Will Homebuyers Leave High-Tax States in 2018?

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.

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.

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.