The Lede

Corporate Real Estate Journal Thomas Kim, MBA Senior Vice President, recently authored a paper for the UK-based Corporate Real Estate Journal on the role of venture capital, startups and technology-based investments in the commercial real estate industry. 

Washington Post, Mar. 21, 2019--Kathy OrtonAccording to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average slipped to 4.28 percent with an average 0.4 point. It was 4.31 percent a week ago and 4.45 percent a year ago. (MBA mention)

Bloomberg Tax, Mar. 21, 2019The real estate and banking lobbies asked, the White House's regulatory review office listened-and then the administration helped those industries become eligible for a $414.5 billion perk in the 2017 tax law. Pete Mills, the Mortgage Bankers Association's senior vice president of residential policy, said in an emailed statement that the group was "pleased that the final rule reflected changes in the definition of ‘dealing in securities' that were consistent with the recommendations in our formal comments."

Business Insider, Mar. 21, 2019--Theron MohamedFed Chairman Jerome Powell said it could be "some time" before unemployment and inflation prompted a change in policy. The Fed also said that starting in September it would stop allowing $50 billion of Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities to roll off its balance sheet each month.

National Mortgage News, Mar. 21, 2019--Hannah Lang (subscription)Freddie Mac made it official on Thursday that David Brickman, a 20-year veteran with the mortgage giant, will become CEO effective July 1.

Fox Business, Mar. 21, 2019Dolly Lenz, founder of Dolly Lenz Real Estate, and Michael Fratantoni, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, on the report that jumbo mortgages dropped 12 percent in dollar volume in 2018.

HousingWire, Mar. 21, 2019--Jessica GuerinThe mortgage industry has witnessed very few mergers and acquisitions in the last year, despite what Kroll Bond Rating Agency calls a "fertile environment" for M&A activity.

USA Today, Mar. 22, 2019--Janna HerronBuyers won't have to race against the clock like in 2018 when rates started at 4.25 percent in January and were a half-point higher by April, said Mike Fratantoni, chief economist of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

National Mortgage Professional, Mar. 21, 2019--Phil HallToday's launch of the spring homebuying season is being greeted with a new Realtor.com survey that found nearly half of shoppers this season are looking for homes at or under $200,000.

Orange County Register, Mar. 21, 2019--Jeff LazersonWhen it comes to real estate agents and brokerages, pay-to-play offers come in different forms. It could be solicitation of cash, sponsoring a golf weekend or a weekend sales seminar. It could be paying for the marketing materials or hosting lavish open house food spreads.