The Lede

Chicago Tribune, Jan. 21, 2019--Kenneth R. HarneyCombined with other recent trends--growing inventories of homes available for sale, slower price inflation and even modest price reductions--the decline in mortgage rates should be encouraging for anyone seriously in the market for a home. And even for heads-up owners looking to sell.

National Mortgage News, Jan. 18, 2019--Brad Finkelstein (subscription)Mortgage applications for new homes declined again as worries over the stock market and the global economy outweighed lower interest rates for potential buyers, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

National Mortgage Professional, Jan. 21, 2019--Phil HallSixty-seven percent of people surveyed in a new Gallup Poll believe African-Americans in their community have the same chance as whites to get any housing they can afford. This represents the lowest point since Gallup began its annual survey on the intersection of race and socioeconomic issues in 1989.

Naional Mortgage News, Jan. 18, 2019 (subscription)Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares soared Friday amid fresh reports that the Trump administration is working on proposal that would recommend freeing the mortgage-finance giants from government control.

Mortgage Media, Jan. 18, 2019Among the more significant developments in the mortgage industry has been the Federal Housing Finance Agency's development in 2012 and thereafter of a credit risk transfer program for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.It's a strong and solid move, notes Andrew Rippert, chief executive officer of the Global Mortgage Group at Arch Capital Group Ltd., involved in insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance around the globe.

HousingWire, Jan. 18, 2019--Ben LaneOn Thursday, Ditech disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is firing its chief operating officer, Ritesh Chaturbedi, who's only been with the company for nine months.

Bloomberg, Jan. 22, 2019--Donal Griffin, Sridhar NatarajanBank of America Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan predicted another round of consolidation in the U.S. that could lead to the emergence of a new competitor.

UExpress, Jan. 18, 2019--Lew SichelmanWhile there's still a need, especially in cold weather, for the traditional shelter with cots and curfews, a new emphasis on permanent, supportive housing is taking this kind of living option away from the shelter model into the realm of for-profit real estate development.