The Lede

Washington Post, Oct. 26, 2017--Kathy Orton"Rates increased late last week as the market responded to news of a Senate budget plan which may positively impact tax reform progress and more speculation around the future leadership of the Federal Reserve," said Joel Kan, an economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Reuters, Oct. 26, 2017--Jonathan StempelRoyal Bank of Scotland Group Plc agreed to pay more than $44 million and enter a non-prosecution agreement to settle a Department of Justice criminal probe of traders accused of defrauding customers on bond prices.

Wall Street Journal, Oct. 26, 2017--Amy Gamerman (subscription)In luxury real estate, deals can hinge on throw-ins-items like furniture, art or sports cars that prospective buyers want included in the sale. Throw-ins can help lubricate a deal, or worse, provoke an acrimonious tug of war.

The Hill, Oct. 26, 2017--Niv Elis, Cristina MarcosThe budget will allow Republicans to pass a tax overhaul that adds up to $1.5 trillion to the deficit through a process known as reconciliation, which only requires 51 votes to pass in the Senate.

National Mortgage Professional, Oct. 26, 2017--Phil HallAverage mortgage rates hit their highest level since July, according to data from Freddie Mac.

Bloomberg, Oct. 26, 2017--Patrick ClarkRents have increased rapidly across U.S. housing markets as the share of renting households has risen faster than the number of new units. Now, in a survey published Thursday by an apartment-listing service, nearly one in five respondents reports struggling to make the monthly payments.

Mortgage Daily, Oct. 26, 2017Home-lending activity saw a quarter-over-quarter gain and a year-over-year loss at Finance of America Holdings LLC. Headcount continued to grow.

Mortgage Daily, Oct. 26, 2017Pretax income at the Philadelphia-based mortgage insurance company was $103 million, according to its third-quarter earnings report.

HousingWire, Oct. 26, 2017--Brena SwansonHousingWire interviews MBA Associate Director Ashley Gunn on getting younger professionals into the mortgage industry.

HousingWire, Oct. 26, 2017--Ben LaneA bill to change part of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures rule has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and a coalition of many of the biggest trade groups in housing [including the Mortgage Bankers Association].

National Mortgage News, Oct. 26, 2017--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)A legal settlement and origination decline drove CoreLogic's earnings in the third quarter down to $31 million from $36 million a year ago.

HousingWire, Oct. 26, 2017--Ben LaneThe bill would repeal the life of loan requirement and reinstate the FHA's previous policy of requiring borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums until the outstanding principal balance reaches 78% of the original home value.

The Mortgage Bankers Association presents its annual Whole Loan Trading Workshop, taking place Thursday, Nov. 9 in Chicago.