In May, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL, flagged the disturbing consumer credit reporting practice of lumping a short sale within the same industry code as a foreclosure in consumer credit reports.

The trend toward private MI is likely to continue in anticipation of the FHA Solvency Act of 2013, which is awaiting action on the Senate floor.

A housing lobbyist added that, “Right now it’s a matter of timing. Will in come in October or a little later than that?”

The FDIC will raise the question of a 30 percent downpayment but don't expect to see it in the final QRM rule.

EverBank also will evaluate each eligible borrower still in the process of foreclosure for a new loan modification.

The former Encore Mortgage executive said he will concentrate on lower FICO score lending, in particular what he calls the “B&C” market.

Today, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac g-fees average 50 to 55 basis points compared to 24 bp back in 2009.

FHA is seeing its cash reserves increase more than expected. Meanwhile, yet another mortgage vendor is laying off workers.

Cancelled Furlough Days. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has reduced the number of furlough days from seven to five days due to progress made in achieving the $69.6 million spending cuts mandated by sequestration. In this regard, previously scheduled furlough days of Aug. 16 and Aug. 30 are cancelled. As the end of FY 2013 approaches, HUD is making significant progress towards reaching its sequestration target, without needing additional furlough days, said Deputy Press Secretary George Gonzalez of HUD’s Office of Public Affairs. Government-wide automatic spending cuts became effective ...

Federal regulators next week will propose a new version of the controversial rule setting risk-retention requirements for issuers of non-agency mortgage securities that are not backed by qualified residential mortgages. Among other significant changes, the new proposed rule will likely eliminate premium capture cash reserve account requirements, according to the American Securitization Forum. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has a meeting scheduled for Aug. 28 to discuss ...