Government

Valuation Vision (V2), a provider of alternative valuation products and tech solutions nationwide, announced the hiring of Brandon Goldstein as managing director of capital markets.

In Chicago, National Tax Search (NTS), a nationwide property tax management services firm, announced the enhancement of its services with the addition of flood zone determinations.

Lehman Brothers has reportedly sought approval to settle a $1.2 billion claim from Freddie Mac on money owed to the GSE before the company declared bankruptcy in 2008. Bloomberg reports Lehman is seeking approval on a settlement in the amount of $767 million. If approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the settlement would untie money Freddie Mac had fought to claim priority on, allowing Lehman to pay other creditors seeking to collect on their own debts from the company.

Marty Reed, VP of business operations at Black Knight Financial Services (BKFS) MLS Solutions division, has been appointed for a three-year term on the board of directors for the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the company announced.

To help keep up with growing demand for private mortgage insurance, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC) announced the addition of six veteran industry professionals to its sales team.

Caliber Home Loans, Inc., named Jim Foley as regional VP for the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., territories.

The New York regulator who put a hold on Ocwen's latest mortgage servicing rights (MSR) deal with Wells Fargo expressed on Wednesday his concerns about the rapid growth of non-bank servicers in the industry--and his belief that regulators should step in when necessary. In remarks before an audience of bankers, Benjamin Lawsky voiced doubt over whether these growing firms could keep up with their own growth and accused them of cutting corners and causing harm to homeowners as a result.

Centennial Mortgage, Inc. (CMI), an Indiana-based mortgage bank providing funding through HUD- and U.S. Department of Agriculture-insured loan programs, added one of HUD's own to its staff. Reneé Greenman, formerly the agency's Seattle Multifamily Hub Director, joined the company as managing director.

If nothing else, Janet Yellen proved on Tuesday she has stamina. The newly installed Federal Reserve chair--the first woman to take the post in the institution's century-long history--sat in front of the House Financial Services Committee for an extended session, fielding dozens of questions on topics ranging from the Fed's current direction to GSE reform. The takeaway from her prepared remarks: Don't expect a great change in policy now that she's at the helm.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) revealed in its latest refinance report that the GSEs have together reached a landmark three million refinances under HARP.