Banks Fights for Stake in PHH Case to Battle CFPB Authority

HousingWire, Feb. 27, 2017–Brena SwansonState National Bank of Big Spring, Texas won’t back down easily. The bank continues to try and weigh in on the landmark case between PHH and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

U.S. New Home Sales Rebound; Consumer Sentiment Dips

Reuters, Feb. 24, 2017–Lucia MutikaniNew U.S. single-family home sales rose less than expected in January, likely held back by heavy rains and flooding in California, but continued to point to a strengthening housing market despite higher prices and mortgage rates.

Share Your Equity? Be Careful

UExpress, Feb. 24, 2017–Lew SichelmanRising mortgage rates and higher prices are likely to bring an increase in a concept known as equity sharing, especially for first-time buyers who are short on money for the down payment and closing costs.

Impac Originations Tumble, Could Plunge in Q1

Mortgage Daily, Feb. 24, 2017Quarterly home lending sank by over a fourth at Impac Mortgage Holdings Inc. and is likely plunging during the current quarter.

Waning Refinances Drive Up Mortgage Fraud Risk

Mortgage Daily, Feb. 24, 2017First American Financial Corp., which reported the index Friday, noted that it was the second consecutive month-over-month increase.

Ocwen Sets Aside $12.5M for Potential CFPB Settlement

National Mortgage News, Feb. 24, 2017–Jacob Passy (subscription)Ocwen Financial Corp. has reserved $12.5 million to put toward a potential settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.