Morning Roundup (12/11/2024) – Best States For WFH

Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, December 11. Israel crippled Syria’s navy through massive bombing. A judge denied bail for Luigi Mangione. Donald Trump named Andrew Ferguson to lead the Federal Trade Commission.

The Mortgage Note Reports

Work From Home: Some states offer better opportunities for remote workers. Writer Erin Flynn Jay found out where they are and what they have to offer.

Refi Bump: Mortgage applications rose for yet another week thanks to sinking rates, as refinances drove the data with a huge jump.

Stop Fraud First: First American Title Insurance Company launched a new real-time fraud alert system for title agents.

In other mortgage and housing news…

Consumer Prices: The consumer price index showed a 12-month inflation rate of 2.7% after increasing 0.3% on the month, in line with expectations.

Credit Shrinks: Mortgage credit availability decreased in November thanks to the challenging originations market, hitting a five-month low point.

Pressing For Change: A majority of adults aged 50 and older wish to remain in their current homes as they age, AARP says, but policies and communities must catch up.

Leadership News: Rebecca Franklin was named Chief Deputy Director of the California Housing Finance Agency; Roger W. Jenkins was appointed to Regions Financial Corp. and Regions Bank Boards of Directors.

Tech Expansion: Mortgage fintech Sagent opened a new office in Dallas, Texas.

“Not Just The U.S.”: Affordability is a crisis everywhere, with housing around the world now more expensive than it was before the 2008 peak, the IMF says.