Apply Online
Schedule a Call

Author name: Ricky Vasquez

ALTA adds seller impersonation coverage to its title policy

Fraud, LOAN PRODUCTS, Originations, Secondary markets, Underwriting /

The American Land Title Association has created two title insurance policy endorsements addressing the issue of seller-impersonation fraud. These endorsements will allow title insurers to cover any potential legal costs to correct public records if forged deeds or mortgages are recorded. The first, formally known as the ALTA 49 Endorsement, covers forgery in a new […]

ALTA adds seller impersonation coverage to its title policy Read More »

USDA invests in upgraded mortgage underwriting technology

LOAN PRODUCTS, Mortgage technology, Originations, Technology, Underwriting /

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a contract to technology services firm Phoenixteam as it seeks to upgrade its mortgage underwriting platform, whose capabilities have long lagged those of its peers.  The $49 million deal paves the way for the Arlington, Virginia-based firm to update the Guaranteed Underwriting System at USDA, which offers mortgage

USDA invests in upgraded mortgage underwriting technology Read More »

Trump, Pulte spotlight ‘Great American Mortgage’ plan

Fannie Mae, FHFA, Freddie Mac, Politics and policy, Secondary markets /

Housing regulator Bill Pulte has posted a video that sheds a little more light on the Great American Mortgage Corporation, an entity President Trump has hinted earlier could be headed toward a public offering this year. The video Pulte posted on X promotes President Trump’s housing role and alludes to his criticism of other policymakers’

Trump, Pulte spotlight ‘Great American Mortgage’ plan Read More »

Pulte calls on Bondi to probe Fed’s Cook over mortgages

FHFA, Law and legal issues /

The director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency is urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over a pair of mortgages, the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to increase legal scrutiny of Democratic figures and appointees. FHFA Director Bill Pulte, a staunch ally of President

Pulte calls on Bondi to probe Fed’s Cook over mortgages Read More »

a graph of blue lines with white text

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

Affordability, Buying Tips, Downsize, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory /

Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in. For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers Read More »

Income eligibility defects drive mortgage quality decline

ACES Quality Management, Appraisals, HWmember, Income verification, LendingLife, Mortgage, Origination, quality control, Underwriting /

Loan quality risks amid ongoing mortgage market challenges are continuing to emerge, according to the newest QC Industry Trends Report from ACES Quality Management, which tracks post-closing quality control data from its platform. The overall critical defect rate in the first quarter of 2025 climbed to 1.31%, ending two straight quarters of improvement and up

Income eligibility defects drive mortgage quality decline Read More »

Mortgage applications shrink as VA loan demand declines

FHA loan, HWmember, Joel Kan, LendingLife, Mortgage, Mortgage applications, Mortgage Bankers Association, Mortgage Rates, Origination, Purchase Applications, VA Loan /

Mortgage applications decreased 1.4% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Aug. 15. Without taking seasonal adjustments into account, the index decreased 2% compared with the previous week. The refinance index decreased 3% from the previous week but was 23% higher

Mortgage applications shrink as VA loan demand declines Read More »

4 steps to take before the next mortgage market shift

ICE Mortgage Technology, Mortgage, Origination, Servicing, Sponsored, Technology /

Having spent decades navigating the ups and downs of the mortgage industry, I’ve learned that challenging market conditions offer two choices: stand still and hope for improvements or go on the offensive and invest in positioning your company for long-term success. Today’s market represents one of those pivotal moments, with recent data indicating slower home

4 steps to take before the next mortgage market shift Read More »

Why saying “I tried” keeps you stuck in your career

Agent, Brokerage, Contributors, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate /

1. Understand where you “stack” If you have 10 people in any organization, you’re almost always going to have 2-3 that consistently are at the top, 4-5 that stay in the middle and 2-3 who end up not working out. If you find yourself stuck in the middle 4-5, ask yourself why. You can’t judge

Why saying “I tried” keeps you stuck in your career Read More »

30-year mortgage rate declines by most since February

Housing markets, Mortgage Rates, Originations /

US mortgage rates dropped last week by the most since February, enticing homeowners to step up refinancing. The contract rate on a 30-year mortgage declined 10 basis points to 6.67% in the week ended Aug. 8, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released Wednesday. The rate on a 15-year mortgage retreated below 6% for the

30-year mortgage rate declines by most since February Read More »