RedVision, a provider of title searches and real property research solutions, added three Arkansas counties to TitleVision, the company's digital repository of property data.

The total balance for seriously delinquent first mortgages decreased to a five-year low as rising home prices reduce incentives to default, Equifax stated in its National Consumer Credit Trends Report. In June, the balance of loans 90 days or more past due or in foreclosure fell to $325 billion, down 27 percent from last year when the balance stood at $450 billion. Loans originated in 2010 or later represented about 7 percent of the balance for seriously delinquent mortgages.

National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (National MI) announced Wednesday it will insure about $5 billion in residential mortgages in its first risk transfer transaction with Fannie Mae.

In Rhode Island, a superior court dismissed an attempt to invalidate a foreclosure conducted by OneWest Bank, MERSCORP Holdings, Inc. announced in a release.

Urban Lending Solutions (ULS) was among the top 20 in Black Enterprise Magazine's top 100 list. Out of the 100 companies, Pittsburgh-based ULS took the 16th spot with $183.5 million in revenue, up from No. 31 last year.

The Appraisal Institute announced the election of a new VP to head the association of real estate appraisers. J. Scott Robinson, MAI, SRA out of North Carolina will take on the role of 2014 VP beginning January 1.

Undoubtedly, broadening eligibility for the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has allowed more borrowers to benefit from the program. However, HARP rules aren't the only obstacles stunting refinance volume. A report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA OIG) found a lack of borrower education is also a critical barrier to the program. ""[M]any borrowers have not heard of the program, confuse the program with other government housing programs, or do not realize that they are eligible,"" the report stated.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are raising the fixed interest rate for non-HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) modifications. The new interest rate adjustments serve to reflect current market conditions and will be applied to standard and streamlined modifications. Starting September 1, 2013, interest rates for modifications will rise from 4 percent to 4.625 percent.

Sabal Financial Group, L.P., a financial services firm specializing in real estate, banking and lending, appointed Patrick Crandall to oversee all operations for the firm as senior credit executive. In this role, Crandall is tasked with ensuring integrity of credit standards, policies, and procedures for the firm’s commercial and residential real estate lending operations.

Martin, Leigh, Laws & Fritzlen a creditors' rights firm with offices in the Midwest, named Carrie D. Mermis as partner at the firm.