HousingWire, June 20, 2019–Jessica GuerinThe merged enterprise will rebrand as SitusAMC and offer services and tech services to commercial and residential real estate firms.
Category: Top National News
Where GSE Reform Could Be Headed and What It Could Mean for Lenders
National Mortgage News, June 19, 2019–Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Since becoming Federal Housing Finance Agency director, Mark Calabria has sent ever clearer signals that the White House is prepared to take unilateral action that would at least start Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back on the path to private-sector ownership.
MBA Launches Affordable Housing Initiative
The Title Report, June 25, 2019The Mortgage Bankers Association recently launched an initiative to promote more sustainable, affordable homes for purchase and rental. “The lack of affordable housing is presenting significant challenges to families across the country,” MBA President and CEO Robert Broeksmit, CMB, said. “We need to explore how the lending community can better partner with public, private and non-profit stakeholders to ensure more Americans have access to homes they can afford.”
CMBS: A Market That Has A Deeper Role Than The Numbers Indicate
Trepp, June 25, 2019–Jamie WoodwellThe CMBS market is the most transparent part of the $3.4 trillion commercial and multifamily mortgage industries. In addition to easy access to detailed bond, loan and property information, a dedicated group of CMBS analysts at Wall Street shops, rating agencies, private companies and–dare I say–trade groups offers sophisticated insights into every twist and turn of the market.
MBA Joins Housing Coalition to Address CFPB’s Proposed Regulation Change on Data Collection
Mortgage Media, June 12, 2019The Mortgage Bankers Association and other groups commented to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about the bureau’s plan to change data collection regulations under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, including its effect on commercial and multifamily loans. MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Finance Bruce Oliver talked with Mortgage Media about the coalition’s efforts and discussed MBA’s position on the 2015 HMDA rule on data collecting.
Growth of Multifamily, CRE Loan Debt Shows Strong Interest in Sector
National Mortgage News, June 12, 2019–Paul Centopani (subscription)Commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding grew 1.3% in in the first quarter of 2019, aided by low mortgage rates and the steady incline of property values, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
MBA Awards $90,000-Plus in Path to Diversity Scholarships
National Mortgage Professional, June 11, 2019The Mortgage Bankers Association scholarships recognize existing industry professionals from MBA member companies who are seeking to advance their careers through MBA Education programs and courses.
Freddie Mac Targeting ESG Investors With Green Mortgage Bonds
Bloomberg, June 10, 2019–Adam TempkinFreddie Mac is making its first foray into green bonds, starting a new commercial mortgage-backed security program backed by loans to apartment building owners who agree to make their properties more environmentally friendly.
Can Fannie, Freddie Be Overhauled Without Congress?
National Mortgage News, June 7, 2019–Hannah Lang (subscription)The Trump administration has said it welcomes legislative reform to fundamentally restructure Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But the Federal Housing Finance Agency has also made clear that it stands willing to do the heavy lifting itself.
Why Tier 2 Cities Have Real Estate Buyers’ Attention
Forbes, June 7, 2019–Evan GentryCommercial real estate opportunities are flourishing outside of the largest U.S. metros. Investors exploring Memphis, Phoenix or Salt Lake City, among other cities in the Tier 2 real estate market, can earn strong returns by developing or purchasing and repositioning older properties.