MBA’s Bob Broeksmit on housing policy priorities in a new administration
Jan 30, 2025
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Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, shares insights on pivotal housing policy priorities amid a new administration. He discusses the potential exit of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship, emphasizing their role in economic recovery. The conversation also covers immediate relief measures for first-time buyers, the push for consumer privacy legislation in mortgage lending, and the importance of industry advocacy in shaping housing policy through initiatives like the Mortgage Action Alliance.
The orderly release of GSEs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship is crucial to stabilize the U.S. housing finance system.
Recent executive orders focus on lowering housing costs and expanding supply, promoting deregulation to benefit first-time and low-income homebuyers.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Smooth GSE Release
A crucial topic discussed emphasizes the need for an orderly release of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship. The current focus is not just on holding them accountable for their actions but also recognizing their vital role in the U.S. housing ecosystem, particularly in maintaining a stable housing finance system. The previous years have seen criticism directed at these entities, but it’s essential to highlight how their stability supports fixed-rate mortgages, which have benefited American households significantly. This approach is aimed at preserving a robust housing finance system while ensuring any transition from conservatorship does not jeopardize the foundations that have supported the recovery of housing after the pandemic.
Executive Orders on Housing Affordability
The discussion also delves into recent executive orders aimed at lowering housing costs and expanding supply, presenting an optimistic outlook for homebuyers. There’s a strong belief that deregulation could streamline the origination process, consequently reducing costs for borrowers. Additionally, the opportunity to adjust the mortgage insurance premium for FHA loans is highlighted, as a reduction could immediately ease the financial burden for first-time and low-income homebuyers. This prompt action could serve as a practical step towards addressing urgent housing affordability issues without requiring extensive legislative processes.
Advocacy and Legislative Action in the Mortgage Industry
The importance of advocacy within the mortgage industry is strongly emphasized, calling for active involvement from industry professionals. The Mortgage Action Alliance provides a platform for individuals to engage in legislative matters, whether to support or oppose pertinent bills. Past efforts included a successful push for trigger leads legislation in the Senate, which ultimately stalled in the House, prompting renewed plans for bipartisan reintroduction. Encouraging widespread participation in events like the National Advocacy Conference is critical, as it directly influences decision-makers regarding significant industry issues.
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, about the trade group’s priorities under the Trump administration.
The HousingWire Daily podcast brings the full picture of the most compelling stories in the housing market reported across HousingWire. Each morning, listen to editor in chief Sarah Wheeler talk to leading industry voices and get a deeper look behind the scenes of the top mortgage and real estate stories. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.