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Jul 10, 2019 12:30 PM

Economic Expansion Hits 10-year Mark but Slowing Noted: Fed

The continuing American economic expansion has become the longest in history after hitting the 10-year mark on July 1, bringing unemployment to a 50-year low and dropping inflation to negligible levels, according to Federal Reserve policymakers, HousingWire reported July 3. However, the benefits from recent tax cuts are showing signs of wearing off, and GDP is expected to slow.

Jun 19, 2019 12:30 PM

FHFA Director to Congress: End Fannie, Freddie Conservatorship

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be returned to private hands, and doing so could reduce taxpayer risk, promote competition and support homeownership, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria stated June 11 in a letter accompanying his annual report to Congress, Bloomberg reported. Calabria said the housing finance system needs to be more sustainable.

Jun 19, 2019 12:30 PM

Freddie Mac Introduces CMBS Program Backed by Green Bonds

Freddie Mac on June 10 unveiled a commercial mortgage-backed security program backed by loans made to apartment building owners who perform sustainable property improvements, Bloomberg reported. The green bond will exclusively securitize loans made through Freddie’s Green Advantage program.

Jun 19, 2019 12:30 PM

Properties Located in Opportunity Zones Show Sales Growth: Real Capital Analytics

Interest in properties located within opportunity zones is rising, which is spurring owners of lower-quality assets to finally sell, according to a study released June 10 by Real Capital Analytics, GlobeSt.com reported. The study noted, however, many of the properties have deferred maintenance and are not selling for top dollar.

Jun 12, 2019 12:30 PM

Local Governments Have Worst Homebuilding Regulations: FHFA

Local municipalities need to reduce the number of regulations and the costs associated with them in order to spur homebuilding, Mark Calabria, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, told attendees June 3 at a conference in Washington, HousingWire reported. Calabria said the supply of homes under construction is not enough to keep up with demand.

Jun 12, 2019 12:30 PM

Fannie, Freddie Launch Uniform Mortgage-backed Security

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on June 3 launched the Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security, completing the their single-security initiative, MReport reported. The government-sponsored enterprises expect more efficiency and liquidity in the housing market, but critics argue that the UMBS won’t lower mortgage rates as touted.

Jun 12, 2019 12:30 PM

40% of Surveyed Economists Said They Expect a Fed Rate Drop Within the Next Year

Forty percent of economists who responded to Bankrate’s Second-Quarter Economic Indicator survey released June 6 said they believe that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates in the next year. Respondents cited escalating U.S. tensions with China, slowing international growth and depleting fiscal stimulus as key factors.

Jun 05, 2019 12:30 PM

Licensed Alabama Appraisers Now Can Begin Performing Evaluations

Alabama enacted legislation, effective May 29, allowing state-licensed appraisers to perform evaluations for federally regulated financial institutions.

Jun 05, 2019 12:30 PM

Louisiana Appraisers May Start Performing Evaluations Aug. 1

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on May 30 signed HB 340, legislation that allows appraisers in the state to provide evaluations for federally insured depository institutions. The law takes effect Aug. 1.

Jun 05, 2019 12:30 PM

PACE Financing, HMDA Act Among Top Rulemaking Priorities for CFPB for the Year

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published its rulemaking agenda May 22, revealing that two of the biggest regulatory matters it will focus on over the next year will be financing for property assessed clean energy loans and new rules related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. The agenda covers rulemaking through April 30, 2020.

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