“Recent data showing fewer job openings and increases in initial claims for unemployment insurance paint a picture of a job market that is still quite strong but beginning to flag, lagging other indicators of a slowing economic activity and tightening credit.” --MBA Chief Economists Mike Fratantoni.

Good morning and happy Monday! We are just about one week away from the MBA National Advocacy Conference, which takes place Apr. 18-19 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.

HUD extended the public comment date for its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing proposed rule by 14 days, to April 24, per a notice in the Federal Register.

As Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Mortgage Connect, LP, a PIttsburgh-based IT company that supports lenders, servicers and institutional investors, Gabr Minton is engaged on the frontline of transforming the mortgage industry into a seamless digital experience for lenders and their customers. He’s also a recipient of an MBA NewsLink 2023 Tech All-Star award.

Qualifying buyers is getting tough these days, with many struggling to save for a down payment—not to mention having cash reserves on hand. It’s a topic heard around water coolers and over cocktails – those so-called “barbershop (or beauty shop) settings,” where people hang up for a while and catch up on neighborhood news. And that’s right where Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, and an MBA NewsLink 2023 Tech All-Star Award recipient, wants down payment assistance to be talked about.