Tag Archives: Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae announced the unveiling of HomeView en Español, a new resource available to help Latino communities and further address the homeownership gap in America.

Month-over-month, HUD and the Census Bureau reported an 8.7% drop-off in new home sales in August, with sales impeded by mortgage rates over the 7% mark.

The semi-annual Legal League Fall Servicer Summit was held as part of the Five Star Conference & Expo in Dallas, as the industry's foremost experts discussed the latest compliance issues facing the industry.

Five finalists have been named for the Five Star Institute Keys in Hand Award, shining the light on women in the industry who have spearheaded efforts to increase homeownership opportunities for all.

“Mortgage rates once again breached the 7% mark in August, hitting a 22-year high and doing no favors for consumer sentiment,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae SVP and Chief Economist.

“When remote work is coupled with the reported rise in the importance of affordability, it's not surprising that respondents expressed a greater willingness to live farther from their current location,” noted a Fannie Mae report. “Of course, renters indicated the greatest affordability concerns, as well as a willingness to consider areas farther away from their current location.”

While the “if” and “when” of a recession remain uncertain, the Fannie Mae Economic and Strategic Research Group does forecast one to occur, expected to begin in the first half of 2024—despite increased chances of a “soft landing.”

“U.S. housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.452 million, which is 3.9% above the downward revised June estimate of 1.398 million and is 5.9% above the July 2022 rate of 1.371 million,” First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi said.

Matt Stepanovich of SingleSource Property Solutions discusses big data’s role in standardizing property valuations and the future of appraisal modernization.

An upcoming webinar presented by the Five Star Institute and Brookstone Management will examine the responsibilities of home preservation experts in combating blight, returning foreclosed properties to the market, and protecting property values.