MBA Newslinks Archive

“This year’s home-shopping season is shaping up to be even crazier than last, and sadly, the group that will have the hardest time is first-time and lower-income homebuyers. These buyers will be competing for the few entry level homes on the market, which are also the ones appreciating the fastest because of extremely high demand.”–Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell.

“I recognize that tax reform was the initial priority of this Administration, but we have to be capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. I’m hopeful that the Administration and the Treasury Department will engage with Congress and move forward with comprehensive housing finance reform.” –Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., speaking at the MBA National Advocacy Conference.

“Comprehensive housing reform remains my highest priority. While we have bipartisan cooperation on housing reform, we do not have a final solution, but we are working on it.”–Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, speaking yesterday at the MBA National Advocacy Conference.

“Sellers are slow to list this year and we aren’t seeing enough new construction homes to fill the gap. If we don’t see the new listings number turn around next month or a pickup in new housing starts, inventory will be a persistent drag on sales for the remainder of the year.”–Redfin chief economist Nela Richardson.

“Two important trends signal that some modest relief for the housing supply shortage is on the way–the continued year-over-year growth in completions means more homes on the market in the short-term and the dramatic rise in construction employment this month indicates housing construction is likely to increase in the months ahead.”–First American Financial Corp. Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

“We have to get better; online is the play. We have members overseas that want to–and have to–obtain a complete mortgage online. We have to be able to accommodate them.”–Ben Sizemore, senior vice president of mortgage transformation with Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Arlington, Va.

“What we see is a lot of lack of preparation. What we also see are a lot of companies in a reactive mode, because they didn’t prepare for an attack they didn’t think was going to happen.”–Tom Clerici, cyber security practice director with Arraya Solutions, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

“Data will move faster and be more accurate. What can we learn from it? If we don’t get on the train, it’s going to be over. Whoever can move faster on technology and invest time and effort in technology will succeed.”–Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Quicken Loans Inc., Detroit.

“The impact of technology disruptors and the financial implications they have on our decisions is incredible…Technology helps us be more efficient and effective with our very limited time in a fast-paced business world.”–MBA Vice Chairman Brian Stoffers, CMB.

“Millennials are not only interested in homeownership, they are the primary reason that the homeownership rate increased over the past year.” –Mark Fleming, chief economist with First American Financial Corp., Santa Ana, Calif.