October 26, 2016

Save the Date for TLTA's Day at the Capitol and Make Your Voice Heard in Austin!

Mark your calendar now and plan to come to Austin to advocate for your industry on Feb. 13 - 14. We plan to pack the halls of the Capitol with title professionals!
   
With the threat of reregulation we are under, showing strength in numbers and having our voices heard at the Capitol is critical. Make sure your representatives understand our system and how crucial it is, and make a difference in the future of your business and your industry by being part of this important event.
 
Registration and hotel reservations will be available online soon. In the meantime, bookmark the Day at the Capitol web page and make sure these important dates are on your calendar.

Fannie Mae Relaxes Standards Slightly to Allow for 3 Percent Down Refinances 

HousingWire | Oct. 24, 2016

Recently, Fannie Mae did more than just announcing that it planned to grant lenders “freedom” from buyback risk. The government-sponsored enterprise also revealed to lenders that it is expanding its HomeReady program, which features Fannie Mae’s 3 percent down mortgage.
 
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CFPB Acknowledges Exploding Popularity of "FinTechs" 

The M Report | Oct. 24, 2016

With "FinTechs" (financial technology companies) causing such a disruption in the financial services market, the CFPB has taken notice. On Monday, Oct. 24, the CFPB issued its first-ever Project Catalyst report to highlight market developments that can potentially benefit consumers. Those developments included improved mortgage servicing platforms and expanding responsible access to credit.
 
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Mortgage Processing Turnaround Slows 

Mortgage Daily | Oct. 19, 2016

As the monthly share of mortgage originations that were for refinances expanded last month, the length of time that it took to process and close a residential loan increased.
 
Of all home loans that were originated in September, 68 percent were conventional mortgages. Conventional share widened from 64 percent the same month in 2015.
 
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The Trouble With Rural Housing Is... 

The M Report | Oct. 21, 2016

Over the next 15 years, urban and rural communities in the United States will both see their populations grow. The difference is that in rural areas, the increase will be mostly elderly citizens. That’s according to a new study from the Urban Institute, which also made the point that it’s not just people who are aging in rural America; it’s the houses themselves. The institute said that rural housing stock is already much older than that found in cities and as a result is not especially friendly to populations that will be aging in place.
 
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TLTA is lining up even more great webinars for the fall and winter. Register for these today, or watch them as On-Demand Webinars!

Ethics: Things You Shouldn't Do (Thursday, Nov. 3)
Escrow Procedures (Thursday, Nov. 10)
Due Dates, Do Dates and Checking It Out (Tuesday, Dec. 13)