In this age of social media and instant information, lenders need to be able to communicate with applicants in a real time environment. Today’s consumers do not want to wait for scheduled meetings or information sent via snail mail. Lenders must embrace technology like never before; not just to compete, but to survive. In additional to online applications, lenders need…
Tag: 2016
The Ebb and Flow of the Housing Market
Like a river, the economy must keep flowing. Sometimes it may get dammed or re-routed but it’s got to keep moving. It cannot stand stagnant. That isn’t good for anyone. Based on all indicators it appears the economy is moving (growing) and with the election of Mr. Trump, conventional wisdom is it will grow even more. It seems that should…
Can Rising Rates Really Spur More Home Sales?
I’m a little confused. You would think that rising mortgage rates would have a negative impact on home sales. The higher the rate, the more it would cost a consumer in their monthly payments, the fewer consumers buying homes, right? Not necessarily. Most experts are predicting that rising rates will actually spur more home buying. First, we have the pent-up…
New HMDA Data May Create Problems for Lenders
In January of 2018, just about all mortgage lenders will be required to collect approximately 50 data elements identifying specific information about the consumers obtaining mortgages from them, and the terms and conditions under which they get them. This information is required by the CFPB under its power and guidance provided by the Dodd-Frank Act. This requirement will no doubt…
An IDEA Who’s Time Has Come
Everyone is familiar with Ford’s advertising campaign – “Quality is Job 1.” Lenders learned since the crash of 2008 that in mortgage lending loan quality and compliance is as important as is product and pricing. A poor quality loan can be as costly as one that is priced incorrectly, sometimes more. Here are some questions to consider regarding the quality…
Things Are Looking Up for Housing
Lately, most of the reports concerning housing and mortgage lending have to do with the rise in mortgage rates since the election. Many believe that this may derail any potential housing recovery. It seems that prediction may be a little premature. One of the challenges facing housing is the shortage of homes for sale, especially at the affordable end. This…