The Lede

The Mortgage Leader, Nov. 29, 2018Independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks reported a net gain of $480 on each loan they originated in the third quarter, down from a reported gain of $580 per loan in the second quarter, according to the Quarterly Mortgage Bankers Performance Report from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Washington Post, Nov. 29, 2018--Kathy OrtonAccording to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average stayed the same, at 4.81 percent, with an average 0.5 point. It was 3.90 percent a year ago. (MBA mention)

CNBC, Nov. 29, 2018--Patti DommWith the Fed sounding more dovish, the bond market is adjusting and now signaling that rates for mortgages and other consumer loans could be lower in the near future than what was expected just a few days ago.

American Banker, Nov. 29, 2018--Kate Berry (subscription)A motion to limit debate on Kraninger's nomination passed along strictly party lines, 50-49, advancing the nominee to a final vote.

The Press-Enterprise (Calif.), Nov. 29, 2018--Jeff LazersonIt's a trifecta for Southern California mortgage shoppers as the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA (Fannie and Freddie's conservator and regulator), boosted local conforming and so-called agency high-balance or super-conforming loan limits three years in a row.

HousingWire, Nov. 29, 2018--Alcynna LloydMortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni cites California's recent wildfires as cause for concern. "The hurricanes in the South and wildfires in the West likely impacted both month's numbers and continue to cloud the picture of the housing market's overall strength," Fratantoni said.

HousingWire, Nov. 29, 2018--Jessica GuerinThe former commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration--who recently stepped down as president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association--posted a comment about HECMs on LinkedIn last week that ignited a chain of heated commentary about the product.

Reuters, Nov. 29, 2018--Hari Kishan, Indradip GhoshGrowth of U.S. home prices will slow sharply next year along with economic momentum, according to a Reuters poll of property experts who largely said turnover in the housing market has peaked. (MBA mention)