The Lede

Financial Regulation News, Aug. 28, 2017--Douglas ClarkA Mortgage Bankers Association's National Delinquency Survey maintains second quarter delinquencies and foreclosures declined.

National Mortgage Professional, Aug. 28, 2017--Phil HallAccording to a new Home Price Index report released by Black Knight Financial Services, home prices were up 0.9 percent in June from the previous month and up 6.2 percent from the previous year. The $281,000 level set by the index represents a new high for measuring home prices.

National Mortgage News, Aug. 28, 2017--Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)The high loan-to-value refinance programs replacing the Home Affordable Refinance Program will require a change to the structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's credit-risk transfer deals.

HousingWire, Aug. 28, 2017--Frank DannaWhile most sectors of the industry managed the increased demand with few hiccups, the appraisal services segment of the industry did not fare as well. The uninterrupted appraisal demand throughout 2016 and into the first quarter of this year led to chronic fatigue that spread throughout the appraiser population.

Reuters, Aug. 28, 2017U.S. emergency management officials said on Monday they were expediting federal resources to Texas to help with rescue efforts after Hurricane Harvey swamped coastal areas of the state and forced 30,000 people to seek refuge in temporary shelters.

Times-Picayune (New Orleans), Aug. 28, 2017--Drew BroachHurricane Harvey's ghastly flooding in the Houston area is sure to focus political attention on the National Flood Insurance Program, a controversial government benefit that makes home ownership affordable to many in south Louisiana. It's $24 billion in debt, and unless Congress acts in the next 34 days, it will expire.

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 28, 2017Following a lawsuit filed by a former employee over the loss of health insurance coverage for her and her spouse, the chairman of a Colorado-based mortgage banker is out.

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 28, 2017--Sam GarciaPacific Union Financial LLC disclosed that its president and CEO, Rick Skogg, will retire at the end of this year.

Scotsman Guide, Aug. 28, 2017--Victor WhitmanConsumer groups have long said that the old FICO model disqualifies many first-time buyers with thinner profiles, who could be accurately modeled with later versions of the FICO model or new scoring formulas, which would also help boost the low levels of homeownership, particularly among minorities. (MBA mention)

National Mortgage News, Aug. 28, 2017--Ian McKendry (subscription)The massive flooding in Texas from Hurricane Harvey is sure to put pressure on lawmakers to resolve differences over the National Flood Insurance Program, but observers say a short-term reauthorization of the program before a Sept. 30 deadline is still the most likely scenario.

HousingWire, Aug. 28, 2017--Ben LaneOver the past few months, New Residential Investment significantly increased its mortgage servicing rights portfolio through deals with PHH and Ocwen Financial.

The Mortgage Bankers Association will host a one-day Whole Loan Trading Workshop on Nov. 9 in Chicago, focusing on the active market for whole loans.