The Lede

Los Angeles Times, Jan. 25, 2018--Don Lee; Jim PuzzangheraWhen Federal Reserve Chair Yellen steps down next month, she'll depart with the economy in strong shape and monetary policymakers armed with more options than they've had in years, should it falter. But she leaves some important unfinished business after an unusually short four-year stint as leader of the world's most influential central bank.

Chicago Tribune, Jan. 25, 2018--Kathy OrtonMortgage rates moved higher for the third week in a row. Freddie Mac said the 30-year fixed-rate average rose to 4.15 percent with an average 0.5 point.

Forbes, Jan. 25, 2018--Marc RutzenThe three commercial real estate jobs that could be most disrupted by predictive analytics and machine learning: Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Analysts and Real Estate Appraiser.

Mortgage Daily, Jan. 25, 2018The mortgage subsidiary of home builder Lennar Corp. is being investigated over its handling of the lending process on government-insured loans.

Tribune News Service, Jan. 25, 2018--Alexander Soule, Chris BosakUnder the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December, homeowners can no longer deduct interest owed on home-equity loans if they use the money for purposes besides home renovations or the purchase of property.

Mortgage Daily, Jan. 25, 2018--Sam GarciaFixed interest rates on 30-year conforming residential loans that are utilized to finance a home purchase averaged 4.17 percent during December, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said.

Scotsman Guide, Jan. 25, 2018--Victor Whitman2018 could prove to be a key year of change for the mortgage industry as Congress takes up housing-finance reform, the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and regulatory reform. J. David Motley, the 2018 chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, discussed the trade group's priorities and a range of pending issues that affect the mortgage industry.

Washington Post, Jan. 26, 2018--Carisa Crawford ChappellWhen choosing a lender...look for the Mortgage Bankers Association's Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation next to a lender's name.

National Mortgage News, Jan. 25, 2018--Ian McKendry (subscription)In the current political environment, the idea that a dozen senators from the minority would join Republicans to support a limited bill to ease certain Dodd-Frank Act restrictions seems unusual.