The Climate and Community Institute released a housing resiliency policy plan to confront the homeowners insurance crisis that has been exacerbated by climate disasters.

Mesa’s funding round included investments from Vera Equity, Redwood Trust Horizons and Clocktower Ventures.

Interest rates tick up, mortgage applications slow near the end of September and refi rate locks spike during the month; Annaly turns to Rocket for subservicing and retention; Fairway touts returning employees; mortgage tech developments; SitusAMC sells loan insurance entity.

Banks and thrifts reported $44.54 billion in retail mortgage production in the second quarter, making it the strongest three-month period for bank retail lending since the third quarter of 2022. (Includes two data tables.)

Soaring home price appreciation in recent years has created plenty of tappable home equity. Firms offering equity-extraction products use various techniques to make homeowners aware of their offerings.

United Wholesale Mortgage has introduced a new AI-based platform to help its brokers recapture borrowers with a refinance.

Outsourcing underwriting tasks to offshore contractors can help reduce production costs for mortgage lenders, according to an executive at Verity Global Solutions.

Housing counselors can play a critical role in addressing racial gaps in homeownership, according to speakers at a HUD conference.

Housing counseling agencies should partner with lenders, nonprofits and government housing agencies to develop fee-for-service models to tap additional funding, according to industry experts.

Lower interest rates bring refi opportunities; borrowers experience frustration at closing; improvements at Provident Funding Associates; Spanish translation efforts; tech firm acquires mortgage brokerage.