Who Will Lead the CFPB if Director Cordray Leaves Top Spot?

HousingWire, July 31, 2017–Brena SwansonIndustry rumors are nearing a boiling point on whether or not Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray will leave the bureau to run for Ohio governor; be it through resignation or termination.

The Fed Holds the Line

Scotsman Guide, July 31, 2017–Victor Whitman”Having given the market plenty of notice that they would begin shrinking their balance-sheet holdings of Treasurys and MBS this year, … they have now indicated their intention to slow reinvestments in their securities portfolio ‘relatively soon,'” said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Servicing Portfolio Continues to Grow at Quicken

Mortgage Daily, July 31, 2017Mortgage servicing continued to expand at Quicken, growing from $251.0 billion as of March 31 and $215.0 billion from a year ago. During the three months ended June 30, Quicken closed $19.6 billion in residential loans.

Five GOP Senators to Watch in CFPB Arbitration Rule Appeal Fight

National Mortgage News, July 31, 2017–Ian McKendry (subscription)After a grueling defeat for their health care bill last week, Senate Republicans are expected to turn to other priorities, including attempting to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule banning mandatory arbitration clauses.

Commercial Property Prices Expected to Moderate

Scotsman Guide, July 28, 2017–Victor WhitmanThe Mortgage Bankers Association recently released its first-quarter data book, which charts trends in commercial real estate.

When Snapchat and Instagram Stories Meet Mortgages

National Mortgage News, July 28, 2017–Elina Tarkazikis (subscription)Savvy loan officers are joining an increasing number of real estate agents who post daily, short-term content on Snapchat and Instagram–so-called disappearing stories–to raise their profiles in their communities.

Americans Grow More Pessimistic About their Financial Future

HousingWire, July 28, 2017–Kelsey RamirezConsumers grew less optimistic in their future this July, however confidence levels remain historically high, according to the Survey of Consumers conducted by the University of Michigan.