The Lede

France Media, Jan. 28, 2019--Jaime Lackey, Nellie DaySupply and demand are expected to be strong for commercial loans in 2019, The Mortgage Bankers Association's Commercial Real Estate Finance Outlook Survey said. The majority of lender respondents believe the market will grow this year, though loan risks are expected to edge higher as returns hold steady.

National Mortgage News, Jan. 28, 2019--Hannah Long (free content)Federal Housing Finance Agency acting director Joseph Otting promised the White House is set to announce an administrative plan for changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But the mechanics of such a plan as well as the timeline have left mortgage industry insiders scratching their heads.

Forbes, Jan. 28, 2019--Kori HaleMicrosoft is trying to build a more inclusive Seattle with a $500 million donation toward affordable housing in the city. The tech giant created a $475 million trust fund to support creating more middle-income housing along with a $25 million donation to address homelessness.

Associated Press, Jan. 28, 2019When home sales weaken, prices typically do, too, which benefits buyers. Not quite this time. Home purchases in many areas of the country have dipped and price gains have slowed, but more middle-class Americans are finding homeownership unaffordable.

Miami Herald, Jan. 28, 2019--Kenneth HarneyA new statistical review, conducted for this column by mortgage network LendingTree based on more than one million actual loan offers during 2018 suggests that, depending on market conditions, a "good" 700 FICO score could get you nearly as attractive a rate deal as someone with an 800-plus score.