MBA Newslinks Archive

“We are in for many more years of elevated levels of negative equity. Even as median home values close in on peak levels reached during the housing boom, some people still face a long wait before returning to a positive balance on their home loans.”–Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell.

“G-fees are a critical risk management tool used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect against losses from loans that default. Increasing g-fees for other purposes imposes an unjustified burden on homeowners who would pay for any increase through higher monthly payments for the life of their loan.”–From an MBA/trade group letter urging support of a House bill that would prohibit use of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guaranty fees to offset other budget spending.

“The growth and success of our virtual career fairs speaks to the interest that students have in a career in mortgage banking. MBA is proud to play a role in helping its members identify their ‘workforce of the future’ and we look forward to further growing this program.”–Peter Grace, MBA Senior Vice President of Strategy & Member Services. 

“His commitment to bolster America’s real estate markets and assist communities nationwide will serve him well in his new role. MBA looks forward to working with the Secretary and his team at HUD to ensure that families all across our country have access to safe, decent and affordable housing.”Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, on Senate confirmation of Ben Carson as HUD Secretary.

“The increase in refinance originations is surprising given the rising interest rates in the fourth quarter, but many homeowners may have been trying to lock in still relatively low interest rates before those interest rates rose further.”–Daren Blomquist, senior vice president with ATTOM Data Solutions, Irvine, Calif.

“The remodeling industry should see numerous growth opportunities over the next decade. Strong demand for rental housing has opened up that segment to a new wave of capital investment, and the shortage of affordable housing in much of the country makes the stock of older homes an attractive option for buyers willing to in invest in upgrades.”–Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

“Rising rates and nominal home price growth are outpacing the influence of strong income growth, leading to declining affordability for first-time home buyers. However, housing remains as affordable as it was in late 2009.”–First American Financial Corp. Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

“While it’s been tough for homebuyers to buoy existing home sales because of low inventory, it looks like there is much potential for new homes sales to run higher.”–Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist with Trulia, San Francisco.

“My hunch is that the next FHA commissioner should buckle his or her chinstrap.”–Former FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery, now vice chair of the Collingwood Group, Washington, D.C.

“Clients are telling us it’s harder to find a deal that makes sense as rent growth begins to slow. Borrowers don’t want to make a mistake.”–Gregg Gerken, Executive Vice President with TD Bank, Cherry Hill, N.J.