The Lede

CNBC, Mar. 14, 2019--Diana OlickMortgage applications to purchase a home, however, are basically flat compared with a year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

National Mortgage News, Mar. 14, 2019--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)The Federal Housing Administration is moving forward with a long-delayed plan to reduce the term of the home warranty required for high loan-to-value mortgages on new houses.

The Mortgage Reports, Mar. 14, 2019--Peter MillerUnintentional mortgage fraud may seem impossible, but financial criminals can be cunning. They don't come out and announce their illegal acts. Instead, they work diligently to confuse and compromise both lenders and borrowers.

HousingWire, Mar. 14, 2019--Jacob GaffneyThe nation's major banks are continuing to walk away from FHA-backed mortgages, according to the Urban Institute's Housing Finance Policy Center February Chartbook.

National Mortgage News, Mar. 14, 2019--Paul Centopani (free article)Commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding grew 6.8% in 2018, benefiting from strong employment numbers and strained inventory, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mortgage Orb, Mar. 14, 2019--Patrick BarnardApplications for mortgages for new home purchases increased 6% in February compared with January and were up 3% compared with February 2018, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Builder Application Survey.

American Banker, Mar. 14, 2019--Will Hernandez (subscription)Gateway Mortgage Group recently bought Farmers Exchange Bank in Cherokee, Okla., and plans to rebrand it Gateway First Bank. The $314 million-asset bank will be the backbone for a digital-only bank that Gateway is scheduled to open this summer.

Orange County Register, Mar. 14, 2019--Jeff LazersonAssuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $484,350 loan, last year's payment was $37 higher than this week's payment of $2,400.

The Mortgage Bankers Association invites you to participate in a Mar. 22 webinar focused on loan servicing.