Mortgages

Reps. Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver, both from Missouri, have shown interest in running the panel that could be a focal point in efforts to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Home prices are rising and first-time buyers now account for an increasing share of sales, factors that could lead to a surge in defaults during the next economic downturn.

The Democrat, who will likely head the Financial Services Committee, has signaled she'll make expanded housing opportunities for lower-income consumers a top priority.

Social Finance, the lending and refinancing startup valued at more than $4 billion, is cutting about 7% of its staff, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Zions' Harris Simmons named Banker of the Year; distilling the hopes and hang-ups around CRA reform; new grist in still ongoing debate over Operation Choke Point; and more from this week's most-read stories.

Lawmakers have had to extend the program eight times since October 2017, as Congress has been unable to pass broader reforms.

The central bank may be looking at other benchmarks besides the fed funds rate to conduct monetary policy; dropping human appraisers from most home sales raises concerns.

The Federal Housing Administration's risk-sharing program with the Federal Financing Bank began as a temporary fix, but the agency is exploring how to make it more permanent.

The sustained rise in home values will boost Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's loan limits for 2019, marking the second consecutive year in which it increased by nearly 7%.

Miners of the digital currency are losing interest, which could lead to more price declines; scandal-scarred banks among those that endorse Principles for Responsible Banking.

The proposal by Fannie and Freddie’s regulator to impose bank-like capital requirements would be relevant only if the companies leave conservatorship. But that hasn’t stopped lenders from requesting changes.

On Jun. 30, 2018. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2018. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2018. Dollars in thousands.

Minorities are still charged more for mortgages when all other applicable credit factors are equal — both in person and online, according to a new study by the University of California, Berkeley.

The effort to raise the threshold for transactions excused from appraisal requirements responds to concerns that the current threshold is outpaced by real estate prices.

CUs in Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Florida have joined the Kansas City-area credit union service organization.

The agency's mortgage insurance fund has big potential shortfall; Howard Wilkinson can tell U.S. regulators and law enforcement agencies what he knows.

The end of one-party rule in Washington could move the needle on efforts to devise a new housing finance framework.

Moelis submits a revised Fannie/Freddie blueprint; FASB considering a plan to have banks break out charge-offs and recoveries on year-by-year basis; Wells Fargo layoffs begin with 1,000 jobs in mortgage and tech; and more from this week's most-read stories.