IHS' US Regional Economic Group released a report on Florida's economy as part of a series cataloguing the economic issues most important to swing states in November's presidential election. According to the report, the Sunshine State's payrolls averaged a 0.1 percent annualized decline during the first half of the year, with weaknesses showing up in the construction sector, as well as in state and local government employment.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) announced Wednesday that it is ready to launch the next phase of its foreclosure mitigation initiative, the Homeowner's Assurance Program (HAP).

Freddie Mac announced Thursday that after more than three months of record-low drops, mortgage rates slid up this week. The GSE's Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.55 percent (0.7 point) for the week ending August 2, up from 3.49 percent the previous week. The 15-year FRM also slid up, averaging 2.83 percent (0.6 point) from 2.80 percent last week.

Freddie Mac released the results of its second quarter refinance analysis Wednesday, revealing that homeowners who refinance continue to strengthen their housing situations. Freddie Mac's report showed that 81 percent of homeowners who refinanced their first-lien home mortgage either maintained the same loan amount or lowered their principal balance in the year's second quarter.

RealtyTrac announced Wednesday the hiring of real estate data licensing veteran Lauren Guzak as VP of data licensing.

Fannie Mae announced Wednesday that it is opening an extension of its Los Angeles Mortgage Help Center. The Los Angeles Mortgage Help Center serves the Inland Empire region as part of the GSE's nationwide effort to educate families about their options and tools for avoiding foreclosure.

Digital Risk announced Wednesday the launch of Veritas, a mortgage analytics platform built as a more reliable method for risk analysis.

MCT Trading, Inc., celebrated Tuesday at the news that it made 2012's list of the Best Places to Work in San Diego.

The GSE announced that it will align requirements for mortgages with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios that are equal to or less than 80 percent with those for mortgages with LTV ratios greater than 80 percent. In addition, Freddie Mac said it is evaluating the Relief Refinance program by focusing on its Open Access offering and determining the best approach to maximize the program's reach.

RE/MAX announced Monday that the improving housing market has brought more than 1,300 to the company since the beginning of the year. In addition, the organization celebrated the performance of RE/MAX agents in the REAL Trends 500, which saw 44 of its top 50 positions filled by RE/MAX brokerages.