Servicing Newslinks Archive

“While credit scores play only a limited role in the underwriting process for loans acquired by the Enterprises, their impact on borrower eligibility and loan pricing warrants periodic review. Given that any changes to the existing Enterprise requirements would entail operational challenges that bring with them additional costs, it is important to understand what can be gained from such changes.”–MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, in a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency on credit score requirements.

“Production profits plummeted in the fourth quarter of 2017. Purchase volume was lower in the fourth quarter, in part due to normal seasonality. At the same time, there was no substantial pickup in refinancings.”–MBA Vice President of Industry Analysis Marina Walsh.

“Commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding grew at a slightly slower rate than overall property values. Even so, 2017 marked the strongest year for mortgage debt growth since 2007.”–MBA Vice President of Commercial/Multifamily Economics Jamie Woodwell.

“MBA supports S. 2155 and would urge all Senators to vote to preserve the bill’s key elements throughout the amendment process, and, in turn, to vote in favor of the bill’s final passage at the conclusion of the debate. We applaud and appreciate the collective, bipartisan coalition efforts that led to the crafting of S. 2155 (and the substitute amendment), and believe that these outlined portions of the legislation will remove many of the barriers and regulatory burdens that have impacted consumers’ current access to mortgage credit.”–From an MBA letter in support of legislation under consideration by the Senate that would provide relief from regulatory burdens on the real estate finance industry.

“Commercial and multifamily mortgages ended 2017 continuing to perform extraordinarily well. The market tailwinds of strong fundamentals, increasing property values and ready access to mortgage and other credit all put downward pressure on delinquency rates.”–MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell.

“It’s clear that FHA homeowners in these areas need more help to get back on their feet as they recover from these storms.” –HUD Secretary Ben Carson, announcing further relief measures for FHA borrowers in 2017 hurricane-impacted areas.

“The issue of fair lending is an important one, and MBA has and will continue to advocate for policies that responsibly promote expanding the credit box in order to serve borrowers of all demographics and income levels. Unfortunately, this story does little to contribute to a productive dialogue.”–From an MBA statement in response to a Reveal News analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data and lending practices.

“As we work with policymakers to address the legislative and regulatory burdens that prevent us from providing the service we want to give, we should always keep our families in mind. We continue seeking clarity in the rules with written and reliable guidance all servicers can follow, and all consumers can understand.”–MBA Chairman Dave Motley, CMB, addressing the MBA National Mortgage Servicing Conference & Expo.

“MBA is gratified the Court recognized that the CFPB violated the law when it tried to change longstanding RESPA rules through the enforcement process rather than by issuing a new rule or guidance. This decision notwithstanding, the Bureau still owes the industry clear and constructive guidance on its view of the permissibility under RESPA of arrangements like marketing services agreements. Greater regulatory clarity and consistency on this front will benefit consumers and lenders alike.”–Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman David Motley, CMB.

“Given that this coming wave [of home buyers] will be the most culturally diverse in our nation’s history, we must transform how our companies look in order to better reflect the customers we hope to serve. This is especially important for IMBs and community banks, who are so close and so connected to our communities.”–MBA Chairman David Motley, CMB, addressing the MBA Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference.