Category: Top National News

Mortgage Daily, Jan. 26, 2018–Sam GarciaThe latest executive appointments in the mortgage industry include presidents, chief executive officers and a chief operating officer. A top human resource job has been filled at a government-sponsored enterprise.

Chicago Tribune, Jan. 26, 2018–Jason MeisnerA former associate of Cook County Judge Jessica Arong O’Brien pleaded guilty Friday to her role in a $1.4 million mortgage fraud scheme and is expected to testify at O’Brien’s criminal trial next month.

Financial Times, Jan. 28, 2018–Alistair Gray (subscription)Thousands of jobs in the U.S. mortgage sector have been put at risk as lenders prepare fo the weakest year for refinancings since the turn of the century.

HousingWire, Jan. 26, 2018–Caroline BasileIn an article for MBA Insights, Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Operating Officer Marcia Davies explained the need for the survey and the need to have a productive conversation about sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Hill, Jan. 26, 2018–Naomi JagodaGross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department announced Friday, below economists’ projections of about 3 percent.

Los Angeles Times, Jan. 25, 2018–Don Lee; Jim PuzzangheraWhen Federal Reserve Chair Yellen steps down next month, she’ll depart with the economy in strong shape and monetary policymakers armed with more options than they’ve had in years, should it falter. But she leaves some important unfinished business after an unusually short four-year stint as leader of the world’s most influential central bank.

Chicago Tribune, Jan. 25, 2018–Kathy OrtonMortgage rates moved higher for the third week in a row. Freddie Mac said the 30-year fixed-rate average rose to 4.15 percent with an average 0.5 point.

Forbes, Jan. 25, 2018–Marc RutzenThe three commercial real estate jobs that could be most disrupted by predictive analytics and machine learning: Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Analysts and Real Estate Appraiser.

Mortgage Daily, Jan. 25, 2018The mortgage subsidiary of home builder Lennar Corp. is being investigated over its handling of the lending process on government-insured loans.

Tribune News Service, Jan. 25, 2018–Alexander Soule, Chris BosakUnder the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December, homeowners can no longer deduct interest owed on home-equity loans if they use the money for purposes besides home renovations or the purchase of property.