UExpress.com, Mar. 3, 2017–Lew SichelmanNegotiating when the keys change hands can sometimes be a sticking point–more challenging than haggling over any other item in the contract. And with good reason.
Category: Top National News
Higher Mortgage Costs Won’t Put the Brakes on Homebuying, Industry Economist Says
Dallas Morning News, Mar. 5, 2017–Steve BrownHigher home financing costs won’t derail the housing market this year, said Lynn Fisher, vice president of research and economics with the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Some Fear Tax Overhaul Will Make Homeownership Look Less Desireable
Arizona Daily Star, Mar. 4, 2017–Gabriela RicoA proposal coming out of the White House to raise the standard tax deduction would be welcome news for most taxpayers, but some in the housing industry fear it could discourage new homeowners.
New Jersey Complex, Once Owned by a Drug Giant, Becomes a Home for Many
Wall Street Journal, Mar. 4, 2017–Keiko Morris (subscription)A sprawling 110-acre, research-and-development complex in Bridgewater, N.J., seemed poised a few years ago to join the growing ranks of suburban New Jersey office campuses left for dead as companies consolidated and moved to big cities. But a joint venture of investors is breathing life into the property.
GOP Switches Tactics in ‘War’ Against CFPB
National Mortgage News, Mar. 3, 2017–Kate Berry; Ian McKendry (subscription)Republicans have opened multiple fronts against the agency, undertaking separate efforts through obscure legislative processes to cut its funding and roll back past and future rules, while also considering a larger bill that would effectively gut the agency entirely.
Annual Mortgage Originations Highest Since 2007
Mortgage Daily, Mar. 6, 2017Last year’s first-lien residential loan production ascended to the highest level in nine years, with purchase-money activity reaching a decade high.
The Doctor is In: Senate Confirms Carson for HUD
National Mortgage Professional, Mar. 2, 2017–Phil HallMBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, said Carson would work to bolster real estate markets.
Mortgage Rates Fall Amid Fears of Rising Inflation
Washington Post, Mar. 2, 2017–Dion HaynesIn recent weeks, the mortgage rate has not followed typical patterns.
MSI Acquires Williams & Williams to Grow Suite of Services
HousingWire, Mar. 2, 2017–Kelsey RamirezMortgage Specialists International announced it acquired a majority interest in Oklahoma-based Williams, Williams & McKissick, including its subsidiaries Williams & Williams Auctioneers and online real estate auction destination Auction Network.
Fed’s Powell Says Case for a March Rate Hike ‘Has Come Together’
Reuters, Mar. 2, 2017–Jason LangeThe case at the Federal Reserve for an interest rate increase in March has gained support and will be on the table when policymakers meet later this month, Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powell said on Thursday.