The Lede

Journal for Structured Finance, Feb. 2019--Michael FratantoniMBA Chief Economist says lenders that can manage through today's challenges while continuing to attract customers will be best-position to compete in the years ahead.

Washington Post, Feb. 1, 2019--Renae MerleA decade after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed under government control, a key Senate Republican on Friday proposed allowing them to return to being private companies.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 1, 2019-Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Nonbank mortgage companies cut payrolls by 3,100 full-time employees in December, bringing the level of hiring in the industry to its lowest point in more than two years.

Mortgage Professional America, Feb. 4, 2019--Steve RandallProposals to overhaul the US housing finance system set out by Senator Mike Crapo Friday have been welcomed by several industry stakeholders.Among those who have welcomed the proposals is the Mortgage Bankers Association's Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB, President and CEO.

Naional Mortgage News, Feb. 1, 2019--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has published a new "frequently asked questions" tool to help mortgage lenders with TILA-RESPA integrated disclosures compliance.

HousingWire, Feb. 1, 2019--Kelsey RamirezWhile most of the top 10 cities remained flat, Santa Ana rejoined the ranks, giving California six of the top 10 cities, according to a monthly rental report from Zumper. It replaced Miami as the 10th most expensive city.

National Mortgage Professional, Feb. 1, 2019--Phil HallConstruction spending during November was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.29 trillion, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

MBA Education presents its School of Mortgage Banking Course III June 11-14 at MBA headquarters in Washington, D.C.MBA Education presents its School of Mortgage Banking Course III June 11-14 at MBA headquarters in Washington, D.C.