Scaling from Freelancer to Business Owner

A new research report this week found AI could 'unlock' $370 billion in profits for banks, though they're not yet ready to capture it. But big-bank executives say they are already seeing measurable results from their generative and traditional AI investments. View the full article

The former CEO of the Broker Action Coalition left that post after 10 months following that group's split from the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts. View the full article

Interest-only loans, popular pre-2008, have revamped requirements and can be an option for borrowers looking for short-term lower payments, stakeholders say. View the full article

Lumber retains protections for now, but construction stocks still fell, and while the initial market reaction lowered rates, there could later be a reversal. View the full article

United Wholesale Mortgage led its industry peers in total origination volume, though Rocket Mortgage and Crosscountry weren't that far behind. View the full article

Mortgage rates remain in the 6.6% range, with the tariff news so far having little impact, but could change given the 35 basis point drop in the 10-year yield. View the full article

While prices are still rising, an increase in reductions from listing suggests sellers are adjusting to the new reality for home buying this season. View the full article

The regulator has a projected fiscal year 2025 budget of $810 million, according to a nonpartisan analysis. View the full article

Private lenders are looking for ways to expand their reach as their traditional market has become crowded, and nonconforming mortgage lending is an answer. View the full article

Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased an annualized 2.3% in the fourth quarter after rising 3.1% in the prior three-month period, according to the government's initial estimate published Thursday. View the full article

The wholesale and non qm lender said it's placed Serene Vernon on administrative leave and elevated capital markets officer John Hamel to the role of president. View the full article

Sean Desmond, the new CEO of nCino, hinted at some of the products under development in an interview with American Banker. View the full article

The first year of Otting's tenure as the New York lender's CEO brought substantial change, but the job isn't done. His goal: to build a powerhouse, profitable regional bank. View the full article

Gahanna, Ohio was the hottest ZIP code for the second consecutive year. View the full article

Contract signings fell 5.5% to 74.2 in December, according to a National Association of Realtors index released Thursday. View the full article

Close to 88% of all homeowners reported staying in the same home year-over-year compared to 85.1% reported a decade ago, per U.S. Census data. View the full article

These home lenders with between 100 and 499 employees are considered among their staffs the best mortgage company to work for in 2025. View the full article

Beeline's product division, dubbed Beeline Labs, will be rolling out an AI-powered quality control product for mortgage lenders. View the full article

The $300 million strong team brings with it two top producers in the state. View the full article

Potential policy changes, a growing product niche, new thinking about whether to outsource and technology innovations are transforming the industry. View the full article

The acquisition of Mann Mortgage in 2024 gave Synergy the foundation and knowledge base to launch a homebuilder division, its CEO said. View the full article

Mortgage rates declined by one basis point this week, not enough to change the equation to bring consumers back into the housing market, Freddie Mac said. View the full article

"Anything that is done around a safe and sound release is going to hinge on the effect of long-term mortgage rates," Bessent said. View the full article

The Federal Home Loan Bank called the transition to special policy advisor a joint decision between the executive and board as new reviews in Washington start. View the full article

Meanwhile, home prices are set to grow 3 to 4% in 2025, a Fitch report predicts. View the full article