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Sometimes there is no shortcut when you want to make a lot of money. Speaking of making money, and creating wealth for clients, owning real estate continues to be a good investment. The National Association of Realtors tells us that more than 85 percent of metro markets registered home price increases in the fourth quarter of 2023. Its latest quarterly report reports that fifteen percent of the 221 tracked metro areas experienced double-digit price gains over the same period, up from 11 percent in the third quarter. In the lending world, according to Curinos, January 2024 funded mortgage volume increased 3 percent year over year but decreased 4 percent versus the previous month. The average 30-year conforming retail funded rate in January was 6.86%, -39bps lower than December and 47bps higher than the same month last year. Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures. (Today’s Commentary podcast can be found here a
Although he is correct less than half the time, groundhog Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this morning, meaning an early spring is likely. At the other end of the “cute spectrum,” Elon Musk is increasing his control of the roads with Tesla, in internet communications with his Starlink satellites, access to outer space via SpaceX, and now… people’s brains through neural implants. It appears that we’re living in a science fiction novel… and we know how those typically end. Yes, his compensation made headlines this week, but he’s obviously in it for “the long game.” Mr. Musk can work from anywhere, but what about you? Are you back in the office after the pandemic from years ago? Plenty of LOs, AEs, and commentary writers have always worked remotely, but others, not so much. Here’s something to add some fuel to the debate: more proof from the University of Pittsburgh that RTO (return to office) mandates ar
Ahead of Groundhog Day tomorrow, one realizes that our industry certainly has its share of unexpected ups and downs. The latest example of a “down” is Mike Gill, a SVP of Capital Markets at the Housing Policy Council, who is fighting for his life after a shooting during a car-jack. Let’s all think positive thoughts! In other “people who make a difference” news, Brian Levy has some nice words to say about ex-MBA president and FHA Commissioner Dave Stevens in his most recent Mortgage Musings. Levy highlighted how Stevens’ death is a big loss for housing finance thought leadership, especially for an industry already quite low on the supply of independent thought leaders. (Dave’s Life Celebration will be held tomorrow, February 2nd from 2-5:30 at Capitol One Hall, Tyson’s Corner, Virginia.) Today’s Commentary podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Calque. With The Trade-In Mortgage powered by Calque, l
Now is about the time when you stop saying “Happy New Year,” either because it is no longer relevant, or you’ve forgotten who you’ve said it to. Lenders and vendors know that the “ability to repay” rules are both relevant and should not be forgotten, and attorney and Mortgage Musing blog author Brian Levy’s latest Musing’s discusses the importance of the Dodd Frank Act’s Ability to Repay Rule and how that keeps both lenders and borrowers from giving the housing industry the kind of hangover it had starting in 2008. Levy also discusses the CFPB’s recent Colony Ridge enforcement action involving, among other things, fair lending, LEP language exploitation, and violations of the Interstate Land Sales and Full Disclosure Act of 1968. Talk about mission-creep! While we’re on the CFPB, it’s HMDA season! 4-6,000 lenders out there have begun filling out paperwork: more below. (Today’s podcast can be foun