Our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects, is where experts share their insights beyond private mortgage insurance to help readers learn about mortgage finance, housing trends, real estate news and social media in the mortgage industry.
Congresswoman Gwen Moore Q&A: A Passion for Housing, Protection, Empowerment
Gwen shares what inspired her to run for public office, the integral role she’s had in shaping housing finance, why Black Americans are experiencing the lowest homeownership rate in decades, and what we can do to fix it.
Ditrick Dunn Q&A: Why Housing Finance is the “Bedrock of our Civilization”
In honor of Black History Month, we reached out to several prominent black leaders in the mortgage industry to celebrate their success, learn from their experience, and gain insight into the challenges facing the mortgage industry today. Today we’re excited to share...
Steve Thomas Q&A: FHLBank’s Role in Expanding Homeownership, Importance of Diversity & Inclusion
In honor of Black History Month, we reached out to several prominent black leaders in the mortgage industry to celebrate their success, learn from their experience, and gain insight into the challenges facing the mortgage industry today. Today we’re excited to share...
Lenny McNeill Q&A: Keys to Affordable Lending, Reaching African Americans, Mentorship
Lenny shares the best advice he received early in his career, explains what motivates him to be a mentor and role model, and offers his thoughts on how to successfully promote affordable lending to bring the possibility of homeownership – and the American dream – to all.
Alanna McCargo Q&A: The Power of Public Policy, Understanding the Black Homeownership Gap
Alanna shares the unconventional journey that led to her current position at the Urban Institute, explains her passion for public policy and housing, and sheds light on the uphill battle for black Americans seeking homeownership before offering up some potential solutions to close the racial homeownership gap.
Sandra Thompson, FHFA Deputy Director Q&A: Balancing Regulation, Access in Housing Finance
Sandra explains how the FHFA’s obligations are really two sides of the same coin, offers advice on finding the right mentor, and shares her thoughts on what she believes is the biggest issue facing housing finance today: rental housing affordability.
2019 Mortgage Industry Recap: Slow Start Gives Way to Strong Finish
2019 will be remembered for high volume, historically low interest rates, Millennials starting to make significant inroads with home purchases, and an economy that hummed along (albeit at a slower pace than other economic expansions).
Why Does Hispanic Homeownership Keep Growing?
The world is finally catching on... Hispanic Heritage Month has prompted some internal reflection on what it means to be Hispanic. It’s funny how a relatively intangible concept like Hispanic Heritage Month has pushed me to look inward. Perhaps it’s the social media...
The Missing Ingredient in GSE Reform
Once you figure out how to get the right quantities of ingredient together, you’re going to get the perfect biscuit, suitable for everything from holding a sausage patty to dipping in molasses. If only GSE Reform were this easy.
MBA’s National Secondary Market Conference & Expo Recap: 2019 Origination Volumes Surging Better Than Expected
A year that started off with doom and gloom from a residential mortgage origination perspective may turn out better than expected and slightly better than last year, according to the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).