Conditions brightest in Northeast, South, survey finds

Builder confidence rose two points in January to a six-month high in response to increased buyer interest, but most builders don’t expect a surge in activity anytime soon, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released Wednesday.

Based on a monthly survey that measures builder perceptions and expectations for home sales, the index rose to 35 in January from a reading of 33 in December. An index rating above 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good, while a rating below 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as poor.

Lender accused of failing to fund home loans in 8 states

Connecticut authorities have issued a temporary cease-and-desist order to Mortgage Lenders Network USA Inc., claiming the company made at least 97 loans in the state at the end of December that it did not fund or failed to fund in a timely manner, imposed excessive charges on five loans it refinanced, and employed at least 40 loan originators not registered with the state.