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Pending home sales show slight annual gain in July
Homebuyers remained hesitant in July, despite lower mortgage rates, garnering just a small annual increase in contract signings.
How DPA is rewriting the lending playbook
The old playbook of financing mainly single-family, site-built homes is getting a radical makeover, and we’re pleased to note that, looking at the numbers, down payment assistance (DPA) programs are leading this charge, allowing buyers to use funds to purchase manufactured homes, multi-family properties and newly constructed homes.
Title insurance industry innovates to protect consumers from fraud
With real estate fraud becoming more sophisticated, the title insurance industry has taken a transformative step to protect consumers and redefine what it means to protect a home in today’s environment. This month, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) will introduce two new policy endorsements that offer forward-looking coverages that directly guard against seller impersonation fraud, a dangerous and rapidly growing risk in real estate.
Study: Mortgage lenders lag on compliance as tech evolves rapidly
Some lenders reportedly received up to 1,700 regulatory alerts in 2024, with 25% of them having a direct business impact.
Fannie Mae’s forecast for 2025 home sales, GDP growth just got a bit sunnier
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate is now projected to end 2025 at 6.1% and decline further to 5.8% by the end of 2026.
FHFA’s Bill Pulte turns up the heat on FICO
Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), made clear this week that credit-score pricing is firmly on his radar.
Redfin stockholder files suit over disclosures in Rocket deal
Redfin shareholders are set to vote on Rocket’s acquisition of the firm next month, but one stockholder has issues with the disclosures.
ERA Real Estate franchise affiliate announces Texas partnership
The combined firms now represent 111 agents who handled 1,563 transactions and $738 million in sales volume in 2024.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate makes Tennessee acquisition
Newly affiliated agents will gain access to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s training platform and the brand’s marketing tools.
