Spring forecast: A hot home-buying season

The demographic trend of Millennials coming into their peak home-buying age is just too strong.

Hi title readers —   It's March and this spring homebuying season is likely to be one for the books. Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association, is forecasting record purchase volume this year, despite rising interest rates. The demographic trend of Millennials coming into their peak home-buying age is just too strong.   The only potential spoiler? The continued lack of inventory. But, with vaccines taking hold and a better jobs picture, he is optimistic that more people will put their houses on the market, relieving at least some of that pressure.   The title business saw some exciting funding M&A activity last week. Stewart Title continued its acquisition frenzy, buying Signature Closers for an undisclosed sum. That marks the seventh buy in the last 12 months…who's next?   The Big 4 just keep getting bigger, but there are plenty of companies hungry to take some of their market share. Title insurance startup Doma, formerly known as States Title, announced it will go public through a special purpose acquisition company, giving the company $645 million in cash proceeds and a PIPE of $300 million. The SPAC news comes just weeks after DOMA announced $150 million in debt financing. It's a good bet that some of that money will continue to fuel Doma's tech innovation, which it sees as a key differentiator.   In other news, the reinvigoration of regulation and enforcement under the Biden administration is going to reach every part of the real estate transaction, including title. Jim Paolino, CEO of LodeStar Software Solutions, outlines what title companies can expect here.   Until next week —   Sarah Wheeler HousingWire Editor in Chief Tighter enforcement environment won't just affect lenders   All indications are that compliance and enforcement will again move into the strategic conversation for owners and executives. Title and settlement services providers will be even more pressed to accelerate their compliance programs. The Future of Real Estate Summit Last year, Qualia's in-person event sold out. This year, we're going bigger (and virtual). Register Now! Sponsor Content Stewart continues acquisition frenzy with Signature snag   Stewart has announced yet another acquisition, this time of Signature Closers, marking the seventh acquisition in the past year. Doma, formerly States Title, will go public via SPAC   Doma, formerly known as States Title, will go public through a SPAC merger at a valuation of $3B. Can it overcome the advantage of the "Big Four"? How hybrid title and valuations help increase lending efficiency   Streamline by combining services. Why use several vendors for title searches, appraisals and underwriting when you can use one? Presented by Altisource HousingWire, 433 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 830, Irving, TX 75039, (469) 893-1480 Unsubscribe Manage preferences

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