Refinance mortgages are decreasing as interest rates increase, leaving purchase markets to dominate the market. First American’s chief economist explains this shift is leading towards a higher risk of potential defects, fraud and misrepresentation.

When accounting for wage growth and inflation, consumers' buying power was better in September than in any period during the last 25 years. How? Home prices keep increasing, however affordability is still improving, according to one economist.

Driven by a 15% increase in direct title orders closed and a 62% increase in refinance title orders, First American Financial saw its revenue grow by 10% in the first quarter. According to First American, its total revenue rose to $1.11 billion in the first quarter of 2015, up from $1.01 billion in the same time period last year.

Title insurers may be yet another component of the housing market that is being impacted by the drop-off in refinance activity — and their stocks will prove it.