Hello, Diversity: I’m Equality

By Aneeza Haleem
Tolerance, diversity and inclusion should not be political opinions or corporate checkboxes–they are non-negotiable human rights.

MBA Mortgage Action Alliance Update

Last Thursday, Congress passed, and the president signed into law, another short-term continuing resolution to fund the government until December 20. On Tuesday, FHFA announced plans to repropose the agency’s rule on capital requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2020. And on Nov. 24, the mortgage loan originator temporary authority law went into effect.

October Pending Home Sales Slip 1.7%

Pending home sales fell back in October after two prior months of increases, the National Association of Realtors reported last week. However, they improved nationally and in all regions from a year ago.

The Week Ahead

Welcome back from the holidays. Now, take a deep breath and get ready for December!

MBA Chart of the Week: Thanksgiving Prices Since 2000

This week’s chart highlights prices of items that households commonly purchase this time of the year. This is based on data from the Consumer Price Index, a main measure of price inflation published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Five Perspectives: Women in Housing Finance Leadership

At the recent NEXTDC19 Conference in Washington, D.C., five women of influence in the real estate finance field discussed challenges and opportunities that shaped their careers and helped in transforming the industry. The following are excerpts from that panel discussion.

FHFA Increases 2020 Maximum Conforming Loan Limits to $510,400

The Federal Housing Finance Agency yesterday announced maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2020, with the 2020 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties rising to $510,400 from $484,350.

October New Home Sales Dip, But Outlook Brighter

HUD and the Census Bureau yesterday reported sales of new single‐family houses in October fell slightly but performed strongly compared to a year ago.