The Lede

Scotsman Guide, May 17, 2018--Victor WhitmanThe Mortgage Bankers Association released the findings of its first-quarter survey of commercial/multifamily bankers on Thursday, and it showed that commercial mortgage origination volume unexpectedly rose, compared to last year's first quarter.

Bloomberg, May 17, 2018--Prashant GopalU.S. homebuyers, already contending with escalating prices, now are getting hit with the most-expensive mortgage rates in seven years. Funny thing: It's only making them move faster.

Washington Post, May 17, 2018--Kathy OrtonAccording to data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average climbed to 4.61 percent with an average 0.4 point. It was 4.55 percent a week ago and 4.02 percent a year ago. The 30-year fixed rate hasn't been this high since May 2011. (MBA mention)

HousingWire, May 17, 2018--Ben LaneMortgage interest rates just hit the highest level in seven years, but those in the lending trenches already knew that, right? That news shouldn't come as a surprise to those of you who live and breathe the mortgage business.

Mortgage Daily, May 17, 2018As of March 31, there were $8.94 trillion in U.S. residential loans that were outstanding, according to data reported Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Mortgage Daily, May 17, 2018--Sam GarciaEllie Mae Inc. reported in its Origination Insight Report that 30-year note rates averaged 4.79 percent on home loans closed during April.

National Mortgage News, May 17, 2018--Kate Berry (subscription)Should regulators treat traditional banks and credit unions exactly the same as technology-driven lenders when vetting their mortgage underwriting standards? That is the central question to emerge following recent comments by acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Mick Mulvaney that the bureau may ease its Qualified Mortgage rule.

HousingWire, May 17, 2018--Jeremiah JensenAccording to the Mortgage Bankers Association, foreclosures are up slightly despite delinquencies falling to pre-housing crisis lows and continuing to slide.

Bloomberg, May 18, 2018--Joe LightFor nearly a decade, the Federal Housing Finance Agency has restricted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from trying to influence the raging debate over whether they should live or die. But despite those limits, Fannie Mae general counsel Brian Brooks has done just that over the past few months, quietly meeting with people inside and outside President Donald Trump's administration.

Bloomberg, May 17, 2018--Patrick ClarkInstitutional investors bought more single-family rental homes in 2017 than in previous year, the first increase since 2013, according to data compiled by Amherst Holdings LLC.