Winter Catches Up with February Housing Starts

Housing starts fell in February for the second straight month, HUD and the Census Bureau reported yesterday, with winter weather largely the culprit.

Industry Briefs Mar. 12, 2021

HUD approved a Conciliation Agreement between JPMorgan Chase Bank and a Black woman, resolving the woman’s claim that the mortgage lender, relying on an appraisal that she believed was inaccurate, valued her home at an amount lower than its actual worth because of her race.

Senate Confirms Marcia Fudge as HUD Secretary

The Senate Wednesday afternoon confirmed Marcia Fudge, the Biden Administration’s nominee as HUD Secretary, by a 66-34 vote. The Senate also approved Merrick Garland’s nomination as Attorney General.

2021 New Home Sales Off to Solid Start

The report said sales of new single-family houses in January rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 923,000, 4.3 percent higher than the revised December rate of 885,000 and 19.3 percent higher than a year ago (774,000).

Industry Briefs Feb. 16 2021

LodeStar Software Solutions announced an integration with Mortgage Coach, creator of the Total Cost Analysis Borrower Conversion Platform. This integration allows lenders of any size to include accurate closing provider fees when creating a Total Cost Analysis for borrowers.

HUD Nominee Pledges Accountability, Transparency

Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, appeared before the Senate Banking Committee yesterday and pledged to work with lawmakers to combat homelessness and promote affordable housing opportunities.