Home equity investments allow homeowners to receive cash in exchange for a share in home price appreciation. Activity in the sector has grown to the extent that there was a conference dedicated to HEIs last week.

Believing in its prowess as a servicing recapture expert, Rocket Mortgage is itching to buy MSR packages. In other M&A news, a distillery wants to enter the origination business. Think of the cross-selling opportunities!

Lower rates this winter could create a small boost in refi volume, but don’t expect a massive wave of refis like a few years ago.

Harris reiterates housing plan at debate; Trump vows to prohibit mortgages for undocumented residents; CFPB plans open banking rule for mortgages; Rocket to rebrand.

Originations of both non-agency and conforming jumbo mortgages increased in the second quarter. Combined, they accounted for 16.1% of first-lien originations. Meanwhile, home price appreciation is slowing. (Includes three data tables.)

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to reduce the federal funds rate on Sept. 18. The initial rate cut is already priced in to mortgage rates.

In the long run, mortgage brokers and real estate agents believe the NAR commission settlement will boost business.

Nonbanks are making money once again, which could pave the way for new nonbank IPOs. Also, some of the IPO class of 2020/2021 are trading above their out-of-the-gate prices.

MBA predicts three Fed rate cuts this year as nonbanks return to profitability for the first time in two years.

Industry experts at a MISMO conference discussed the challenges of forecasting climate risk and its impact on mortgage performance.