The Lede

National Mortgage News, Jan. 2, 2019--Paul Centopani (free article)With its bolstered fundraising cache, the Mortgage Bankers Association Political Action Committee should hold an increased influence over the industry's policy and regulation issues in the coming year.

Commercial Property Executive, Jan. 2, 2019--Sanyu KyeyuneIn 2017, $530 billion in commercial and multifamily mortgage loans closed, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association and the party continued into 2018. During the second quarter of 2018, originations were up 4 percent year-over-year and 32 percent over the first quarter, according to the MBA's Quarterly survey of Commercial & Multifamily Originations Index.

The Mortgage Reports, Jan. 2, 2018--Peter MillerThere has never been a better time for the self-employed to obtain real estate financing. That's not just an idle observation. There are several reasons to support such thinking.

Wall Street Journal, Jan. 2, 2019--Daniel Kruger (subscription)Investors are betting that U.S. interest rates will end 2019 no higher than where they started, a sign of diminished confidence in the economy.

HousingWire, Jan. 2, 2019--Jessica GuerinCelink settled a federal lawsuit regarding allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in relation to its servicing of reverse mortgage loans. The Michigan-based servicer agreed to shell out $4.25 million to resolve the matter.

HousingWire, Jan. 2, 2019--Kelsey RamirezFannie Mae said the government shutdown does not mean borrowers employed by the government are ineligible for mortgages during the shutdown.

Bloomberg, Jan. 3, 2019--Justina VasquezManhattan home prices fell in the fourth quarter, with the median slipping to less than $1 million for the first time in three years, as ample inventory continued to allow buyers to demand sweeter deals.