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Industry News Blog

Last Updated: 10/14/2011

The reemergence of regression analysis tools is surging as lenders and servicers seek greater credibility relating to their collateral valuations. Recent regulations expand the scope of some loan product valuation methods, stipulating the requirement for an appraisal (instead of an evaluation). Appraiser generated alternative valuations are meeting the need for greater accuracy and credibility while also providing a price point competitive to the historic approach (tax cards, BPOs, internal...

The Crazy Ones - Steve Jobs – Inspiration for the Mortgage Industry

Last Updated: 10/06/2011

“To the Crazy Ones”…as Steve professes: the world is changed by the crazy ones, the ones crazy enough to think they can change the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwsuXHA7RA&sns=fb

This video is worth a look if you haven’t seen it.

Identity management makes sense...

Last Updated: 10/05/2011

Identity management makes sense to everyone wanting to know who did what.

So for business partners exchanging info electronically, or acting in a B2B workflow relationship, or accessing banking or other online accounts, identity is a critically important tool.

UAD/UCDP XML File Tips

Last Updated: 09/09/2011

AIMS is UAD/UCDP Compatible

Last Updated: 09/09/2011

Seller Concessions Falsely Inflating Values?

Last Updated: 07/26/2011

An interesting article at Minyanville.com takes a look at how a recent study found home values determined based on home sales prices that include concessions such as seller-paid closing costs or cash back for home repairs are skewing the results in subsequent area appraisals. One might also wonder if that clothes washer and dryer included in the sale helped clinch the deal at a higher sales price. Are these types of concessions falsely inflating home values? What do you...

Economy Grasping for Relief

Last Updated: 07/22/2011

Fannie Mae analysts say that higher gas prices and supply chain disruptions in Japan, which resulted from the tragic earthquake, are part of the reason the economy is still struggling to regain momentum, according to the July 2011 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae's (FNMA/OTC) Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. In addition, uncertainty in the European and U.S. sovereign debt issues, housing and unemployment rates are...

Closing Costs on the Rise

Last Updated: 07/20/2011

Closing and origination costs have jumped almost nine percent from last year, according to a Bankrate survey. New York and Texas lead the way with the highest closing costs respectively. An article on Fox Business, written by Polyana da Costa takes the angle that the rising costs are a result of new regulations imposed on the mortgage industry. Third-party fees, including the appraisal, have increased by almost eight percent, da Costa said.

Appraisers Took Big Hit

Last Updated: 07/15/2011

Appraisers are still feeling the swift kick from the mortgage industry while other vendors have seen some relief. New regulations, bad business relationships and the inability to make as much money as they used to have become big blockers in the appraisal business. How can we possibly turn this ship around?

Click here to read an article at The Real Deal Online by Tracey Samuelson that discusses...

Strategic Default: How can we stop it?

Last Updated: 07/13/2011

It seems it is getting easier for homeowners to walk away from their homes when they find themselves upside down on their mortgage loan. That is, they owe a lot more than the home is now worth thanks to recently decreased market values. Even those who can afford their payments are using this as an excuse to walk away from a "bad investment." There is even a company that will help homeowners step-by-step to walk away from their home.