The Lede

HousingWire, Mar. 27, 2017--Kelsey RamirezHispanics from all over the U.S. gathered in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Housing Policy and Hispanic Lending Conference. MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, told the audience that policy decisions will need to become less restrictive on the community to keep the momentum moving forward.

HousingWire, Mar. 27, 2017--Brena SwansonAfter updating attendees with the status of the industry, Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni concluded his Tuesday morning presentation with a call to action: Be the change agent the industry needs in order to remain profitable.

National Mortgage Professional, Mar. 28, 2017--Phil HallMortgage Bankers Association Chairman Rodrigo Lopez challenged his peers to harness technology in a manner that will help enhance the customer experience while solidifying the homeownership environment.

Wall Street Journal, Mar. 28, 2017--Emily Glazer (subscription)Wells Fargo & Co. said Tuesday that it was downgraded on a key regulatory rating that focuses on its ability and willingness to lend to lower-income populations.

Bloomberg News, Mar. 28, 2017In a divided Congress, two senators are working across party lines to solve a persistent riddle for the housing market: What to do with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? The Mortgage Bankers Association has suggested turning Fannie and Freddie into privately-owned utilities with a capped rate of return and strict capital standards.

GoRion, Mar. 28, 2017--Sam BourgiJust 63 percent of American households owned a home in 2016--the lowest rate in 50 years--and there's reason to believe the rate will continue to decline as low inventories, affordability challenges and an uneven recovery make homeownership less of a reality for many Americans.

HousingWire, Mar. 28, 2017--Kelsey RamirezMortgage Bankers Association CEO David Stevens said many policies only support one type of family structure, and don't consider today's changing demographics.

HousingWire, Mar. 28, 2017--Ben LaneThe bank announced late Tuesday that it reached a $110 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of the bank's customers who had a fake account opened in their name.

National Mortgage News, Mar. 28, 2017--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Home loan originations will drop by 15% this year, as loans to purchase homes rise but fail to offset dwindling refinances, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest forecast.

Mortgage Daily, Mar. 28, 2017With all mortgage players effectively using technology to improve the customer experience, lenders need to develop an emotional connection to drive growth.

National Mortgage News, Mar. 28, 2017--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)It is one of fintech's most compelling possibilities for mortgage lenders--speeding up approval times. It was a topic discussed at the Mortgage Bankers Association National Technology in Mortgage Banking Conference.

Wall Street Journal, Mar. 28, 2017--Peter Grant (subscription)New condominiums are sprouting in downtown Los Angeles at the fastest pace since the 2008 crash, in a sign that a city synonymous with sprawl is embracing dense urban living.

MBA Education presents a webinar, Dodd-Frank Stress Testing: Approaches & Options for Lenders, today, Mar. 29 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET.