Some $8.60 billion of conforming jumbos flowed into GSE mortgage-backed securities issued during the first quarter, an 11.0% decline from the previous quarter.
“The year started with hopes for housing momentum growth, but risks with respect to the Iran war, energy costs and declines for consumer confidence have slowed the market,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB.
Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni said that amid deteriorating immigration and fertility rates, and a flood of new construction in single- and multifamily sectors, it’s become harder to back up claims of a major housing shortage.
Craig Trainor, assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD, warned fair housing advocates that if they aren't compliant with the law, he would bring an "investigative storm" against them.
“Purchase activity remained subdued as potential homebuyers remained hesitant given the current economic uncertainty,” said Joel Kan, a vice president and deputy chief economist at the MBA.