The Lede

CNBC, July 10, 2019--Diana OlickMortgage demand has been more than muted for the last several weeks, even as rates sit near two-year lows. Mortgage application volume fell 2.4% for the week last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index.

HousingWire, July 10, 2019--Jessia GuerinThe House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that slashes the cost of upfront mortgage insurance for first-time homebuyers using mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration. The Mortgage Bankers Association applauded the bill's passage. "MBA has long advocated for increased access to housing counseling as a means to provide a more positive experience for first-time homebuyers unfamiliar with the homeownership process, as well as for other underserved communities," MBA said.

Mortgage Professional America, July 10, 2019--Steve RandallThe Mortgage Bankers Association's Mortgage Credit Availability Index gained 0.2% month-over-month to a reading of 189.8.

Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2019--Nick Timiraos, Paul Kiernan (subscription)Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sent a strong signal Wednesday the central bank could cut interest rates later this month by highlighting how the economic outlook hasn't improved in recent weeks.

National Mortgage News, July 10, 2019--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Nearly two-thirds of consumers think they must be debt-free to get home financing when in fact they can have debt-to-income levels as high as 43% or greater, according to Wells Fargo.

Bloomberg, July 10, 2019--Christopher CondonFederal Reserve officials judged uncertainties and downside risks to the outlook for the U.S. economy had increased significantly when they gathered in June, strengthening the case for an interest-rate cut, according to the minutes of the June 18-19 Federal Open Market Committee released Wednesday in Washington.

National Mortgage Professional, July 10, 2019--Phil HallNearly half of homeowners are planning a property renovation in the next two years, but only one-quarter will finance it with a home equity line of credit, according to new data from TD Bank.

HousingWire, July 10, 2019--Ben LaneHomeLight, an online real estate platform that uses data and technology to connect home sellers with buyers and real estate agents, is getting into the mortgage business, following in the path blazed by companies such as Zillow, Redfin and Opendoor.

American Banker, July 10, 2019--Andy Peters (subscription)The economy remains strong and Americans hold trillions of dollars in equity in their homes. So why are delinquencies tied to home equity products on the rise?

Scotsman Guide, July 10, 2019--Arnie AurellanoA bill approved this week by the House clarifies when mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs qualify to be pooled into Ginnie Mae securities.The Mortgage Bankers Association sent a letter to House leadership ahead of the vote on the bill, urging its passage.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo takes place Oct. 27-30 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo takes place Oct. 27-30 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Annual Convention & Expo takes place Oct. 27-30 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.