Headlines

TransUnion released its Credit Risk Index, which measures aggregate credit risk in the nation. The report released Wednesday concluded that credit risk dropped at the end of 2013 to the lowest level since 2005. The index dropped to 110.10 in the fourth quarter of 2013, down nearly 9 percent from the 120.64 reading from Q4 2012.

Bruce Berkowitz, managing member and chief investment officer of Fairholme Capital Management, sent a letter to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Monday, urging the directors to "act in the best interests of each company and in accordance with accepted best practices for corporate governance."

DataQuick revealed its monthly Property Intelligence Report (PIR), showing that foreclosures have decreased in 31 of the 42 reporting markets over the last month, quarter, and year. Along with a general decrease in foreclosures across the measured markets, DataQuick reports that January home price growth has leveled off in nearly all markets, even turning negative in others.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan revealed HUD's fiscal year 2015 budget proposal on Tuesday in a conference call. "HUD's FY2015 budget request helps to create opportunity for all Americans by providing housing, capital investments, and critical services for millions of families," Donovan said.

The Data and Analytics Division of Black Knight Financial Services released its Mortgage Monitor Report, which looked at data as of the end of January, 2014. The report found that Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) eligible loans have shrunk throughout the year, noting "a general decline in the overall 'refinancible' population of both traditional and HARP-eligible borrowers with associated loan origination volumes dropping in both categories as well."

LRES, a national provider of residential and commercial valuations and asset management for the mortgage, banking, credit union, and real estate industries, announced Richard Cimino has been named SVP and executive advisor. Cimino will be responsible for enhancing business development and leading several key strategic initiatives.

Vantage Point Bank of Horsham, Pennsylvania was closed Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed as the receiver. The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with First Choice Bank of Mercerville, New Jersey to assume all of the deposits of Vantage Point Bank.

Some changes may be on the horizon for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3193, The Consumer Financial Freedom and Washington Accountability Act, which would bring more "accountability and transparency," according to Representative Sean Duffy (R-Wisc), the bill's sponsor.

A new report by the Census Bureau shows that construction spending for the month of January has increased. The government’s latest report shows spending on all construction projects was up 0.1 percent from December, an estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of $943.1 billion.

Strong fourth-quarter 2013 earnings by Freddie Mac capped a year of unprecedented financial earnings for the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), but reflect several one-time items, according to a release issued by Fitch Ratings. Fitch comments, "While results of the type posted in 2013 will not be repeated, Fitch Ratings expects increased guarantee fees (g-fees) and improving mortgage credit quality to support continued profitability for the GSEs this year."