Arizona Republic, Jan. 26, 2017–Wiles, Russ Economic growth isn’t robust enough, or inflation warm enough, to justify big rate interest rate increases anytime soon. Still, the impact from rising rates is starting to be felt.
Category: Top National News
A Recipe for Retro Housing Policy
Bloomberg, Jan. 26, 2017–Sen, ConorThe Trump administration’s first act was to restore some mortgage fees eliminated by the Obama administration. The Democratic response to it suggests that nearly a decade after the housing bust, the nation may finally be ready to look at housing policy again with fresh eyes.
Morningstar: Here’s the Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Mortgage-Backed Securities
HousingWire, Jan. 26, 2017–Lane, Ben Morningstar suggests that between the Fed’s decision to raise rates and the indication that more rate increases are to come, mortgage-backed securities prepayments will fall throughout 2017.
Invitation Homes Obtains Financing from Fannie Mae
National Mortgage News, Jan. 26, 2017–Bisbey, AllisonInvitation Homes, the real estate investment trust controlled by private equity firm the Blackstone Group, has found a new source of financing for its portfolio of single-family rental homes: Fannie Mae.
Urban Institute: Suspending the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Cut is a Good Idea
HousingWire, Jan. 26, 2017–Swanson, BrenaThe Urban Institute posted a blog on the recent HUD announcement, stating that not only is the suspension a good idea but it should continue until the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund can build up more money.
House Speaker Ryan Told Lawmakers Financial Deregulation a Top Priority
Wall Street Journal, Jan. 26, 2017–Tracy, Ryan; Witkowski, RachelHouse Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told Republican lawmakers at a retreat that legislation aimed at relieving the financial sector from regulations will be a top priority in 2017, according to congressional aides.
Redfin Dives Into Lending
Wall Street Journal, Jan. 26, 2017–Brown, EliotSeattle-based Redfin Corp., a discount online property broker, is planning to offer mortgages to home buyers who use Redfin agents to purchase a home.
Astoria Finds Its Options Are Few (And Unappealing) After Deal Tanks
National Mortgage News, Jan. 26, 2017–Stewart, JackieThe New York company may struggle with profitability as it decides whether to find a new buyer.
Pence, Hensarling: Dismantling Dodd-Frank Remains a High Priority
HousingWire, Jan. 26, 2017–Lane, BenBut executive orders are just the preamble to the big initiatives that Trump and the Republican majority in Congress are expected to push for shortly. Chief among those is the “dismantling” of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Freddie’s Book Tops $2 Tril, New Biz at 4-Yr High
Mortgage Daily, Jan. 26, 2017In addition to pushing its book of business past $2 trillion, Freddie Mac lifted secondary mortgage activity to a four-year high and cut delinquency to an eight-year low.