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.
Redefining the loan officer’s toolkit: Why insurance guidance belongs next to APR calculators
A mortgage is more than a rate and a closing date. It is a family planning for what happens after the keys are in hand. That is why insurance is not optional and belongs beside pricing, product fit, and closing costs in a loan officer’s core toolkit. It is required for the loan, and it also shapes monthly cash flow, out-of-pocket risk, and how confident a borrower feels when life gets messy.
Financially stressed homeowners are delaying essential repairs
A study found that 71% of homeowners have postponed at least one home project in 2025, and 60% are actively delaying essential maintenance.
Coldwell Banker affiliate changes ownership in West Virginia
The acquired firm has served multiple West Virginia communities for more than two decades, with leadership staying on under new ownership.
Foreclosure activity edges higher in Q3 2025
The report shows 101,513 properties with foreclosure filings between July and September, up less than 1% from the previous quarter.
Mortgage execs advise lenders to embrace technology or risk falling behind
Lenders face a paradigm shift as technology and market changes disrupt the mortgage industry. Those who fail to adapt risk being left behind.
Watchdog urges Fed to investigate Fifth Third–Comerica merger
Fair Finance Watch opposes Fifth Third’s acquisition of Comerica, citing disparities in mortgage lending. Will the Fed hold hearings?
Stewart introduces FinCEN AML compliance tool
Platform tools include electronic filing of reports, data validation, communication with buyers and sellers and secure document retention.
Court permits Zillow to review select Compass-Anywhere communications in antitrust case
Zillow will be allowed to review documents and communications between Compass and Anywhere regarding Zillow’s policy and the lawsuit.
Scott Durkin returns to Corcoran as associate broker
Roughly a year after he was fired from his role of CEO at Douglas Elliman, Durkin is returning to his roots at Corcoran.
