MBA Newslinks Archive

“Our cities are evolving into places that are more diverse and more interesting than ever, with a mix of neighborhoods defined by distinct characteristics that are drawing different residents and workers for different reasons. There are very few urban areas in which housing is not mixed in or very close to commercial uses.”J. Ronald Terwilliger, Founder and Chairman of the ULI Terwilliger Center.

“The value of Bureau guidance materials lies in their reliability. Unfortunately, the Bureau’s practice of using disclaimers to make guidance non-binding on the Bureau erodes much of its reliability. Regulated entities must be able to rely on guidance to ensure they are operating within the rules. MBA therefore asks that the Bureau stand by its guidance and use disclaimers only when absolutely necessary and provide the rationale for doing so.”–MBA Senior Vice President of Residential Policy and Member Engagement Pete Mills, in a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“Most of the pressure buyers are feeling is from competition for a very limited number of homes for sale. The fact that such a small share of buyers will scrap their plans to buy a home if rates surpass 5 percent reflects their determination to be a part of the housing market.”–Taylor Marr, senior economist with Redfin, Seattle.

“It’s likely that all of the investment in more digitized, automated and efficient mortgage manufacturing and underwriting technology that’s been made in recent years is beginning to pay off. Now the question is, how much lower will it go?”–First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

“Historically low mortgage rates and increasingly favorable employment conditions should have generated a far greater number of home purchases by young adults, especially in the last five years. Unfortunately, home-price and rent growth above incomes–driven primarily by a severe shortage of housing supply–have been too high of a hurdle for many would-be buyers to clear.”–Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater.

“If [apartment owners] miss the window to drive rents during the second quarter, it’s tough to counter that shortfall later in the year.”–RealPage Chief Economist Greg Willett.

“The industry has undergone significant changes in the decades since these rules were first conceived. Recent advances in technology have only quickened the pace of change. The Bureau must ensure its regulations and regulatory guidance reflect these changes. In the past, the Bureau billed itself as a 21st century agency. In accordance with its mandate, the Bureau should endeavor to create 21st century rules.”–MBA Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Industry Relations Steve O’Connor, in a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“Commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding increased more than during any other Q1 since before the Great Recession…For the first time since 2007, CMBS has seen three straight quarters of increase.”–MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell.

“The start to the summer home buying season is in full swing and while inventories remain tight, we’re seeing an increasing percentage of purchase loans.” –Jonathan Corr, president and CEO of Ellie Mae, Pleasanton, Calif.

“The Administration’s proposal to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac closely tracks much of the work that has been done to date by policymakers on Capitol Hill. It includes many core principles that MBA has long advocated for, such as an explicit government guarantee on [mortgage-backed securities] only as a catastrophic backstop, allowing for multiple guarantors and ensuring small lender access. MBA is heartened that the proposal recognizes that reform must be part of any plan before either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is released from conservatorship.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, on an Administration proposal to end conservatorship of the government-sponsored enterprises and privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.