How intimidating is the world of pipeline hedging? Have you ever stood before an audio mixing console in wonderment? The world of audio and hedge systems are related more than you may think. Mortgage originators want to price loans in such a way to make a profit margin. Pipeline risk managers endeavor to keep most of the margin with little…
Communicate, Educate, Translate, Originate
I’ve read recent articles and blogs that run the gambit from historic low rates, a recovering housing market, refi’s are up, refi’s are down, decreasing purchase loan applications, less affordable housing, and tighter credit standards. One week the markets look great, the next everything’s going in the wrong direction. Is the economy growing, shrinking or stagnant? Do we have more…
A Cure for the Cures
Recently, I responded to some questions posed by one of our trade publication, Mortgage.Orb, about CFPB’s proposed changes to the Know Before You Owe, rules (TRID). One of these questions asked about CFPB’s decision to not address the current ‘cure’ options under the new rule. This is of major concern to many lenders and understandably so. CFPB believes in trying…
If You’re Not Seeing Increased Business; You’re Not Alone
With the drop in rates resulting from Brexit, we saw a resurgence of refinancing activity. This seemed to bode well for mortgage lenders, but not so for everyone. A recent report from a la mode, a leading provider of appraisal software, shows that appraisal volume is actually down. Why so, with such low rates and so much refi activity? Could…
Is Housing The Real Housing Problem?
I read an article this morning about a new Bill signed into law that would allow Section 8 voucher recipients to utilize this assistance toward mortgage payments instead of rent for the purchase of manufactured housing. (Section 8) The intent is to provide more low to moderate income families with the opportunity to achieve their dream homeownership; increase a declining…
Realtor.com Economist Not Just Blowing “Smoke” About Housing
Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, says although we had a strong housing market so far in 2106, the near future may not be so good (Housing). The potential for a slight rate hike, or just the hint of one, coupled with a shrinking housing supply, may slow the pace of new home sales in the second half of 2016…