What the New Mortgage Closing Process Means for Consumers

Washington Post, Sept. 23, 2015–Charron, David
Come Oct. 3, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is mandating new forms and regulations for any party involved in a mortgage settlement. This includes buyers, sellers, agents, lenders and title companies.

7 Challenges Confronting the Distressed Mortgage Market

National Mortgage News, Sept. 23, 2015
The rapidly evolving market for buying and selling distressed mortgage assets has created myriad challenges and opportunities for investors, servicers and portfolio managers.

California’s Housing Gold Rush Driving Demand for Jumbo Loans

Wall Street Journal, Sept. 23, 2015–Martin, Anya
All of coastal California is basically insane right now, referring to real estate, of course. Yet government-backed conforming loans are capped at $625,500 in high-priced areas. So unless they can make a substantial down payment to qualify for a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or FHA loan, the only way many Californians can finance their mortgage will be a jumbo loan.

HARP Helped More than 3 Million Borrowers Save $3,500 Annually

HousingWire, Sept. 23, 2015–Garrison, Trey
A new white paper by Amit Seru from the University of Chicago, along with other economists at federal regulatory agencies, provides the first comprehensive analysis of the effects of the Home Affordable Refinancing Program.

U.S. Factory Activity Stuck at Near Two-Year Low in September: Markit

Reuters, Sept. 23, 2015–Connor, Michael
Growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector showed no month-over-month change during September, staying at August’s sluggish pace which was the weakest in almost two years, according to an industry report released on Wednesday.

Lenders Prefer Multifamily and Industrial Over Retail

National Real Estate Investor, Sept. 24, 2015–Popovec, Jennifer Duell
Even though the retail sector continues to strengthen, lenders don’t find retail properties as attractive as they find multifamily and industrial assets. Recent research from the Mortgage Bankers Association underscores lender sentiment toward retail properties.

No More Mumbo-Jumbo or Surprises; Homebuying Will Become Easier Next Week…

Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept. 23, 2015–Murray, Teresa Dixon
After years of fanfare, lenders next week must offer new forms to potential borrowers to help them better understand their loan options, understand what size of loan they can afford and shop different loan offers. Bill Cosgrove, CMB, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association and CEO of Union Home Mortgage Corp. in Strongsville, Ohio, said the new process will peel off the “mumbo-jumbo” language that for years has intimidated consumers, no matter their level of education.

Commentary: The Fed Just Made a Gigantic Mess

CNBC, Sept. 22, 2015–Insana, RonThe Federal Reserve is creating a negative-feedback loop with its mixed messages on interest rates and it is messing with the markets.