A new research paper finds that mergers between real estate agencies and lenders can help boost origination market share but can also cost borrowers more in the long run.

The FDIC’s updated economic inclusion strategic plan includes a goal to increase mortgage lending by banks. The plan leans heavily on education and outreach, though CRA credit could also be an option.

A Michigan appeals court judge affirmed that UWM’s move to compel arbitration in a dispute with a former employee was seven months too late.

The mortgage process met or exceeded the expectations of many homebuyers; interest rates look to be too high for potential homebuyers; the defect rate on mortgages declined again; tech vendor raises $19 million; Altisource Asset Management exits mortgage market.

Most lawmakers and industry stakeholders drew attention to the need for more housing supply.

Two large nonbank retail lenders took losses in the fourth quarter, with officials stressing that better days are ahead. Guild is growing through M&A while loanDepot is reducing its staffing.

Mortgage companies need to have a plan and a team in place to handle potential cyberattacks, according to security experts.

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals called for more public policy to support Hispanic lending, including through special purpose credit programs.

Lenders look to remote online notarization; Ocrolus offers rep-and-warrant coverage for income calculations; ICE offers tool to facilitate reconsiderations of appraisals; Planet Home launches products to help borrowers compete with cash offers; property insurance costs rise nearly 20%; Flagstar plans tech accelerator program; disconnect on homebuyers’ plans and saving for a downpayment.

In recent months, when interest rates have declined even slightly, loan applications have jumped, indicating that potential borrowers are keeping a close eye on interest rates. There could also be some relief on affordability as the inventory of homes for sale increased in February.