U.S. Business Spending Plans Measure Slips in August

Reuters, Sept. 24, 2015–Lange, Jason
A gauge of U.S. business investment plans fell slightly in August while the number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits barely rose last week, signs that global economic headwinds were doing little to impede U.S. growth.

Weekly Mortgage Applications Surge 13.9% on Rate Dips

CNBC, Sept. 23, 2015–Olick, Diana
Total application volume surged 13.9 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ended Sept. 18 versus the earlier week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Q2 2015 U.S. Banking Review: Mortgage Portfolios

Sept. 23, 2015–Team, Trefis
The mortgage industry witnessed a sizable uptick in activity over the second quarter of the year, with total origination volumes reaching the highest level in the last two years. In fact, $225 billion in fresh mortgages were originated over the period – making it the best quarter in this regard since Q4 2007.

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.