MBA Newslinks Archive

“Market momentum has continued in 2017, with strong demand from borrowers and a strong appetite to lend by lenders, especially of loans going to government-related entities.”–MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell.

“Moves among mortgages, bank cards and autos have tended to offset one another over the past year. As a result, no sector is currently showing substantial increases or signs that consumers are facing renewed financial stress. Other economic indicators through the summer echo consumers’ favorable condition: debt service as a proportion of income is modest while consumer credit and mortgage borrowing continues to see moderate expansion.”–David Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the Index Committee with S&P Dow Jones Indices, New York.

“As blue counties are becoming increasingly less affordable, we see a great number of residents moving to red counties where they can afford the lifestyle they want.”–Redfin Chief Economist Nela Richardson.

“In isolation, we would fight against modification to the mortgage interest deduction very hard. [But]we want to remain open-minded and involved in those proposals. If there’s a trade-off that gets you ultimately to the same outcome, we’re open to it.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, to Politico.

“We firmly believe that Congress and the administration have a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to overhaul the tax code in a manner that will spur long-term economic growth, create jobs and place more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, in a letter to House, Senate and Administration leaders.

“The commercial and multifamily real estate industry makes a significant contribution to the nation’s economy–contributing to America’s gross domestic product, employing millions of people and producing a significant amount of the taxes raised by local governments for essential public services. Without adequate credit capacity for this important sector, jobs and tax revenue will be lost.”–from an MBA/trade group letter supporting legislation that would improve the High Volatility Commercial Real Estate bank capital rule.

“Data released last week, on balance, suggested continued strong economic growth. In combination with hawkish comments from some Fed officials, this pushed rates up.”–MBA Associate Vice President for Industry Surveys and Forecasting Joel Kan.

“Mortgage credit availability increased in September due to continuing updates to conforming loan programs as well as agency jumbo programs that have been phased in over the last few months. For the year to date, the supply of credit has increased only modestly in the non-jumbo space while it has expanded significantly among jumbo programs.”–MBA Vice President of Research and Economics Lynn Fisher.

“Falling interest rates in the third quarter provided enough of a cushion to counteract rising home prices in most U.S. markets and provide at least some temporary relief for the home affordability crunch. More sustainable relief for the affordability crunch, however, will need to be some combination of slowing home price appreciation and accelerating wage growth.” –Daren Blomquist, senior vice president with ATTOM Data Solutions.

“Hacking is easy. Personal information is cheap and you don’t even have to go on the Dark Web to buy it.”–Christa Lynn Greco, intelligence analyst in the criminal investigative division with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.