MBA Newslinks Archive

“We’ve seen a permanent shift in consumer behavior. We buy experiences now. We’re not moving as much; we’re spending more on home improvements–on experiences that we can enjoy.”–Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president and group head of market insights with MasterCard Advisors, New York.

“MBA has been at the forefront of GSE reform. The conservatorship was never intended as a full time solution. And with a new Administration and a new Congress, we have an opportunity to move the process forward.”–MBA Vice Chairman Chris George.

“You have a number of Federal Reserve officials speaking in a hawkish way, given that we are near full employment and see strong consumer spending.”–MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni, on the likelihood of the Federal Reserve raising the federal funds rate at least three times this year.

“Largely, we are a collection of small businesses. “We operate differently from the large guys; we don’t have the same opportunity of brand. As a small business, we do things large things large businesses can’t–and not necessarily with less compliance, less structure or less policies and procedures.”–MBA Vice Chairman Chris George.

“The difference in survival for mortgage lending firms as we transition from a refinance to a purchase market depends on how quickly and adeptly the lender supports the shift.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB.

“We recognize the Administration’s need to examine the overall health of the insurance program and weigh that against the benefits of lowering mortgage insurance premiums. Given that lenders have already started preparing for the MIP decrease, it is important that any new policy be implemented in a way that minimizes disruption for borrowers and lenders.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB.

“How a building is secured can have a substantial impact on the total costs that its vacant status imposes on its neighbors, the community and society. It impacts future foreclosures and the costs of those foreclosures.”–Former Treasury Assistant Secretary Aaron Klein, author of a study by Community Blight Solutions on the impact of vacant and abandoned properties on neighborhoods and communities.

“Prices of homes backed by FHA loans also accelerated higher in the wake of that last premium cut, although that premium cut occurred concurrently with a drop in mortgage rates, a scenario that is less likely this time around.”–Daren Blomquist, senior vice president with ATTOM Data Solutions, Irvine, Calif.

“Serious delinquency remains key indicator of positive market stability. HOPE NOW tracks those homeowners who are 60+ days delinquent and we have reported a steady total of just under 1.4 million borrowers in November. This is significant decrease from the nearly 2 million borrowers who were seriously delinquent just 24 months ago.”–HOPE NOW Executive Director Eric Selk.