Raj Date’s history — tenures as both executive and policymaker, with work over the years in financial technology, investment banking, and law — positions him particularly well to offer an informed look at what the future may hold in both the public and private spheres of financial services. Date, who was the first-ever deputy director […]

There was a common theme to just about every conversation at the MBA’s recent conference in San Francisco, says MBA chief economist Mike Fratantoni: “Even though the economy is really pretty good, the mortgage lending business is tough.” Tough in terms of competition, in profitability, in home price growth outpacing buyers’ incomes, in political and […]

Regulation in the mortgage industry, or for any financial product or service provider, is a double-edged sword. Obviously, rules are necessary to protect all parties — consumer, lender, investor, etc. — from predatory practices and just plain bad loan origination. But sometimes regulations, put in place for the best of reasons, overreach and hamstring the […]

A recent MBA article noted that we’re seeing the lowest rate of mortgage delinquencies in 18 years, coupled with  strong employment. That’s true, says Jonathan Glowacki, principal and consulting actuary for Milliman, among the premier firms in the risk management field — but there are some extenuating circumstances behind that low rate. And he expects […]

At first listen, a lot of the advice Jen Du Plessis has for mortgage industry professionals seems elementary: Be genuine, so that people know you can be trusted. Build true relationships with the realtors and others you’re dealing with rather than hope for the occasional referral. Determine your niche — what you’re passionate about and […]

Marcia Davies read “Women in the Workplace” — a comprehensive study of the state of women in corporate America — with some concern. The study was based on surveys and interviews conducted at 279 companies employing more than 13 million employees, and its prime finding was that companies’ stated commitment to gender diversity hasn’t translated […]

New technologies. Demographic shifts. An anticipated downturn. New players in Washington. There’s a world of change for an independent mortgage banker to navigate. But, notes Union Home Mortgage Corp. President and CEO (and former Mortgage Bankers Association chair) Bill Cosgrove, challenge and opportunity are two sides of the coin. “Those companies that have great leadership, […]

You don’t get much more star-power in the mortgage industry than a conversation between Dave Stevens and Michael Bright. When the two recorded a podcast last week, they were speaking their minds freely – something that might not have happened as often in their previous roles. Not that you’d imagine they ever held back too […]

When Pam Patenaude was sworn in for her fourth tour of duty at HUD in 2017, she was already experienced in dealing with disasters. She had been with HUD in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit, and had worked on rebuilding efforts that year after Hurricanes Wilma and Rita. Twelve years later, Patenaude was again tapped […]

The national chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association is optimistic about this point in time for the industry, with new leadership on the public and private sides poised to work together to bring about true GSE reform; to address housing affordability; to promote competition to drive housing costs down. “I think we’re really at a […]