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.

MBA/CREF Round-Up: Green Lending Is on the Rise, Tax Reform’s Gonna Hurt

Commercial Observer, Feb. 23, 2017–Cathy CunninghamNeither mahogany nor burgundy were the buzzed about color at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s 2017 CREF/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo in San Diego, however–the focus was firmly on green.