Category: Top National News

MarketWatch, Feb. 4, 2019–Andrea RiquierThat data point, courtesy of the Mortgage Bankers Association, is a reminder–perhaps an uncomfortable one–that the mortgage industry must still offer products that make it artificially affordable to get people in the door, with the intention of refinancing later.

National Real Estate Investor, Feb. 04, 2019–Beth Mattson-TeigOne of the big windfalls for real estate professionals in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the opportunity to take up to a 20 percent deduction of income from pass-through entities. But some uncertainty clouding the picture may be taking some of the wind out of the sales of that enthusiasm.

National Mortgage News, Feb. 4, 2019–Paul Centopani (free article)Popular TV shows about house fixers and flippers have sparked consumer interest in remodeling, creating an opportunity for lenders to build a specialty in renovation loans while traditional mortgage lending is weak.

Washington Post, Feb. 1, 2019–Renae MerleA decade after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed under government control, a key Senate Republican on Friday proposed allowing them to return to being private companies.

Journal for Structured Finance, Feb. 2019–Michael FratantoniMBA Chief Economist says lenders that can manage through today’s challenges while continuing to attract customers will be best-position to compete in the years ahead.

Mortgage Professional America, Feb. 4, 2019–Steve RandallProposals to overhaul the US housing finance system set out by Senator Mike Crapo Friday have been welcomed by several industry stakeholders.Among those who have welcomed the proposals is the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB, President and CEO.

Naional Mortgage News, Feb. 1, 2019–Brad Finkelstein (subscription)The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has published a new “frequently asked questions” tool to help mortgage lenders with TILA-RESPA integrated disclosures compliance.

The Hill, Jan. 31, 2019–Lisa Sitkin, Odette WilliamsonThe authors say one aspect of the recent government shutdown that has received too little attention is that it significantly increased the risk that thousands of struggling homeowners across the nation would lose their homes.

Financial Times, Jan. 31, 2019–Ed Crooks (subscription)General Electric‘s new boss took a first step towards ending years of upheaval that has drove the conglomerate from the top tier of American companies, announcing strong revenue growth and a $1.5 billion settlement in a longstanding probe into its role in the 2008 financial crisis.

HousingWire, Jan. 31, 2019–Jessica GuerinThe Federal Housing Finance Agency has named John Roscoe its new chief of staff. Roscoe currently serves as special assistant to the president in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.