Based on new data from Knight Frank, global housing markets continued to see stronger growth in the first quarter of 2024, with annual growth across the 56 markets we cover reaching 3.6%. This marks a notable improvement from the 2.2% growth seen in Q2 last year when markets were absorbing the impact of the rapid worldwide rise in interest rates since early 2022. Although prices are rising at an annual...

Fintech firms Rocktop Technologies and LiquidFi on Thursday announced a milestone in their business partnership that was formed earlier this year. Rocktop — a solutions-as-a-service company that works to improve yields for institutional investors, asset managers and other participants in the fixed-income and mortgage markets — has now placed more than $60 billion in unpaid principal balance (UPB) on...

A wide-ranging and multigenerational survey about retirement confidence in the U.S. found that while general confidence has risen over the past year, most Americans remain concerned that their savings will not be able to keep up with their needs in retirement. The Read on Retirement survey, conducted by BlackRock, enlisted perspectives from members of the millennial, Gen X and baby boomer generations....

The Appraisal Foundation, a private organization that is the de facto regulator of appraisers, has settled with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over allegations that its qualification program violated the Fair Housing Act.  HUD opened an investigation in December 2021 to determine whether the foundation’s Appraiser Qualification Criteria, established by the...

A magistrate judge overseeing requests in a case against Ginnie Mae brought by Texas Capital Bank (TCB) has granted each side’s respective requests for an extension — one for a partial summary judgment for TCB, and the other for a change in venue by attorneys for the U.S. government. This is according to court documents reviewed by HousingWire’s Reverse Mortgage Daily (RMD). Extensions...

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has broad authority under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) to prohibit discrimination against credit applicants and from discouraging prospective applicants for credit. This reinforces the bureau’s enforcement authority as it wages a war against redlining, including in a case against Chicago-based Townstone Financial, according to court documents...

If you’re into witch culture and have long been obsessing about unique abodes like the now-iconic Practical Magic house, you’re going to love the Spadena House. Also known as the Witch’s House in Beverly Hills, the magnificently mystical home looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale — or a Hocus Pocus film set. Located on the corner of Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue, the...

Turns out Ryan Seacrest is quite good at keeping a low profile. Following his Live with Kelly and Ryan exit, Seacrest moved back to California but hasn’t been spending as much time in Los Angeles as expected. Instead, the American Idol host has been keeping busy at his ultra-charming Napa Valley compound in St. Helena, pressing his own olive oil and making wine. An insider close to Ryan told...

Members will have to shell out a little extra if they want to continue shopping at the discount superstore. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Costco members might be surprised to learn that the price of a Costco membership will be increasing later this year. After staying the same for seven years, 2024 marks the next membership hike shoppers can expect.Regular membership fees will see a $5 increase...

Upgrade your space with these TV wall mounts. Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa If you’ve just purchased a new flat-screen TV or want to update your space, a TV wall mount is a great tool to consider. Beyond the aesthetically sleek value of a mounted TV, it can also be a great way to optimize the space in your home."A TV can be mounted on almost any wall, as long as you’re able to...