The Supreme Court on Friday ruled in a 6-3 decision that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under a federal law intended for national emergencies, a decision that marks a rare defeat for the administration at the high court, which holds a 6-3 conservative majority. The court found that Trump’s use […]
Trump’s tariffs overturned by Supreme Court in 6-3 decision Read More »
The Housing for the 21st Century Act — a sweeping housing reform package moving through Congress — is the boldest step yet in a broad federal push to increase housing supply and improve affordability. The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish “best practices” for states and local governments
What the Housing for the 21st Century Act means for real estate agents, lenders Read More »
As housing affordability remains strained, policymakers and industry leaders are weighing how regulation, mortgage markets and tax policy shape access to homeownership. Isaac Boltansky, head of public policy at Pennymac, fielded questions on the matter from Robb Van Raaphorst, senior vice president at Rational 360. Boltansky said debate in Washington, D.C., reflects growing urgency around
Pennymac leader on policy shifts to ease homeownership barriers Read More »
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady Wednesday in a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision was widely expected as little has changed since December in the balance of risks tied to its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability, economists said. “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been
Federal Reserve keeps benchmark rate unchanged Read More »
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an executive order that allows the federal government to override state and local regulations during recovery efforts from last year’s Los Angeles wildfires, arguing that California authorities have slowed rebuilding. The order directs federal agencies to bypass state and local permitting processes for federally funded disaster recovery projects, asserting
Trump executive order overrides Los Angeles wildfire rebuilding plan Read More »
The Federal Reserve is set to wrap up what’s expected to be an uneventful two-day meeting on Wednesday. Mortgage rates remain in the low-6% range and aren’t likely to swing one way or the other as policymakers should keep benchmark rates unchanged. Mortgage News Daily reported Monday that 30-year fixed rates averaged 6.17%, down 4
Mortgage rates steady ahead of Fed’s January meeting Read More »
President Donald Trump has floated proposals to make it easier for Americans to pull from their 401(k) retirement accounts to buy a home — framing the idea as a way to boost homeownership and financial stability. But financial experts say the strategy could undermine long-term financial security, particularly as housing costs rise and retirement savings
Tapping a 401(k) for homeownership is risky business, experts say Read More »
During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday President Donald Trump outlined three policy initiatives he was undertaking to help improve housing affordability for American consumers. In the speech, he did discuss his “ban” on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, his direction to the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to acquire up
Real estate leaders applaud Trump’s focus on housing, but question the impact Read More »
President Donald Trump’s expected proposal to allow Americans to tap their 401(k) retirement accounts without penalties to fund down payments could ease one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, but it could come at the cost of weakening long-term retirement security. The idea was absent from Trump’s speech on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum
Trump’s 401(k) proposal could help homebuyers, hurt retirement funds Read More »
Housing industry participants will closely watch President Donald Trump in Davos, where he is expected to outline measures aimed at improving housing affordability. His speech is expected for Wednesday. Potential initiatives include ideas Trump has already floated on social media, such as encouraging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to expand their purchases of mortgage-backed securities
Trump heads to Davos with housing ideas as industry looks for concrete fixes Read More »