The Lede

Radding's Report, Feb. 21, 2019 (podcast)Radding's Rapport welcomes Mike Fratantoni to share his views on current economic trends.Mike is MBA's Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Industry Technology.

Washington Post, Feb. 21, 2019--Kathy OrtonAccording to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average dipped to 4.35 percent with an average 0.5 point. It was 4.37 percent a week ago and 4.40 percent a year ago. The 30-year fixed rate has fallen 16 basis points since the first of the year. (MBA mention)

DS News, Feb. 21, 2019--Donna JosephOn Wednesday, the Legal League 100 held a webinar that explored the potential outcomes of the Dennis Obduskey vs. McCarthy & Holthus Supreme Court case and the impact of these outcomes on both the mortgage industry and the legal professionals supporting it. (MBA mention)

HousingWire, Feb. 21, 2019--Ben LaneAs part of the "realignment," TIAA Bank will "transition" out of its retail branch mortgage business and "concentrate on originating home mortgage loans directly, particularly through its existing digital capabilities that provide an exceptional client experience," the bank said in a statement.

Buffalo Business First, Feb. 21, 2019--Alissa KlineAccording to a regulatory filing, the Buffalo-based lender agreed to pay $146 million for the right to service a residential mortgage loan portfolio with an outstanding balance of $13.3 billion.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 21, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)The Federal Housing Administration is expanding a pilot program to streamline mortgage insurance applications for affordable housing developments, HUD announced Thursday.

Reuters, Feb. 21, 2019--Pete SchroederThe U.S. banking sector recorded $59.1 billion in profits in the fourth quarter of 2018, down slightly from the third quarter's record level but still up significantly from the prior year, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Orange County Register, Feb. 21, 2019--Jeff LazersonSelf-employed borrowers now can qualify more easily for second fixed-rate loans.

Bloomberg, Feb. 21, 2019--Patrick ClarkZillow Group Inc., the housing search website pursuing an ambitious plan to buy homes and originate mortgages, said CEO Spencer Rascoff is handing the reins to Executive Chairman Rich Barton, who co-founded the company in 2005.

American Banker, Feb. 21, 2019--Neil Haggerty (subscription)The Senate Banking Committee will vote Tuesday on Mark Calabria's nomination to succeed Mel Watt as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.