MBA Newslinks Archive

“While misrepresentation and manufacturing defects can happen on either purchase or refinance transactions, there is a greater propensity for fraud with purchase transactions. The uptick in defect frequency in purchase transactions in January is an indication of heightened fraud risk.”–First American Financial Corp. Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

“Potential buyers deferred homeownership, some even reverted to staying with parents. However, it has become clear in the past three years that some potential buyers have decided the wait is over. The millennial generation is starting to reach the age for starting families and buying homes. The strong job market, rising home prices and historically low interest rates also provided favorable economic conditions for potential buyers. These are the main reasons for the sharp recovery in the first-time homebuyer market since 2014.”–Genworth Chief Economist Tian Liu.

“Inventory has been deteriorating for more than two years, yet 2018 started off with buyer demand stronger than in any previous January we’ve measured. Along with inventory declines, buyers contended with rising mortgage rates, an overhaul of the tax code and a jumpy stock market. However, strong local labor markets helped keep buyers enthusiastic about homeownership despite headwinds.”–Redfin Chief Economist Nela Richardson.

“MBA believes in housing counseling as an important service that can make someone’s homeownership dreams come true. The mission of our partners in the housing counseling community and the real estate industry as a whole is completely aligned.”–Steve O’Connor, MBA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Industry Relations.

“The downturn for multifamily housing at the national level is expected to stay moderate for the near term as the latecomers to the multifamily expansion–particularly in the smaller markets–continue to see growth.”Robert Murray, chief economist with Dodge Data & Analytics.

“We have come very far in just five short years, and as President, Deborah will ensure we have the added resources to continue to grow and fulfill our mission of aiding families in need of our help.”–Debra W. Still, CMB, President and CEO of Pulte Mortgage and MBA Opens Doors Foundation Chairman, announcing Deborah Dubois as the Foundation’s new president.

“It’s clear that FHA homeowners in these areas need more help to get back on their feet as they recover from these storms.” –HUD Secretary Ben Carson, announcing further relief measures for FHA borrowers in 2017 hurricane-impacted areas.

“Low inventories signal a tough spring home buying season. We can expect fast-moving inventory, home prices remaining high and fierce competition as prospective home buyers jostle for limited listings.”–Cheryl Young, senior economist with Trulia, San Francisco.

“Private equity firms have a significant amount of capital ripe for deployment into hotel real estate and public real estate investment trusts will likely remain key buyers given the health of their company valuations. In addition, high net worth and family office investors both domestic and off-shore are becoming more involved in the sector.”–JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group Global CEO Mark Wynne Smith.

“Information will inform the sales process more and more, so those with technology who are more informed are going to win.”–Walker & Dunlop LLC Chairman and CEO William Walker.