Category: Top National News

Detroit News, Feb. 13, 2017–Jennifer ChambersBoth sides will appear before U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith, first for a hearing on Quicken’s request to dismiss the case. Then, if necessary, both sides will go over a schedule of court dates leading to an April 11, 2019, trial date in the contentious case.

UExpress.com, Feb. 10, 2017–Lew SichelmanThere are downsides to “pick me” letters for both buyers and sellers.

Meriden Record-Journal (Conn.), Feb. 13, 2017–Mary Ellen GodinThe premium reduction was made as former President Barack Obama left office but was reversed by the Trump administration so that the proposal’s impact on FHA’s mortgage insurance funds could be reviewed. But some real estate agents and mortgage originators say the fund is healthy enough to offer a reduction.

Wall Street Journal, Feb. 12, 2017–Keiko MorrisMore tech, advertising and media firms are leaving Manhattan and moving across the river, tempted by lower office rents and shorter commutes for workers.

New York Times, Feb. 10, 2017–Conor DoughertyThe virtues of homeownership are so ingrained in the American psyche that we often forget that housing is also a source of economic stress.

HousingWire, Feb. 9, 2017–Brena SwansonConsumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray is caught in the crosshairs of one of the biggest battles in Congress, as Democrats run to his aid and Republicans tear him and his agency apart. Despite this rapidly growing controversy, Cordray appears to be conducting business as usual.

Washington Post, Feb. 9, 2017–Kathy OrtonMortgage rates barely budged this week, essentially remaining flat for the third week in a row. Meanwhile, mortgage applications increased last week, according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The Week, Feb. 9, 2017–Jeff SprossEight years ago, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were supposed to be on their death bed. Yet today, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are still alive and kicking. Which begs the question: To make home ownership widely available, is the government just stuck with this flawed mortgage-financing system?

Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9, 2017–Josh BarbanelSurge in new rental buildings seen to blame for concessions and flattening of rents.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 9, 2017–Jacob PassyRadian Group appointed former CitiMortgage president Richard Thornberry as its new chief executive officer to succeed the retiring S.A. Ibrahim.