HousingWire, Dec. 14, 2017–Ben LaneUnder the terms of a definitive agreement between Guaranteed Rate and an affiliate of Thomas H. Lee Partners, THL will make a “material capital and strategic investment” in Guaranteed Rate.
Category: Top National News
U.S. Retail Sales Surge; Weekly Jobless Claims Fall
Reuters, Dec. 14, 2017–Lucia MutikaniU.S. retail sales increased more than expected in November as the holiday shopping season got off to a brisk start, pointing to sustained strength in the economy that could pave the way for further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes next year.
How the Fed Interest Rate Hike Could Affect Your Wallet
USA Today, Dec. 13, 2017–Paul DavidsonTogether, the rate hikes and the unwinding of the Fed’s portfolio could increase mortgage rates by half a percentage point a year, says Lynn Fisher, vice president of research and finance for the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Weekly Mortgage Applications Fall 2.3% as Rates Rise
CNBC, Dec. 13, 2017–Diana OlickA slight increase last week caused total mortgage application volume to fall 2.3 percent, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted report.
Less Mortgage Applications, More Accord on Valuations
National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 13, 2017–Phil HallThere were fewer mortgage applications being completed last week and more agreement between homeowners and appraisers on property values, according to the latest housing data.
House Lawmakers Move to Ease Loan Oficer Licensing Rules
National Mortgage News, Dec. 13, 2017–Brian Collins (subscription)The House Financial Services Committee approved a bill Wednesday amending key provisions of the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008. Not a single lawmaker on the panel opposed the measure.
Congress Secures Tax Deal, Trump Backs 21-Percent Corporate Rate
Reuters, Dec. 13, 2017–David Morgan, Amanda BeckerCongressional Republicans have reached a deal on final tax legislation, the U.S. Senate’s top Republican tax writer said on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump saying he would back a sharply lowered corporate tax rate of 21 percent.
MBA: Significant Turning Point for CMBS Market
Mortgage Professional America, Dec. 13, 2017–Steve Randall The third quarter saw a resurgence of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding with a $45.4 billion increase to $3.11 trillion, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.
Mortgage Vendor Search Engine Launched
Mortgage Daily, Dec. 13, 2017The search engine is VendorSurf.com, according to an announcement Wednesday from Vendor Surf LLC.
House Leader Budges on GSE Reform
Scotsman Guide, Dec. 13, 2017–Victor WhitmanHouse Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling recently signaled that he is willing compromise on housing-finance reform, but MBA President and CEO David Stevens says the plan Hensarling now endorses could create issues for smaller lenders.