Larger credit unions are increasingly acquiring community banks and reducing mortgage lending in local communities, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Democrats in the House offered 14 housing-related bills, many with bipartisan support.

Still, experts believe more can be done to educate borrowers on availability of downpayment programs.

Fannie Mae economists slightly increased their mortgage rate projections for the remainder of the year despite widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut the federal funds rate in September.

Industry executives believe artificial intelligence can improve risk management and help reduce insurance premiums and property taxes.

Some $324 million in congressionally appropriated funding for the CDFI Fund has yet to be released by the Trump administration.

The Mortgage Bankers Association and other groups supported the wide-ranging bill which is aimed at housing affordability. MBA, though, raised some concerns about appraisal reforms included in the package.

The FHLBanks responded forcefully to complaints that they fail to live up to their affordable housing mission and that they are a threat to the financial system.

Many stakeholders remain skeptical of the Trump administration’s efforts to release the GSEs from conservatorship, but some analysts now say the process need not meaningfully impact mortgage rates.

Housing Secretary Scott Turner refuted the notion that the federal government would sell national park land for housing development.