The Lede

Washington Post, Dec. 21, 2017--Kathy OrtonMeanwhile, with rates ascending, mortgage applications retreated again last week, according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 21, 2017--Phil HallThe Mortgage Bankers Association Opens Doors Foundation has announced it raised a record $1.8 million in calendar year 2017, furthering its mission to help families meet their housing costs while dealing with a critically ill or injured child receiving medical treatment.

Wall Street Journal, Dec. 21, 2017--Nick Timiraos, Andrew Ackerman (subscription)Mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will retain some of their quarterly earnings as part of an agreement between the Trump administration and their regulator to allow the companies to build a small buffer against future operating losses.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 21, 2017--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)The tax bill Congress sent to President Trump's desk this week is likely to prompt at least a short-term spike in mortgage rates, according to Freddie Mac.

HousingWire, Dec. 21, 2017--Kelsey RamirezHome price increases picked up the pace once again in October, especially in the Pacific region, according to the latest House Price Index from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Bloomberg, Dec. 21, 2017--Jesse HamiltonA decision by the Office of the Compotroller of the Currency to keep government examiners inside banks is drawing criticism from Senate Democrats, who said it will make watchdogs more likely to sympathize with finance executives they are responsible for policing.

Mortgage Daily, Dec. 21, 2017Despite a small improvement in the foreclosure rate, overall mortgage delinquency jumped as the hurricanes took a toll. Serious mortgage delinquency rose more than in any month since the financial crisis, said Black Knight.

Mortgage Daily, Dec. 21, 2017After ascending to the highest level this year, monthly secondary activity moved even higher at Freddie Mac. Serious mortgage delinquency, however, deteriorated.

Reuters, Dec. 21, 2017--Lucia MutikaniThe U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in more than two years in the third quarter, powered by robust business spending, and is poised for what could be a modest lift next year from sweeping tax cuts passed by Congress this week.

The Hill, Dec. 21, 2017--Sylvan LaneThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will no longer assess penalties against mortgage lenders and banks for errors collected in data next year that is subject to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. The bureau also won't ask for lenders to resubmit such data if errors aren't "material" to the information provided. The CFPB also said it would begin the process of making a rule to revise parts of the CFPB's 2015 rule regarding HMDA.

Bloomberg, Dec. 22, 2017--Katia DmitrievaAmerica's housing market is gearing up for a robust year ahead. Builders are more optimistic, demand is strong and lean inventory is keeping prices elevated.

MBA Education presents The CFPB's Mortgage Servicing Rules Deep Dive Workshop, Feb. 6-7 at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas in conjunction with the MBA National Servicing in Mortgage Banking Conference & Expo.