Rocket is embracing artificial intelligence and leaders there say it will be a game changer in the lending industry.
Varun Krishna, CEO of Rocket Companies, emphasized their focus on AI in a statement accompanying the third quarter’s financial results.
“In today’s climate, innovation is essential. With the incredible amount of data in our ecosystem, paired with the transformative power of AI, Rocket is uniquely positioned to disrupt the industry. We’re just getting started and can’t wait to show you what we are building to revolutionize homeownership,” Krishna said.
Last month, continued advancements to the company’s Pathfinder tool were announced. Pathfinder is an AI and machine learning-powered search engine used by more than 40,000 housing professionals, according to a press release.…
By SCOTT KIMBLER
As business models in major cities have changed in the post-Covid economy, Atlanta is holding its own as companies and commercial property owners rethink the modern workplace.
Many companies in the metro Atlanta area have altered the workplace to a hybrid model, a work-from-home model, or even a don’t come in at all model, and that is beginning to affect those in the business of commercial real estate ownership.
“There have been some delinquencies in the commercial mortgage industry,” said Sergio Garate, assistant professor in the practice of finance and director of the real estate program and Emory University’s Goizeta Business School. “Especially in the Atlanta area, there have been loan delinquents to levels we haven’t seen…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
The CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage says they are investing in technology and hiring new team members in preparation for a turn in rates.
Leaders at UWM Holdings Corporation announced their third-quarter results on Wednesday. Total loan origination volume was $29.7 billion, of which $25.9 billion was purchase volume.
Net income was reported at $301 million, which includes a $92.9 million increase in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights and diluted earnings at $0.15 per share. This was the second consecutive quarter of profits for UWM despite industry-wide challenges.
Mat Ishbia, chairman and CEO of UWMC, said in a statement that the strength of the company and the broker channel is on full display.
“While others…
As the season of giving thanks begins, The Mortgage Note would like to recognize the people who contribute to their communities.
In June, leaders at the Rock Family of Companies and Rocket Community Fund announced that team members had spent one million hours volunteering with community organizations and nonprofits, participating in more than 150,000 events with more than 4,800 organizations nationwide.
The milestone was reached at an event with The Greening of Detroit at Lafayette Gardens in downtown Detroit. Rocket Companies is headquartered in the city.
“Rocket Companies invests in Detroit through its business, philanthropy and workforce, along with the tens of thousands of team members who help mentor our youth, ensure our food banks are stocked, connect our residents…
By ERIN FLYNN JAY
Holiday home shoppers who are sensitive to mortgage interest rates near 8% may resist the idea of buying before Thanksgiving, hoping that Santa Claus brings relief, but is waiting until Christmas the answer this season?
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve held its target range for the federal funds rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, and mortgage rates slipped in anticipation of the news. But Orphe Divounguy, senior macroeconomist at Zillow Home Loans, warned that investors will likely recalculate their inflation forecasts based on employment and wage growth data, “causing large swings in mortgage rates.”
That means uncertainty for homebuyers.
Matt Ronne, senior loan officer with Motto Mortgage Preferred Brokers in Athens, TN, said that this year, with…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
The question of whether technology alone can eliminate racial bias during the home appraisal process came up during a hearing held in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Appraisal Subcommittee was holding its third public hearing when the topic was discussed.
Member JeanMarie Mattingly, who serves as deputy director of credit union resources and expansion, was asking questions of the panelists offering testimony. She started by asking about the work Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are doing to monitor and assess appraisal reports for indications of bias.
Danny Wiley, senior director of single-family valuation at Freddie Mac, said they have an entire team focused on appraisal quality monitoring.
“We see problematic words in…
Michael Sachdev was recently promoted from president to chief executive officer at Snapdocs and he says his secret to success is being a lifelong learner.
The California-based company powers millions of digital closings each year by combining an open platform, patented AI technology, a settlement network, and a team of industry professionals to enable lenders and title companies to automate the process, according to a press release.
In his new role, Sachdev succeeds the company’s founder, Aaron King, who is taking on the role of executive chairman. As CEO, Sachdev will oversee all company operations and business strategy, with input and oversight from the company’s board.
Sachdev recently sat down with editor Kimberley Haas to talk about the promotion and…
By PATRICK LAVERY
When the Federal Open Market Committee meets this week analysts will be looking for signs of what’s next and it may be anyone’s guess.
At the Mortgage Bankers Association’s annual convention and expo in Philadelphia this month, MBA Chief Economist Michael Fratantoni told attendees that they expect the Feds will maintain the federal funds rate target range and do not expect an increase from them again this year.
Fratantoni projected there will be at least two cuts in 2024, and possibly more in 2025. But then Patrick Harker, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, took the stage the next day and said rates may have to stay high in order for them…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
Leaders at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say they are using artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiencies.
Fannie Mae CEO Priscilla Almodovar and Freddie Mac President Mike Hutchins talked about the benefits of using AI during an on-stage conversation last week at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s annual convention and expo in Philadelphia.
Moderator Mark Jones, president of Union Home Mortgage and 2024 MBA Chairman, asked how the government-sponsored enterprises are thinking about using AI and what opportunities could arise as a result.
Hutchins said they have embraced the use of AI for quite a while.
“It’s an important part of our operations and we’re probably at the forefront of embedding AI into our models and into our…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
A new policy that allows lenders to count income from accessory dwelling units when underwriting a mortgage will help provide affordable homes for those who need them most, according to a top housing official.
Julia Gordon, who serves as the assistant secretary for housing and federal housing commissioner at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, spoke about the changes last week during her remarks at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s annual convention and expo in Philadelphia.
“We’re going to allow both existing rental income for ADUs, and prospective rental income, to be included in the underwriting process to allow more borrowers to purchase properties with ADUs, to rehab existing houses to add ADUs, and to construct…
