Ongoing affordability issues and volatility in the financial markets combined to suppress purchase-mortgage lending in the first quarter. Meanwhile, refi volume was up nearly 50% from a year ago. (Includes four data tables.) Read More

FHFA Director Bill Pulte sees himself as an advocate for the housing market. He said FHFA is working to increase the number of homes for sale. Details were scant on the effort and on potential GSE shifts. Read More

The bill includes planned extensions of several measures from the 2017 tax reform, and an extension of the mortgage interest deduction. Read More

MBA is largely happy with changes made so far by the Trump administration. Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the MBA, said the administration is creating certainty, clarity and stability for mortgage companies. Read More

The move will have an impact on current mortgage servicing operations, according to industry attorneys. Read More

Non-QM lender/servicer Acra is in the hunt for a new CEO. Other changes may be in the offing too — as the sale of Acra’s parent, HPS, to BlackRock draws closer. Read More

The federal deficit is putting upward pressure on mortgage rates. Meanwhile, HUD is working to allow new housing to be built on federal land. Read More

Incenter, one of the granddaddies of the servicing brokerage business, has a new owner: tech shop Rocktop of Irving, TX. Read More

VA partial claims bill passes in House; nominee for FHA commissioner expected to have industry experience; Pulte touts big find at Fannie. Read More