A recent Institute for Supply Management survey shows that, by margins of more than four-to-one, companies that were increasing their capital spending plans because of an “improved business outlook” rather than “prospects for regulatory reform.” At the same time, businesses and consumers are still awaiting evidence that President Donald Trump and Congress can quickly enact and implement legislation covering tax cuts,…
The debate continues over whether FHA should reduce their required annual or up-front mortgage insurance premiums. A prior cut was canceled by the Trump Administration. Now with markets improving, the new HUD Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson, says FHA may consider a cut. But, only if in the best interest of the FHA insurance fund and consumers. FHA delinquencies are down…
In ongoing efforts to increase homeownership rates and provide home financing to underserved markets, both Fannie and Freddie are entering the mobile home financing market. This is part of their ‘Duty to Serve’ requirements under the 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act that I mentioned in an earlier blog. The intent is to expand the market for the purchase of,…
It seems like forecasting the level of new loan mortgage originations is getting like forecasting the weather. There are a number of pretty good indicators. But, things keep changing which makes it difficult to get it just right. Initially, the outlook was for rising interest rates, declining refi’s, and a bullish new purchase market. Fannie had predicted that 2017 would…
I find it quite interesting to scan the daily headlines covering housing and mortgage lending. (I know, I gotta get a life!) Seriously, some recent headlines indicated: Mortgage rates tumble, but may head back up; Rates at 2017 low and may stay low; Application volume is down; but Credit availability is up What’s your take on rates, the housing market,…
With a shift in the mortgage market from refinances to purchase loans, what are the main concerns of most mortgage lenders? The main area over the past few years, when rates were low, was the increasing regulations that hampered lending and definitely increased costs. Not so anymore, according to a recent Moody’s Investors Service survey In 2017, Regulatory concerns have…
