The Lede

CNBC, Apr. 10, 2019--Diana OlickMortgage application volume fell 5.6% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Applications were still 24% higher compared with the same week one year ago, thanks to the recent run-up in refinances.

Washington Post, Apr. 10, 2019--Kenneth R. HarneyHave we arrived at one of those rare Goldilocks moments in real estate, where the market works well for sellers and buyers, strongly favoring neither? "Six months ago, I was guardedly optimistic," said Michael Fratantoni, chief economist of the Mortgage Bankers Association. "Now I'm just plain optimistic."

Wall Street Journal, Apr. 10, 2019--Nick Timiraos (subscription)Federal Reserve officials signaled greater conviction at their meeting last month that they wouldn't need to change interest rates this year.

Washington Post, Apr. 10, 2019--Renae MerleOne by one, the leaders of seven of the country's largest banks told skeptical House Democrats on Wednesday that a decade after the global financial crisis, the industry is financially healthier and less risky.

National Mortgage News, Apr. 10, 2019--Bridget Berg (free article)The author, with CoreLogic, says home price gains and fewer loans in the marketplace are putting additional pressure on originators, possibly leading to riskier behaviors to maintain volumes.

HousingWire, Apr. 10, 2019--Ben LaneCaliber Home Loans will pay a $2 million fine and hand out an unknown number of mortgage modifications to borrowers in Massachusetts to settle allegations that the company steered struggling homeowners into risky mortgage modifications.

National Mortgage Professional, Apr. 10, 2019--Phil HallRalph G. DeFranco, Global Chief Economist for Arch Capital Services Inc., insisted that ongoing housing trends bear no resemblance to the conditions that took place in the run-up to the 2008 Great Recession. Indeed, DeFranco stressed that today's housing market is not contributing to an economic fraying.

Bloomberg, Apr. 10, 2019--Lynnley BrowningInvestors eyeing President Donald Trump's Opportunity Zones face a ticking clock if they want to fully capture one of the biggest tax breaks in decades. But few so far seem ready to make the leap.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Condominium Workshop takes place July 18 in Washington, D.C. Speaking opportunities are available; deadline is May 17.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's National Secondary Market Conference & Expo returns to the New York Marriott Marquis May 19-22.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's National Secondary Market Conference & Expo returns to the New York Marriott Marquis May 19-22.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's National Secondary Market Conference & Expo returns to the New York Marriott Marquis May 19-22.