against clients, taking business risk. But at its core … I want to get back to running the railroad…”

New survey results show urban, rural, and suburban American homebuyers have “drastically different” profiles. Aside from agreeing on the importance of homeownership, the three groups vary greatly on most homebuying-related topics. The biggest differences lie with the urban buyer, who is younger, more transient, more likely to be an immigrant, and has a bigger budget. The average urban buyer is just 38 years old—nearly a full decade younger than the average suburban and rural buyer.