MBA Newslinks Archive

“Zombie foreclosures have dwindled dramatically over the last four years as a supply-starved housing has soaked up even some of the most highly distressed properties. There are still pockets of the country with high zombie foreclosure rates, and high vacant property rates in general, primarily in the Rust Belt and parts of the Northeast and Southeast–driven in large part by a high share of non-owner occupied vacant properties in those areas.”–Daren Blomquist, senior vice president with ATTOM Data Solutions, Irvine, Calif.

“In a matter of just a few years, we found that a large number of units previously affordable to very-low income families could no longer be considered affordable. This is a trend that is worsening.”–Freddie Mac Multifamily Vice President of Research and Modeling Steve Guggenmos.

“Commercial and multifamily markets remain strong, even as many growth measures are exhibiting a bit of a downshift.” –MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell.

“The housing market has been hamstrung by insufficient supply, with inventories of homes remarkably low, given the home price growth we’ve experienced. The job market remains strong; demographic trends are quite favorable; mortgage credit is becoming more available to qualified borrowers; and home prices should continue to rise. All the pieces are in place for stronger growth in 2018 and beyond.”–MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni.

“It’s been an honor to work with the talented staff, strong leadership and diverse membership of MBA.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB.

“A country where it is easier to own a home, start a business and find a job is a country at work. We need to make public-private partnerships a common cause for the welfare of our communities. These alliance work best when HUD and other government agencies work with private enterprises, and not run roughshod over the private sector.”–HUD Secretary Ben Carson, in a keynote address yesterday at the MBA Annual Convention & Expo.

“We are re-imagining” the mortgage business to deliver a better housing finance system–one that moves risk away from the taxpayer, attracts true private capital, provides market discipline and reduces systemic risk.”–Freddie Mac CEO Donald Layton.

“MBA and its members are committed to serving all borrowers in a safe and sustainable manner–including those with limited English proficiency. While we continue to have significant reservations about including a language preference question on the URLA, we appreciate the modest improvements FHFA has made in response to industry feedback and concerns about the GSEs’ consumer testing.”–MBA Senior Vice President for Residential Policy and Member Engagement Pete Mills, in response to a Federal Housing Finance Agency announcement including a question on Limited English Proficiency in its Uniform Residential Loan Application.

“We remain a leader on every front. When it comes to policy, the policymakers in Washington come to us. They rely on our data, our research, our thoughtfulness and our perspective…Why? Because when MBA speaks, everyone knows that we represent all of mortgage finance, from commercial to residential, from bank to non-bank. Our depth of membership and staff talent is unmatched.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB.

“Mr. Montgomery’s prior service as FHA Commissioner, as well as his recent private sector experience, provide him with a unique perspective on the issues facing our nation’s housing and mortgage markets. This experience will serve him well during his second tour as FHA Commissioner, and we are confident that he will bring a deep commitment and focus to the FHA program areas most in need of his time and attention.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, in a letter to Senate Banking Committee leadership.