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CFPB finalizes rule that lays the foundation for open banking

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a rule that lays the groundwork for open banking in the U.S. Announced on Tuesday, the new rule mandates that financial providers — including banks, credit card issuers and mortgage companies — share personal financial data for free with their peers when customers request it.

Banks 419
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WaFd Bank exits home mortgage lending, says model is ‘unsustainable’

Housing Wire

Seattle-based WaFd Bank , which has offered home loans for more than 100 years, announced Thursday in an earnings report that it will exit the single-family mortgage lending business. That is bad news for banks like WaFd Bank, because it has made the business of originating mortgages for our portfolio unsustainable.

Lending 384
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Open banking is on the verge of transforming mortgages. Most are unaware of it

Housing Wire

FormFree , a mortgage fintech founded in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis by Brent Chandler, is putting the customer in control of their own data, a practice known as “open banking” that could transform lending. Lapin said FormFree operates within an open banking framework, a relative rarity in the mortgage industry.

Banks 431
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FHFA conforming loan limits increase to $806,500 in 2025

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has set a new baseline conforming loan limit of $806,500 for one-unit properties in 2025, authorizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase mortgages up to this amount. Ultimately, the new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties will be $1,209,750. The new limit reflects a 5.2%

Loans 410
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Homestreet enters agreement to merge with Mechanics Bank

Housing Wire

Mechanics Bank and HomeStreet Inc. Under the terms of the merger which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies HomeStreet Bank will be merged with and into Mechanics Bank. Webb, chairman of the board of directors of Mechanics Bank, said in a statement.

Banks 363
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Cornerstone Capital Bank launches community lending division

Housing Wire

Cornerstone Capital Bank , a national mortgage originator and servicer, is launching a community lending division to serve underserved communities, the company announced this week. Other offerings will include state and local down payment assistance programs, Federal Homes Loan Bank (FHLB) grants funds and more.

Lending 308
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Redwood adds alternative loan products to its home equity platform

Housing Wire

Real estate investment trust Redwood has expanded its home equity platform, Aspire, to include alternative loan products amid affordability challenges in the housing market, the company announced Tuesday. Through Aspire, launched in September 2023, Redwood directly originates home equity investments (HEIs).

Equity 409