FHA-PACE-program
Mortgage Compliance

Keeping PACE with Energy Improvements

We all know how important it is to own an energy efficient home. The less use of heating and cooling, and related energy resources, the more affordable a home can be. HUD is making changes that would allow homes to be insured that carry a lien for such improvements when done under Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. A property…

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Refinance-rates-down
Mortgage Industry Trends

Are Refis Just a Big Hassle?

Just in case you missed it, mortgage rates are at all-time lows, again. Brexit, low inflation, a stagnant economy, all contribute to the Fed’s ongoing decision to not increase rates. That’s some good news! Although we’ve seen a spike (again) in refinances, there are still homeowners who haven’t taken advantage of the lower rates? According to a prior Black Knight…

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perceived-home-values
Mortgage Industry Trends

Perception vs. Reality in Home Values

I’m confused again… According to recent research done by Fannie Mae, many homeowners underestimate the equity they currently have in their home. As a result, these homeowners are less likely to refinance, take out home equity loans, or sell their home (Equity). This is not good for the housing market. On the other hand, a study done by Quicken Loans…

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MISMO-HMDA-HIT-List
Mortgage Compliance

MISMO Issues the New HMDA Toolkit

HMDA help is here. MISMO, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, issued their new HMDA Implementation Toolkit (I’ve dubbed the HIT List) to help lenders prepare for, and report on, the new HMDA requirements (HIT List). These guidelines will make it much easier for a lender to comply with CFPB’s new HMDA requirements. However, if you’re not a MISMO member,…

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MCAI-mortgage-credit-availability-Index
Mortgage Industry Trends

Mortgage Credit Availability Drops Again

Fannie Mae’s Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) declined for the fourth straight month in June. The index, which measures the available credit offerings for home financing, fell 1.3%. Is this more bad news for the housing market? The drop is primarily due to decreased credit offerings for conventional high balance loans. This was mainly due to the discontinuance of 7-year,…

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