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The directorship of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has appointed a new leader for the company. Naming Timothy L. Buzby as as president and CEO, Farmer Mac's board announced that the industry veteran's term was effective immediately.

The National Association of Mortgage Field Services re-elected VP of White Van Real Estate Services, Kris Katoa, for a third term as a board member. Katoa has been a member of NAMFS for more than 13 years and previously served two terms on the organization's board and on the committee for its 2011 National Conference.

Optimism among bankers continued to rise in the year's third quarter, according to survey results released by the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA). The survey, conducted by PRMIA for FICO, showed that the majority of bank risk professionals expect mortgage loan delinquency to either fall or remain the same. PRMIA called the drop in delinquency predictions "encouraging," as sentiment on delinquency usually experiences a dip in the third quarter.

Consumer optimism about the housing market and homeownership improved substantially in September, Fannie Mae reported. According to the GSE's September 2012 National Housing Survey, upward trends in home prices and downward trends in mortgage rates throughout the summer reinforced positive attitudes about where the market is headed. Confidence about the economy also grew in September, marking a turnaround from a year of pessimism. Regarding the overall economy, 41 percent of consumers believe the country is on the right track.

Home equity installment balances rose 0.3 percent in August--the first monthly increase since November 2007, according to Equifax. After plummeting 49 percent over the past four years to just $143 billion, the company contends August's uptick could signal "a possible turning point in mortgage demand." Equifax says amid signs the contraction in mortgage debt is slowing and delinquencies are trending down, it looks like positive growth may finally be taking hold in the mortgage market.

The percentage of homes purchased with cash slid down this year from its 2011 peak, suggesting heightened demand from non-investors.

Ocwen made some waves when it announced an agreement to acquire Homeward Residential Holdings in a nearly $750 million deal, but Fitch Ratings is doubtful about the move. The ratings agency announced it has placed Ocwen's "B" long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) on Rating Watch Negative following the financial corporation's announcement.

In September, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC) wrote $2.2 billion in primary mortgage insurance.

Homeowners and potential first-time buyers couldn't be tempted by record-low mortgage rates last week, according to the Mortech Inc. and Mortgage Daily's U.S. Mortgage Market Index.

John L. MacFarland is joining Stewart National Title Services as a national business development representative. In his new role, he will work to bring in new commercial business with particular focus on initiating business in the Midwest.