Category: Top National News

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.

New York Times, Dec. 10, 2017–Binyamin ApplebaumThe Federal Reserve is expected to end the year by raising its benchmark interest rate for just the fifth time since the financial crisis, as it continues to slowly unwind its post-crisis stimulus campaign. But pressures are building that could prompt the Fed to start moving a little more quickly.

UExpress, Dec. 8, 2017–Lew SichelmanIt doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can cause a seller and buyer big headaches. We’re talking about damage done to a property after a contract is signed but prior to closing.

Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2017–Kathy OrtonMortgage rates moved higher this week after the U.S. Senate passed its version of the tax bill. But global and domestic events may push them back down.

Bloomberg, Dec. 7, 2017–Joe LightThe actions, which were announced Thursday, stem from a probe by Ginnie Mae, a government-owned corporation that guarantees payment on $2 trillion-worth of mortgage-backed securities. Its bonds include loans made through the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as other federal programs meant for low-wealth or rural borrowers.

HousingWire, Dec. 7, 2017–Kelsey RamírezLong-term mortgage interest rates increased this week, but despite the increase the gap between long and short term interest rates continues to narrow, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Commercial Property Executive, Dec. 6, 2017–IvyLee RosarioThe commercial real estate industry has had an evolving year. From sustainability and increases in interest rates to the effects of a changing administration, the market has experienced a mix of positive and negative moments.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 7, 2017–Brad Finkelstein (subscription)While consumer optimism about the nation’s housing market returned to near-record levels in November, it could be tested in December as they digest the impact of tax reform.

Mortgage Daily, Dec. 7, 2017On Thursday, the government-owned corporation announced restrictions for streamline and cashout refinances being pooled into Ginnie Mae I Single Issuer Pools and Ginnie Mae II Multiple Issuer Pools.

Mortgage Daily, Dec. 7, 2017On Thursday, HUD issued Mortgagee Letter 2017-16 indicating that the FHA floor limit on forward mortgages for next year on one-unit properties will increase to $294,515 from $275,665 in 2017.