Bank of Commerce Mortgage (BOCM) is expanding its operations in Denver, the company announced. According to a release, BOCM's Denver office saw significant growth in loan volume and staff in 2012, necessitating the move to a larger office space.
Read More »Redfin: Demand Rises at Rapid Pace to Start 2013
Homebuyer interest got off to a strong start in 2013, according to Redfin's Real-Time Demand Pulse for February.
Read More »House Democrats Call for Ouster of FHFA Head
The principal reduction debate resurfaced after 45 members of the House of Representatives--led by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Maryland) and John F. Tierney (D-Massachusetts)--sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to replace Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Acting Director Edward J. DeMarco with a permanent director.
Read More »Nationstar Acquires Equifax Settlement Services Holding
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc., announced the acquisition of Equifax Settlement Services Holding, LLC.
Read More »Poll: 4 in 5 Small Business Owners Support Tougher Rules for Wall Street
An Internet poll conducted by Lake Research Partners and released by Small Business Majority shows 80 percent of small business owners believe Wall Street and financial companies should face tougher rules and enforcement following the financial crisis. The remainder believe those companies have showed enough evidence of change that further regulation is unnecessary. Additionally, a combined 66 percent expressed their opinion that the level of government oversight should increase or is about right the way it is.
Read More »Carrington Rolls Out Programs to Speed Closings
The Wholesale Lending Division of California-based Carrington Mortgage Services announced two new programs designed to assist brokers and borrowers quickly and easily close in the tight housing market. As part of its "Three Day Turn Time Promise" program--offered only for the month of February--the company will decision any eligible FHA or conventional purchase loan within three days of the time it is submitted to underwriting or waive its underwriting fee of $995.
Read More »Consumers More Optimistic About Housing, the Economy
Consumers are showing increased confidence in home sales and a greater sense of job security, according to the results of Fannie Mae's most recent National Housing Survey. January's findings show 41 percent of respondents believe home prices will go up in the next year, a decline of 2 percentage points from December's high. However, the share who believe prices will fall also dropped, returning to a survey low of 10 percent. The average 12-month home price change expectation in January was 2.4 percent.
Read More »Analysts: Congress Resistant to Housing Assistance Programs
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods released its predictions of what actions the government is and is not likely to take to further assist the housing market.
Read More »Mortgage Rates Steady as Markets Watch for Next Catalyst
After spiking,, fixed mortgage rates held their ground last week as the economy showed signs of stability, at least for the near future.
Read More »First-Time Unemployment Claims Average Hits 5-Year Low
First-time claims for unemployment insurance continued to move sideways, dropping 5,000 to 366,000 for the week ending February 2, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week moving average for first time claims fell 2,250 to 350,000--the lowest level since March 2008, a strong signal of an improving labor market.
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