Wall Street Journal, Aug. 18, 2020–Sebastian HerreraThe e-commerce giant says it is adding 3,500 employees in six major cities, including 2,000 jobs in New York City. (subscription)https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-bets-on-office-based-work-with-expansion-in-major-cities-11597741203?
Category: Top National News
Housing Market is Still Going Strong and Propping Up the Economy
CNN, Aug. 18, 2020–Paul R. La Monica “Homebuyer demand remains robust, inventories are tight, and there is a need for new units to keep the pace of sales going,” said …
‘I’m a Budget Nerd:’ How New FHA Chief is Confronting Pandemic
American Banker, Aug. 17, 2020–Hannah Lang (subscription)Dana Wade, a former OMB official, says a strong capital footing will help the Federal Housing Administration weather an uptick in delinquencies and ensure …
Looking to Refinance? Those Rock-Bottom Mortgage Rates Aren’t for You
Wall Street Journal, Aug. 18, 2020–Ben Eisen (subscription)Homeowners across the country are rushing to refinance at record-low interest rates. Many are finding that lenders have reserved their best rates for …
Making Sense of the Housing Market
Morning Brew, Aug. 17, 2020–Toby HowellAs the pandemic squeezed most people’s lives into the confines of their living spaces, homeowners, homebuyers and homebuilders have each been affected in different ways. …
Want to Flee the City for Suburbia? Think Again
New York Times, Aug. 17, 2020–Annalee NewitzThe 20th century offers object lessons in why fleeing cities for suburban and exurban settings can backfire — even if it seems like a …
July’s New Housing Activity Jumps Back Up Amid Increased Demand
HousingWire, Aug. 17, 2020–Alex RohaSingle-family housing authorizations rose 6.43% month-over-month in July – a sign that housing activity is advancing in the face of the ongoing pandemic, according to a …
Mortgage Bankers Seek Permanent Licensing Changes for Remote Work
National Mortgage News, Aug. 17, 2020–Bonnie Sinnock (subsicription)The Mortgage Bankers Association is exploring whether state regulators would be willing to give licensed origination professionals such as underwriters, processors and closers …
MBA: Second-Quarter Mortgage Delinquency Rate Highest in Nine Years
MortgageOrb, Aug. 17, 2020–Michael BatesAccording to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Delinquency Survey, the delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties increased to a seasonally adjusted rate of …
More Industry Groups Express Outrage at New GSE Refi Fee
Mortage Professional America, Aug. 17, 2020–Ryan SmithMore industry groups – and even the White House – have joined the chorus of condemnation following the FHFA’s surprise announcement last week that …