MBA Newslinks Archive

“Rates slipped slightly over the week as concerns over U.S. trade policy and global growth sent some investors back to safer U.S. Treasuries. Minutes from the most recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting also yielded a more dovish tone, which added to the downward pressure in rates.”–MBA Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting Joel Kan.

“While industry predictions for this year’s storm season indicate average activity levels, associated storm surge risk remains an important consideration for residential and commercial properties in the 19 states analyzed. Depending on the location of a storm’s landfall and that area’s population density and reconstruction costs, lower Category storms can cause just as much damage as storms in higher categories.”–Tom Jeffery, senior hazard scientist with CoreLogic, Irvine, Calif.

“Women who cry in the workplace don’t cry because they’re upset. They cry because their pissed.”–Joanne Lipman, author of That’s What She Said: What Men Need To Know (and Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together, at a recent MBA mPower event.

“MBA commends the Senate for confirming Brian Montgomery to lead the Federal Housing Administration. His experience, knowledge and ability will ensure his success in this position. MBA fully supports FHA’s efforts to assist low and moderate income Americans and first-time homebuyers. We look forward to working with Brian Montgomery and the FHA team, and continuing to work with Secretary Ben Carson, to ensure they succeed in their mission.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB.

“The bill marks years’ worth of work by a group of bipartisan Senators and parallel and focused advocacy by the legislative and policy teams at MBA…I want to commend the House of Representatives for joining the Senate and passing this bill which will protect consumers and provide greater access to mortgage credit.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, on House passage of S. 2155, a broad regulatory relief bill.

“All of us have to work together–mortgage bankers, realtors, home builders–to create meaningful change. We don’t have to worry about people wanting to own a home–they do.”–MBA President & CEO David Stevens, CMB, speaking at the MBA National Secondary Market Conference & Expo in New York.

“Despite rising prices and low inventory, sales in 2018 so far are slightly higher than last year, which was the best year on record since the 2006 housing boom. As we enter peak home buying season, new listings will be key in maintaining sales growth and moderating the rapid price increases we’ve seen this year.”–Redfin Chief Economist Nela Richardson.

“This is a pivotal time with rising prices and rates weighing heavily on consumers. Flat to declining home sales volume indicates sellers and buyers are not exactly jumping in with both feet. More of them could be moved off the sidelines if perceived security and confidence in home buying could be restored.” –Joe Melendez, Founder & CEO of ValueInsured, Dallas.

“The strong economy, low unemployment rate, tax refunds and bonuses and home price appreciation were key factors that helped push delinquencies down in the first quarter.”–MBA Vice President of Industry Analysis Marina Walsh.

“Treasury rates increased very slightly over the week, as the general sentiment was that inflation in April was not as strong as expected, despite a solid economic outlook.” –MBA Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting Joel Kan.