Better went from more than 10,000 employees in 2021 to fewer than 900 as of Sept. 1; lenders start early on 2024 loan limits; mortgage lock-in easing; MISMO initiatives; tool to check for appraisal bias; automated title reviews; insurance platform raises funds.

Banks and thrifts increased their holdings of mortgages they intend to sell by nearly 10% during the second quarter. Both originations and loan sales increased during the quarter. (Includes two data charts.)

ICE says its merger with Black Knight will lead to solutions that simplify the mortgage experience for investors, lenders and borrowers.

Credit unions produced $53.31 billion of mortgages in the first half of 2023, a 52.9% decline from the same period a year ago. (Includes data chart.)

A provider of directors and officers insurance is on the book for an $18 million payout tied to Guaranteed Rate’s settlement with the DOJ over charges under the False Claims Act.

California had more than double the amount of originations by nonbanks in 2022 compared with any other state. The refi share of originations by nonbanks in California was also elevated. (Includes data chart.)

Many homeowners find the cost of investing in flood mitigation tools outweighs their perceived individual risk. A study funded by Fannie Mae suggests developing a pilot program to address the issue.

Fannie provided details on how to initiate effective prefunded quality control, which can help to prevent buybacks.

California is set to become the 45th state to allow remote online notarizations for real estate transactions; LOs available 24/7 at Guaranteed Rate; empathetic lenders slow to cut staff; former Black Knight units rebrand as Dark Matter Technologies; Incenter boosts corporate staff; warehouse lending system moves to the cloud.

As severe weather events batter major housing markets, borrowers are finding it difficult and expensive to obtain homeowners insurance, according to panelists at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference.