The CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC have jointly launched new thresholds for smaller loan exemption from appraisal requirements for higher-priced mortgage loans for 2024.
Most Recent Articles
Getting to Know: D.J. “David” Mulkay, Director of Legal League
Bringing more than two decades of experience to his new role, David Mulkay will oversee Five Star’s Legal League, working to strengthen the League’s associates through exposure, publications,...
Share of Mortgage Loans in Forbearance Jumps
“While forbearances are still low compared to the height of the pandemic, the monthly increase in forbearances is the largest since May 2020,” said Marina Walsh, CMB, MBA’s VP of Industry...
The Shrinking Dollar’s Impact on Homeownership
Two white papers examine how the decline in small-dollar mortgage lending has had an impact on homeownership—particularly in low-income communities. The post The Shrinking Dollar’s Impact on...
HUD Makes Available More Than $1B in Housing Investments
Families in more than 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico will receive vital energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades thanks to new funding, according to the U.S. Department...
Hail-Related Storm Damage Claims on the Rise
Geographic patterns of severe hail events in 2024 mirrored 2023 findings according to a new study that highlighted the location of U.S. homes most impacted, and the number of claims filed. The...
Cornerstone Names New Head of Retail
Jay Crowell, former President of the Pacific Northwest Region for Cornerstone Home Lending, has been promoted to President of the National Retail Division, tasked to drive the strategy and...
Zillow Group Promotes New COO
Jun Choo, who joined Zillow when the company acquired Trulia in 2015, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee Zillow's for sale business strategy and operations. The...
How Much Are U.S. Homeowners Struggling to Make Mortgage Payments?
According to a new survey, many Americans earning less than $50,000 per year still struggle to pay for housing, despite having additional side jobs, skipping meals, or postponing or avoiding...
Putting a Focus on the Borrower’s Experience
While technology is upgraded and elevated in the mortgage space, nothing can replace the deep understanding of a borrower’s needs that only a lender can have. The post Putting a Focus on the...
Residential Remodeling Market Set for 2025 Growth
A rise in projections has put annual spending for home improvements and maintenance on a growth track over the next year, with expenditures for home renovation and maintenance projected to...
HUD Announces Additional Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims
The latest round of assistance will provide shelter for homeless families in communities recovering from Hurricane Helene across North Carolina and South Carolina. The post HUD Announces...
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Further Support Renters
The GSEs have announced higher caps for 2025 that will allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase more multifamily loans and continue to exempt workforce housing from the limit. The post Fannie...
FHFA Announces Staffing Update
Victoria Nahrwold joins the FHFA as Deputy Director, Division of Enterprise Regulation, providing support for all examination activity involving the GSEs. The post FHFA Announces Staffing Update...
Homeowners Staying Put Amid Low Housing Supply, Leveraging Home Equity
“Homeownership is not just about having a place to live—it's a critical component of financial security and building generational wealth,” said Steve Kaminski, Head of U.S. Residential Lending at...
The Week Ahead: Exploring Cost Savings Through Outsourcing
The Five Star Institute, in partnership with Global Strategic Business Process Solutions, will present a webinar discussing how outsourcing can transform mortgage operations and workflow. The post...
FHA Supports Homeownership for Nearly 800K Americans
More than 790,000 persons were served by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Report to Congress...
Seeing Around Corners With Stanley C. Middleman
MortgagePoint speaks with Freedom Mortgage’s President and CEO about his career, his new biography, and his insights into the “tidal nature of the economy.” The post Seeing Around Corners With...
Ginnie Mae President Valverde Announces Resignation
Effective November 30, Ginnie Mae’s Acting President will step down from his role, to be replaced by current SVP Gregory Keith, who will assume the responsibilities of the Ginnie Mae head. The...
Dark Matter Technologies Names New CEO
The mortgage tech provider’s CEO transition will see current Chief Revenue Officer Sean Dugan replace Rich Gagliano, effective April 2025. The post Dark Matter Technologies Names New CEO first...
Fannie Mae Adds Homebuilding Exec to Its Board
Bringing nearly 40 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, Scott D. Stowell joins the GSE’s Board to guide efforts in expanding access to quality, affordable housing. The post Fannie Mae...