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…
By ERIN FLYNN JAY
As the housing crunch continues throughout the country, some cities are planning for growth when it comes to building homes for average families.
Mark Buskuhl, owner of Ninebird Properties, a Texas-based investment firm, said Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and has been a top destination for families looking to relocate.
“With its booming job market and affordable cost of living, it’s no surprise that Dallas is planning for growth when it comes to building housing for the average American family,” he said.
Buskuhl said the city has implemented initiatives to increase housing options, such as the “GrowSouth” program which focuses on revitalizing and developing housing in southern Dallas. Additionally, the city…
By CHUCK GREEN
As Americans remain determined to climb the homeownership ladder despite affordability challenges and a lack of inventory, the link between buying a house and success is strengthening, but that may not be benefitting society or the people who have to sacrifice to compete in the current market.
Roger Valdez, director at the Center for Housing Economics, told The Mortgage Note that life in the United States has been profoundly shaped by the 30-year mortgage, and as a result, mobility and entrepreneurship have likely suffered.
“There’s been a sort of desperation to get into a home and a mortgage over the last three years. The pandemic shifted people’s work and life habits in such a way that, for…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
The president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia knew he was facing a tough crowd when he took the stage during a Monday morning session at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s annual convention and expo.
“I stand here this morning fully aware of the mood in this room and I am also fully aware of the way the actions we on the FOMC have taken over the past 18 months in our efforts to tame inflation to get it back to a 2% annual target have, in their own way, contributed to the current mortgage climate,” Patrick Harker said.
Harker said he met with community members this summer to see firsthand the impacts that monetary…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s chief economist and his team had some good news for those in attendance of their annual convention and expo on Sunday afternoon.
Total mortgage origination volume is expected to be $1.95 trillion in 2024, up from the $1.64 trillion projected for 2023.
At the same time, volume is predicted to increase 19% by loan count, with 5.2 million loans expected next year.
Michael Fratantoni, chief economist and senior vice president of research and industry technology, said members just have to make it through the winter.
“In terms of origination volume, we think 2023 is the low point,” Fratantoni said, adding that many lenders have had five or six quarters of production losses.
In…
By NICOLE MURRAY
During a homebuying transaction, it is required that sellers disclose a property’s physical defects to shoppers before a deal is finalized. But are there similar rules in place for sellers and their real estate agents if deaths, murders, hauntings and/or paranormal activity have knowingly occurred on the property being sold? According to Roy Condrey, founder and CEO of DiedInHouse.com, laws for these situations vary state by state but very few make it mandatory for the seller to disclose such information.
“I wish being told this type of information was a given but I’m not exactly surprised,” Condrey told The Mortgage Note. “This sensitive information can quickly transform a high-value home for sale into a stigmatized property. I’ve…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
Rocket Pro TPO has increased the limits for conforming loans, and in doing so, leaders there say getting ahead of the curve will benefit mortgage professionals and their clients.
Officials at the Federal Housing Finance Agency won’t be announcing the 2024 conforming loan limits until November, but starting today, broker partners of Rocket Pro TPO will be able to take advantage of them, according to Executive Vice President Mike Fawaz.
Fawaz spoke with The Mortgage Note on Friday.
“We’re very, very excited about this one. As you know, last year Rocket Mortgage was the very first lender that was able to implement the 2023 conforming loan limits, and this year it’s no different,” Fawaz said. “I think…
