Fewest FHA HECM Endorsements Since 2016

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 2, 2017Last month’s government-insured reverse mortgage production was the slowest it has been since last year. But there was a year-over-year improvement.

Fannie Books Higher Quarterly Profit, to Send $3.1 Billion to U.S. Treasury

Reuters, Aug. 3, 2017–Richard LeongFannie Mae, the largest U.S. mortgage guarantor, said on Thursday its net income edged up to $3.2 billion in the second quarter from the previous quarter’s $2.8 billion due to higher credit-related income and investment gains.

Congress Wouldn’t Do It, So Fannie and Freddie Reformed Themselves

MarketWatch, Aug. 3, 2017–Andrea RiquierFresh language in the earnings releases reflects the desire of the regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to remind Congress of how precarious the state of affairs has become for the two. But it also serves as a reminder of how far the companies have come since their crisis-era bailout, not thanks to Congressional action, but in spite of its inaction.

Fannie Mae CEO: We’re Focused on Reducing Appraisal Turnaround Times

HousingWire, Aug. 3, 2017–Jacob GaffneyWhile the industry as a whole is rowing in the same direction, efforts to streamline the appraisal process, Timothy Mayopoulous said, is a step in the right direction for Fannie Mae, which earlier this year refined its appraisal policies, which reduced overall appraiser responsibilities.

Consumer Bankruptcies Down 2 Consecutive Months

Mortgage Daily, Aug. 3, 2017Total U.S. bankruptcies filed, including commercial and non-commercial filings, worked out to 61,366 during July, dropping from an upwardly revised 66,789 the prior month.

S&P: Residential Mortgage Servicing Could Be on the Edge of Glory

HousingWire, Aug. 3, 2017–Brena SwansonA new report from S&P Global Market Intelligence suggested that mortgage servicing companies may be poised for a turn toward stability and growth thanks to the regulatory controls put in place after the downturn.

Five Questions Lenders Must Ask Before Offering 1% Down Mortgages

National Mortgage News, Aug. 7, 2017–Bonnie SinnockAfter Freddie Mac recently took steps to curb 1 percent down mortgages, new questions are emerging about how much risk the industry, and borrowers, should take with these products.