National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 11, 2017–Phil HallWhile the Capitol Hill Republicans hammer out the final version of their tax reform legislation, the real estate brokerage Redfin is predicting that homebuyers will exit high-tax states if deductions in state and local taxes are eliminated from the tax code.
Category: Top National News

Fannie, Freddie Stall Foreclosure Evictions for the Holidays
National Mortgage News, Dec. 11, 2017–Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will suspend the evictions of foreclosed single-family properties during the holiday season.

Housing Industry Applauds FHA Move to Stop Insuring PACE Loans
HousingWire, Dec. 8, 2017–Ben Lane”PACE liens pose a real danger to secured lenders and to the MMI fund because they erode the underlying collateral due to their priority lien position in the event of default,” MBA President and CEO David Stevens said in a statement.

Nonbank Mortgage Employment Continues to Slide
National Mortgage News, Dec, 8, 2017–Brian Collins (subscription)Nondepository mortgage lenders and brokers cut 1,500 workers from their payrolls in October, bringing total employment in the sector to 340,600 from 342,100 in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

Trump Denies that Wells Fargo May Avoid Federal Penalties for Alleged Mortgage Lending Abuses
Los Angeles Times, Dec. 8, 2017–Jim PuzzangheraPresident Trump on Friday denied a report that the federal consumer financial watchdog might drop sanctions against Wells Fargo & Co. for alleged mortgage lending abuses, and said the bank could face even tougher penalties.

Fannie and Freddie: Should They Stay or Should They Go?
National Mortgage News, Dec. 8, 2017–Ian McKendry (subscription)Two steps forward and one step back. That appears to be the current state of play regarding the effort to revamp the housing finance system.

Mortgage Staffing Drops Despite Strong Jobs Report
Mortgage Daily, Dec. 8, 2017Although U.S. employers in all industries saw robust hiring last month, the latest statistics for the mortgage industry indicate that staffing contracted again.

Demand for New Jersey Warehouse Space Skyrockets
Wall Street Journal, Dec. 9, 2017–Keiko Morris (subscription)Despite a feverish pace of construction in recent years, tight inventories and surging demand are driving rents for New Jersey warehouse space to record highs, according to a new report from CBRE Group Inc.

False Claims Act Claims Another One: IBERIABANK Fined $11.7 Million for FHA Lending Violations
HousingWire, Dec. 8, 2017–Ben LaneOn Friday, the DOJ announced that IBERIABANK Corporation, IBERIABANK and IBERIABANK Mortgage, agreed to pay a fine of $11,692,149 to resolve allegations that the companies violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying that loans originated by the companies were eligible for FHA mortgage insurance.

Service Providers Help With Mortgage Compliance
Mortgage Daily, Dec. 8, 2017–Sam GarciaA regulator is helping lenders prepare for upcoming changes to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act reporting. Two mortgage firms are using service providers to help them with quality control.