President Trump and Fed Governor Lisa Cook in front of a photo of the Federal Reserve Bank
The lawsuit alleges that a move to terminate Lisa Cook would violate the Federal Reserve Act, which requires 'cause' for a governor's removal, and gives Cook the right to notice and a hearing
by Lillian Dickerson Aug 28
Trump says he has ousted Fed governor, defying precedent
Trump has attempted to remove Lisa Cook from the rate-setting board over allegations made by the head of FHFA. Cook has denied wrongdoing and said she would continue serving on the board
Small lenders oppose combining Fannie, Freddie into single entity
Mortgage giants should continue to operate as separate companies and be regulated like utilities with a cap on excessive fees and prohibitions on backing risky loans, industry group maintains
by Matt Carter Aug 22
Agents aren't as spooked by tariffs — but clients are in the crosshairs
Real estate agents' clients were more directly affected by tariff policy in July than in previous months as costs began to stack up for US importers
by Daniel Houston Aug 18
3 social media lead gen lessons from the Trump vs. Powell drama
Capture attention and build relationships by helping your clients navigate the implications of headline-grabbing topics, Josh Ries writes
by Josh Ries Aug 6
Mortgage rates drop with stocks on surprise jobs report and new tariffs
Trump announces new tariffs on dozens of countries beginning Aug. 7, fires BLS commissioner after revised jobs report shows dramatic slowdown in payroll growth in May and June
by Matt Carter Aug 1
Kevin Sears says NAR 'is going in the right direction' since commission suit
At Inman Connect San Diego, Sears was optimistic, but said that NAR membership is projected to drop by 150K members and the organization will face a $30M deficit
by Marian McPherson Jul 30
Elizabeth Warren calls Pulte out for social media attacks on Powell
114 posts in July alone raise 'significant questions about your judgment and commitment to operating FHFA in a responsible, competent, and lawful manner,' Senator scolds regulator
by Matt Carter Jul 21
Outside lawyers, WSJ editorial board urge Trump not to fire Powell
Trump administration would probably lose court battle, lawyers reportedly advise White House, and markets would react badly, 'The Wall Street Journal' editorial board warns
by Matt Carter Jul 18
Trump official: Fed chair to answer for 'ostentatious' renovations
OMB Director Russell Vought put accusations that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell lied to Congress about a $2.5B renovation of the Fed's headquarters in writing Thursday
by Matt Carter Jul 10
Homebuyers rushed to lenders last week as mortgage rates dipped
Rates are on the rebound again as investors weigh how Federal Reserve policymakers will view a strong June jobs report and the Trump administration's threats to impose new tariffs in August
by Matt Carter Jul 9
Job loss fears, mortgage rates weigh on housing sentiment
Fannie Mae survey echoes polls by the University of Michigan and the Conference Board that found uncertainty over Trump administration's tariff policies is weighing on consumer confidence
by Matt Carter Jul 7
FHFA Director Pulte calls on Congress to investigate Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bill Pulte made his pitch in a statement on Wednesday. The FHFA director and President Donald Trump have been trying to pressure Powell to resign amid high interest rates
by Taylor Anderson Jul 2
Fed expected to resist pressure from Trump for July rate cut
As Federal Reserve policymakers await more data confirming that inflation has been tamed, futures markets put the odds of a September rate cut at 90%, up from 64% a week ago
by Matt Carter Jun 25
So far, the conflict with Iran hasn’t nudged the US housing market. But could it?
Economists typically keep their eyes out for 3 key things when assessing whether a Middle East conflict could weigh on U.S. home sales. Here's what they are
by Taylor Anderson Jun 25