The Lede

CNBC, Nov. 14, 2018--Diana OlickMortgage application volume fell 3.2 percent last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Volume was 22 percent lower compared with the same week one year ago.

NPR, Nov. 15, 2018--Jim ZarroliWith Democrats assuming control of the House in January, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., is about to become more visible than ever before, with the power to slow down an important part of Trump's agenda and even shine a light on his company's finances. "Waters is a skilled legislator, and she has devoted considerable energy to issues affecting the mortgage industry, such as affordable housing, and we look forward to continuing to work with her," says Robert Broeksmit, president of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

NBC News, Nov. 14, 2018--Martha C. WhitePrice gains are slowing, but this isn't making houses any more affordable, because mortgage rates are rising, which is cooling demand for homes, said Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasts for the Mortgage Bankers Association.

National Mortgage Professional, Nov. 14, 2018--Phil HallKey findings from the study reveal that when it comes to searching online for mortgages, consumers have less allegiance to specific brands. Searches for non-branded keywords such as "Best Mortgage Rates" have increased more than 200 percent, while branded searches that include the name of a specific mortgage lender decreased by more than 60 percent.

National Mortgage News, Nov. 14, 2018--Austin Kilgore (subscription)Amazon's surprise decision to split its second headquarters between two HQ2 finalists--Long Island City in the Queens borough of New York City, and the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Va.--should come as a disappointment to mortgage lenders hoping the promise of 50,000 new high-paying jobs would be a boon for business.

HousingWire, Nov. 14, 2018--Ben LaneFive major multifamily real estate investment trusts, Aimco, Boardwalk, Essex Property Trust, MAA and UDR, are partnering with private owners Starwood Capital Group, Cortland and GID to invest more than $100 million in a venture capital fund organized by Real Estate Technology Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm.

Bloomberg, Nov. 14, 2018--Simone FoxmanSam Zell is increasingly looking for the exits outside of his real estate empire. The billionaire's Equity Group Investments has sold or plans to sell stakes in at least four companies since October 2017.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo 2019 returns to San Diego Feb. 10-13.