deceptive-headlines
Mortgage Industry Trends

Headlines Can Be Deceiving

A recent article indicated “Homebuilder sentiment cools in January from 18-year high”.  Sounds a little ominous. Like, maybe the jig is up, things are taking a turn for the worse. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, homebuilder sentiment is down from its highest level in 18 years, but by a mere 2 points. The Housing Market Index fell…

Continue Reading

fico-vantagescore-credit-battle2
Mortgage Industry Trends

The Credit Score Battle Has Begun

A new battle is brewing between bank and non-bank mortgage lenders over the use of credit score models. The battle over FICO versus VantageScore has begun. Which is the better scoring system to use for qualifying mortgage applicants and which is the best indicator of potential default. For a while now, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the agency that…

Continue Reading

buy-or-rent-home
Mortgage Industry Trends

Buy or Rent? That is the Question

You may not like the answer. In the category: “Things you should know, but would rather not,” comes some info on the status of housing. According to a recent ATTOM Data Solution’s Rental Affordability Report, buying a median-priced home is more affordable than renting a comparable property in about 54% of the counties reviewed. Sounds good for mortgage lenders, eh?…

Continue Reading

new-tricks-old-dogs-millennials-social-media
Mortgage Industry Trends

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

A couple of banks in North Carolina are trying some new tactics to attract more customers, especially Millennials. Millennials have drawn much attention as they now represent the single largest group of consumers. Companies of all sorts, including banks and mortgage lenders, are now vying for their attention and their business. New Dominion Bank of Charlottesville has gone through a…

Continue Reading

minnesota-credit-scores-high-vikings-philadelphia-eagles
Mortgage Industry Trends

Football And Credit Scores Are Up in Minnesota

Minnesota is flying high, just like their receiver Stefon Diggs, after their miracle finish to win the NFC Divisional game on Sunday. What a finish! But that ain’t all. Experian’s annual State of Credit report reveals that Minneapolis posted the highest average credit score for 2017 at 709. Minnesota must be doing something right. Besides the miracle finish, two other…

Continue Reading