Originations

As homeowners insurance becomes expensive and hard to find, mortgage loan officers should work closely with insurance agents, said Travis Hodges of Viu by Hub.

The private mortgage insurers reported just 5% less business versus the third quarter and 33% more new insurance written over the fourth quarter 2023.

The consortium of businesses intends to work with state regulators to protect consumers as interest from secondary market investors also grows.

The nation's largest homeowners insurance providers imposed rate hikes in double-digit percentages last year, led by Farmers' 53.5% increase in Maryland.

Premium volume increased by 5.3% year-over-year, while operating income was up, but industry expenses also rose in the third quarter, the American Land Title Association said.

Continued reductions by the Federal Reserve in short-term interest rates should benefit mortgage volume, and thus title insurance activity, Fitch Ratings said.

In the aftermath of the election, a bipartisan group of House members are the latest to ask the FHFA to put the owner's title insurance waiver pilot on hold.

Private mortgage insurers are having a strong year so far, although most had flat business in the third quarter, industry results show.

Three of the four largest title insurers were profitable in the third quarter; First American's loss should set it up for future gains, its execs said.

As home prices rise, leading to larger transaction amounts, Certifid doubled the amount of wire fraud insurance coverage provided for transfers it vets.