The Five Star Institute has joined forces with the National REO Brokers Association to dissect how to prepare for an increase in REO volumes, with topics ranging from streamlining operations to managing compliance and public perception.
Most Recent Articles
Why Customer Retention Is the Most Urgent Priority in a Shifting Mortgage Market
Historically, retention has been viewed as a sales or origination function, but the truth is, servicing is the single most consistent and enduring touchpoint homeowners have with a lender. The...
Navigate Mortgage Claims With Confidence—and Speed
Strong and timely claims recovery reduces advances and curtailments, lowers servicing costs, supports MSR value, and can be the difference between profit and loss, especially on FHA/VA/USDA...
Active Home Listings Experience Largest Decline in Two Years
New Redfin data showed that active listings of homes for sale fell month-over-month in August. This represents the largest seasonally adjusted decline since June 2023, as sluggish demand continues...
Rep. Waters Introduces Bill to Expand Affordable Housing Tools
The “Strengthening Housing Supply Act” would authorize the use of Community Development Block Grant funds to support the development of affordable housing and establish a maximum limit for...
Glimmer of Improvement in New Homebuying Activity
New MBA data revealed that home purchase applications to buy newly constructed properties remained higher than last year, and although the monthly pace of applications slowed from July, Joel Kan,...
Hutchins Agrees to Extend Role as Freddie Mac Interim CEO
In a regulatory filing, Freddie Mac made clear that Michael Hutchins’ status as interim CEO and President of the GSE will continue until a successor is selected. The post Hutchins Agrees to Extend...
Freedom Mortgage CEO on Servicing: Growth, Tech & What’s Next
MortgagePoint’s quarterly Q&A feature with Freedom Mortgage CEO Stanley C. Middleman answering five topical questions. For this installment, Middleman discusses the evolving mortgage servicing...
Is the U.S. On the Path Back to ‘Normal’ Housing Costs?
While home prices near record highs and mortgage rates remain elevated, new Redfin data suggests housing costs could return to “normal” by 2030 if home-price growth stabilizes and mortgage rates...
Five Star Announces 2025 Servicing Excellence Award Winners
The Servicing Excellence Awards were created to honor the outstanding achievements of mortgage servicers across the industry driving stewardship and compliance, delivering seamless portfolio...
Q2 Snapshot: Signs of Mortgage Delinquency Pressure Returning?
New data shows shifts in loan performance for homeowners and lenders. Here's a look at regional trends, and where delinquencies may be heading. The post Q2 Snapshot: Signs of Mortgage Delinquency...
Embracing AI in Real Estate: Progress, Promise & Pushback
From automated valuations to marketing bots, tech is staking its claim, but is everyone convinced that the hype matches the reality? A new report weighs in. The post Embracing AI in Real Estate:...
Bipartisan Push Seeks Stronger Coordination Among Housing Agencies
The HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act will require the Secretaries of HUD, the USDA, and the VA to establish a memorandum of understanding to share relevant housing-related research and...
Q2 2025 Home-Flipping Profits Eroded Amid Rising Costs
A new ATTOM report reveals that, after years of strong gains, market conditions are cutting into returns and challenging investor strategies. The post Q2 2025 Home-Flipping Profits Eroded Amid...
New Listings Drop to Record Low as Sellers Stop Short
Zillow data reveals that, as hopeful homebuyers' recent run of gaining purchasing power has been cut short, many sellers pulled back from the housing market in August, in response to lackluster...
Sen. Cortez Masto Requests Update on FHLBank Improvements
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto has written a letter to FHFA Director Bill Pulte, urging him to commit publicly to ensuring that the Federal Home Loan Bank System delivers on its promises to help...
Worlds Apart: A Tale of Two Numbers
According to the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity, traditional jobless reports may mask a harsher truth: could many more Americans than expected be stuck in survival mode? The post...
Which U.S. Households Benefit Most From the Increased SALT Deduction Cap?
A new study examines typical homeowner savings due to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap after passage of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The post Which U.S. Households...
Report: ‘Best Week to Buy’ Draws Near
According to the Realtor.com 2025 Best Time to Buy Report, one particular week will be the year's "sweet spot" for home shoppers, as buyers may see more active listings than at the start of the...
Paying Homage to a Lasting Legacy
At the upcoming Five Star Conference in Dallas, the Laurie A. Maggiano Legacy Award will recognize the individual who has left an indelible impact on the industry over the course of their careers,...
Home Purchase & Refi Demand Rises: More Leeway for Buyers and Owners
According to data from the MBA’s Mortgage Applications Survey, homebuyers and existing owners may finally catch a break: lower rates, eased standards and more lender willingness are creating...