Investment

The latest NAR Tech Survey revealed eSignature, Lockbox, and MLS apps/technology to be the three most effective technology tools for Realtors’ businesses, as nearly half of Realtors believe the metaverse will have a significant impact on real estate.

“As home valuations are a vital component of the mortgage process, publishing transparent, aggregate data on appraisals provides useful information to the public while protecting borrowers’ personally identifiable information,” said FHFA Director Sandra L. Thompson.

In response to the additional stress on their balance sheets, some mortgage industry firms have announced layoffs, ceased specific products, or shuttered all together.

Ginnie Mae President Alanna McCargo said, “As always, we are focused on working with our counterparties to manage risks and ensure continuity in serving the most underserved households through all economic cycles.”

New policy changes will improve the strength of the mortgage sector by increasing issuer liquidity by shortening the re-pooling seasoning requirement for reperforming loans from six months to three months.

"If the Federal Reserve's objective was to slow down the housing market, it has succeeded spectacularly," said Rick Sharga, EVP of Market Intelligence at ATTOM.

According to Jon Giles, Head of Consumer Direct Lending at TD Bank, "Many Americans have more equity in their homes than ever before, and when used responsibly, HELOCs and home equity loans are effective, affordable tools which can assist in paying down higher interest debt or allowing for home renovations, which can add value to the property."

Ginnie Mae’s MBS portfolio grew for the 15th consecutive month in September, ending the fiscal year at nearly $2.3 trillion. Alongside financing more than 143,000 homeowners and renters, Ginnie Mae MBS supported financing for more than 64,000 first-time homebuyers last month.

In efforts to further combat the nationwide housing affordability crisis, JPMorgan Chase has announced $3 million in grants for five organizations across the U.S. to expand climate resilient affordable housing for Black, Hispanic, and Latino households.

Despite rising prices and speculation about looming recession, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reports that the performance of first-lien mortgages held by the federal banking system improved throughout the course of Q2 2022.