HW+ provides career-making insights and analysis for those in Mortgage, Real Estate and FinTech. This long-form digital content provides members with news nowhere else and digs deeper into the “why” behind the daily news cycle. To join the HW+ community, click here.

ICE: Student debt, negative equity fuel pockets of mortgage risk 

ICE Mortgage Technology’s July 2025 Mortgage Monitor report cites concerns about student loan payments resuming and negative equity.

Five reasons real estate agents should care about tariff news 

It’s nearly impossible to ignore news about tariffs and burgeoning trade wars these days. Discussion of these import taxes is suddenly everywhere, causing a frenzy of speculation about their effects on everything from the price of avocados to the future of manufacturing in the United States.

Why mortgage purchase apps are on a 22-week growth streak 

Purchase apps for existing homes have had 22 weeks of year-over-year growth, including nine weeks of double-digit year-over-year growth.

Ally Financial closes mortgage origination business 

Ally Financial announced Wednesday that it would exit the mortgage origination business as part of a broader strategy to pursue higher returns on investments.

AmeriTrust Mortgage hires Jett Farrington as COO 

California-based direct lender AmeriTrust Mortgage announced a new addition to its leadership team. The company welcomed veteran mortgage executive Jett Farrington this week as its new chief operating officer.

Mortgage applications continue to descend after the holidays 

Demand decreased by 3.7% from the week prior, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported in its weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Jan. 3.

Joint ventures between title firms and real estate companies are under the microscope 

Opponents say the title JV business model — currently under scrutiny from regulators — harms consumers. Supporters argue it creates a better overall experience for the buyer. Our look inside the next frontier of industry regulation.

Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements: ‘The industry should breathe a sigh of relief’ 

Steve Murray, co-founder of RealTrends Consulting, said the changes are doable without huge changes to the practices of real estate pros.

NAR to allow listing brokers to offer $0 commission 

With the trial start date for the Sitzer/Burnett suit less than two weeks out, NAR says listing brokers can offer $0 commission.

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Updated 11 months ago