Mortgage Orb, Dec. 28, 2018–Patrick BarnardFaced with fierce criticism for its decision, including from the Mortgage Bankers Association, FEMA on Friday reversed course, saying in a statement that “all NFIP insurers have been directed to resume normal operations immediately and advised that the program will be considered operational since December 21, 2018 without interruption.”
Category: Top National News
Housing Finance Issues to Watch in 2019
Urban Institute, Dec. 27, 2018–Sheryl PardoKey issues being monitored by Urban Institute include affordable housing, government regulation under the Trump Administration, the new Congress and alternative credit scoring methodologies.
Renters Spent $504B on Housing in 2018
National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 21, 2018–Phil HallU.S. households spent a record amount on rent in 2018, according to a new data analysis from Zillow company HotPads.
Could Lending Plateau in 2019?
Commercial Property Executive, Jan. 2, 2019–Sanyu KyeyuneDuring the past few years. lenders charted record-high activity across property types and markets. But escalating asset prices, rising interest rates and regulatory shifts may force adjustments in 2019. (Interviews MBA’s Jamie Woodwell)
What Will 2019 Look Like in Commercial Real Estate?
Commercial Observer, Dec. 27, 2018–Nicholas RizziCommercial Observer asked some heavy hitters in commercial real estate to take out their crystal balls and prognosticate on what real estate could look like in 2019.
Multifamily Borrowers Will Continue to Have Access to Multiple Capital Sources in 2019
National Real Estate Investor, Jan. 2, 2019–Bendix AndersonMultifamily borrowers will have lots of choices on where to get permanent loans in the new year despite worries about rising interest rates, high property prices and overbuilding.
Delinquency Rates Still Low
Commercial Property Executive, Dec. 17, 2018–Jamie Woodwell, Reggie BookerDelinquency rates for commercial and multifamily mortgage loans remained low in the third quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported. The delinquency rate for loans held on bank balance sheets set a new series low and delinquency rates for loans held by life companies or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are all below 10 basis points.
Inflated Rents Could Push More Consumers into Homebuying
National Mortgage News, Dec. 18, 2018–Paul Centopani (subscription)Rising rents combined with growing housing inventory could lead to increased purchase mortgage originations in the near future.
Houston’s Commercial Real Estate Market Still Recovering From Oil Downturn
Houston Public Media, Dec. 17, 2018–Florian MartinHouston has largely survived the oil downturn, but some areas are still in recovery. The office sector in particular is still struggling with high vacancy rates.
Rising Borrowing Costs Spell Trouble for Commercial Real Estate
Wall Street Journal, Dec. 18, 2018–Peter Grant (subscription)An important indicator in the U.S. commercial real estate market is signaling that a decade-long bull run is on shaky ground heading into the new year.