Private-Label Mortgage Bonds are Rising From the Grave

CNBC, Mar. 20, 2017–Diana Olick Remember the sliced and diced mortgage-backed bonds that brought down the U.S. economy? They’re back, but their makers say they are nothing like the former bonds–not even close.

GSE Reform Could Significantly Impact Home Finance

Mortgage Daily, Mar. 20, 2017Moody’s Investors Service said reforming the government-sponsored enterprises could have wide-reaching implications for a range of sectors and entities.

Goldman’s Buying of Delinquent Mortgages Not Without Risk

The Hill, Mar. 20, 2017–Bert ElyThe author, principal of Ely & Co. Inc., says restructuring delinquent mortgages is not without its risks, though, as Goldman undoubtedly appreciates, for not all home mortgages can be successfully restructured.

Industry Backs Bill to Prevent G-Fee Raids

Scotsman Guide, Mar. 7, 2017–Victor WhitmanThe Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, the Independent Community Bankers of America and 10 other trade groups recently signed a letter in support of the bill.

Mark Calabria, Pence’s Chief Economist: CFPB Will Survive Trump Administration

HousingWire, Mar. 7, 2017–Ben LaneDespite the concerted effort by members of the Republican Party to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a top Trump administration official told attendees at a conference in Washington that the embattled agency will likely survive the Trump administration.

Federal Reserve to Stop MBS Reinvestments in 2018–Morgan Stanley

GoRion, Mar. 7, 2017–Sam BourgiThe Federal Reserve is on course to end reinvestments of its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) holdings next year, as policymakers attempt to shrink a balance sheet that swelled following the financial crisis, analysts at Morgan Stanley recently predicted.

e-Mortgages to Benefit RMBS Loans

Mortgage Daily, Mar. 7, 2017A new report indicates loans included in residential mortgage-backed securities will benefit from digital mortgages as long as legal issues are addressed.

Watchdog: HUD Lacks Sufficient Oversight for Borrower-Financed Down Payment Programs

HousingWire, Mar. 8, 2017–Ben LaneAccording to the report from its Office of Inspector General, HUD “failed to adequately oversee” billions of dollars in loans that may have “questionable down payment assistance,” thereby putting the FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund at risk because of borrowers with higher than market interest rates.