article thumbnail

Home equity products light up a dark housing market

Housing Wire

As the housing market suffers through a drought of home sales and related mortgage originations in the current high-rate environment, home prices and home equity continue to climb, helping to spark a revival of another sector — home equity lending and investment. billion, according to offering documents.

Equity 414
article thumbnail

Opinion: Bank capital requirements would put squeeze on mortgage market

Housing Wire

In September, the nation’s banking regulators released a proposal to increase the capital required of banks with more than $100 billion in assets. The effort was intended to decrease systemic risk, but by focusing narrowly on the risk posed by banks, it would likely increase risk in the mortgage market.

Banks 441
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Home-equity lending blossomed in 2023

Housing Wire

Home-equity lending overall found its wings in 2023 as a number of independent mortgage banks ramped up product lines over the course of the year — despite a bump in the road in the third quarter when mortgage rates surged past 7%. Market indicators so far appear tentatively promising. from $490 billion in the second quarter.

Equity 457
article thumbnail

Once at the fringes of housing finance, home equity investment companies look to grow their stake

Housing Wire

“What if homeowners could tap into home equity without taking on debt?” Through a home equity investment, homeowners can receive cash upfront in exchange for a share of the home’s future value. Hometap is among a handful of companies — including Unison , Unlock , Point and Aspire — that offer home equity investments.

Equity 433
article thumbnail

5 best practices for improving the home equity lending experience

Housing Wire

With soaring home prices and mortgage rates putting a damper on the market for new home loans and refinancing options, it’s a challenging time for homebuyers and lenders alike. While the current climate may be causing existing-home sales and inventory to fall, it’s driving renewed interest in home equity options.

Equity 439
article thumbnail

Online bank Ally launches home grant program

Housing Wire

Ally Home , the residential mortgage lending arm of Ally Bank , is offering a $5,000 grant for eligible homebuyers in the select markets of Charlotte, Detroit and Philadelphia, the company announced on Tuesday. Ally is considering expanding the program to more markets in the future. “By

Banks 421
article thumbnail

Opinion: How did homeowners get into home equity prison?

Housing Wire

Then, the housing market takes off like a rocket with home values exceeding all expectations. As the person relaxes on the couch watching television at night, they occasionally check the current value of their home and do a rough calculation of the amount of equity that they have accrued. It comforts them for a brief moment.

Equity 424