MBA Newslinks Archive

“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.

“The issue of fair lending is an important one, and MBA has and will continue to advocate for policies that responsibly promote expanding the credit box in order to serve borrowers of all demographics and income levels. Unfortunately, this story does little to contribute to a productive dialogue.”–From an MBA statement in response to a Reveal News analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data and lending practices.

“We still see windows open for good construction and permanent loans, especially on apartments and well-leased commercial properties.”–Paul Hanson, Managing Director with Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee.