The Lede

Delinquency rates for commercial and multifamily mortgage loans remained low in the third quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest Commercial/Multifamily Delinquency Report.

After a brief uptick in October the commercial mortgage-backed delinquency rate resumed its long-term downward trajectory in November, reported Trepp LLC, New York.

Several factors could trigger the next recession, but it's unlikely a sharp downturn in commercial real estate will be the cause, said Wells Fargo Securities, Charlotte, N.C.

The Mortgage Bankers Association weighed in yesterday on proposed changes to the High Volatility Commercial Real Estate risk-based capital rule, offering recommendations on implementation issues and expressing concerns about certain rule interpretations.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency yesterday announced a nearly 7 percent increase in conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2019.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 3, 2018--Bonnie Sinnock (subscription)Private-label residential mortgage-backed securitization is approaching a post-crisis peak, according to Kroll Bond Rating Agency.

HousingWire, Dec. 3, 2018--Kelsey RamirezLenders reported a lower net production income in the third quarter this year, down from the previous quarter and the previous year and reaching a new low for the third quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

American Banker, Dec. 3, 2018--Hannah Lang (subscription)One particular difference between a House Financial Services Committee likely led by Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., and her GOP predecessor could be a newfound focus on affordable housing issues.

National Mortgage Professional, Nov. 30, 2018--Phil HallCongress passed a seven-day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, hours before its scheduled expiration.

HousingWire, Nov. 30, 2018--Jessica GuerinHECM lenders can enter their loan data into FHA Connection and receive an immediate, automatic response on whether or not a second appraisal will be required before the loan can proceed, curbing some concerns about how much time a second appraisal would add to the loan process.

The Mortgage Leader, Nov. 29, 2018Independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks reported a net gain of $480 on each loan they originated in the third quarter, down from a reported gain of $580 per loan in the second quarter, according to the Quarterly Mortgage Bankers Performance Report from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

HousingWire, Nov. 29, 2018--Alcynna LloydMortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni cites California's recent wildfires as cause for concern. "The hurricanes in the South and wildfires in the West likely impacted both month's numbers and continue to cloud the picture of the housing market's overall strength," Fratantoni said.

HousingWire, Nov. 29, 2018--Jessica GuerinThe former commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration--who recently stepped down as president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association--posted a comment about HECMs on LinkedIn last week that ignited a chain of heated commentary about the product.

American Banker, Nov. 29, 2018--Kate Berry (subscription)A motion to limit debate on Kraninger's nomination passed along strictly party lines, 50-49, advancing the nominee to a final vote.

The Press-Enterprise (Calif.), Nov. 29, 2018--Jeff LazersonIt's a trifecta for Southern California mortgage shoppers as the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA (Fannie and Freddie's conservator and regulator), boosted local conforming and so-called agency high-balance or super-conforming loan limits three years in a row.

The Mortgage Leader, Nov. 29, 2018According to the analysis, losses from the Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in the state's history, are estimated to be between $11 billion and $13 billion. In addition, losses from the Woolsey Fire in Southern California are estimated to be an additional $4 billion to $6 billion.