The Lede

CNBC, Sept. 6, 2017--Diana OlickMortgage applications finally moved slightly higher last week, spurred by refinancers, as interest rates moved decisively lower. Total mortgage application volume increased 3.3 percent, from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted report.

HousingWire, Sept. 6, 2017--Brena SwansonDue to the unique characteristics of loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Mortgage Bankers Association wrote a letter to the department to explain how a shortage of VA-approved appraisals can severely impact borrowers.

National Mortgage Professional, Sept. 6, 2017--Phil HallA coalition of nearly 60 housing, real estate and consumer trade groups have called on the Senate leadership to prioritize a vote on Pam Patanaude as Deputy Secretary of HUD.

Wall Street Journal, Sept. 6, 2017--Josh Barbanel (subscription)Stribling Private Brokerage said contracts signed on Manhattan listings of $5 million or more have been sliding since May compared with recent years, after showing signs of recovery earlier this year.

National Mortgage News, Sept. 6, 2017--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Ginnie Mae is preparing to give servicing assistance to issuers affected by Hurricane Harvey if more than 5% of their portfolio is in a federal disaster area.

HousingWire, Sept. 6, 2017--Kristin Messerli, Dave SavageToday's consumers are accustomed to making instant banking transactions and home searches from the palms of their hands, and they expect this kind of ease of use across industries. Automation and digital mortgages are the newest technologies disrupting the mortgage industry.

Bloomberg, Sept. 6, 2017--Daniel MossStanley Fischer's departure from the Federal Reserve is an opportunity to salute his career, though not one for deep concern about the institution for which he was second in command.

Mortgage Daily, Sept. 6, 2017Origination and securitization of loans that don't meet Qualified Mortgage requirements has been expanding, and performance is strong. But higher rates are leading to higher prepayments.

Mortgage Daily, Sept. 6, 2017The offering involves MSRs on 1,888 Ginnie Mae single-family loans that have a collective unpaid principal balance of $424 million.

Wall Street Journal, Sept. 6, 2017--Robyn A. Friedman (subscription)Fewer borrowers are late making their house payments, according to CoreLogic, which credits strong employment numbers and tougher lending standards for the decline in delinquencies.

National Mortgage News, Sept. 6, 2017--Bonnie Sinnock, Elina Tarkazikis (free article)Mortgage companies in Florida are channeling Harvey relief programs to prepare for the possible storm, with some taking extra steps as Irma promises potentially greater damage.

HousingWire, Sept. 6, 2017--Kelsey RamirezHousing inventory continues to slide across the U.S., increasing competition among first-time homebuyers, Ellie Mae said.

Reuters, Sept. 6, 2017--Lucia MutikaniU.S. services sector activity accelerated in August amid strong gains in new orders and employment, suggesting that a slowdown in job growth last month was probably temporary.