Rocket VP Of Public Policy: Goal Is To Reduce Barriers To Homeownership

By KIMBERLEY HAAS The new vice president of public policy at Rocket Central says his goal is to increase opportunities for people who have historically had difficulties achieving home ownership because of a host of barriers. Karan Kaul, a housing finance veteran who worked as a principal research associate in the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute prior to joining Rocket, said that means focusing on first-time homebuyers, people of color, and low- to moderate-income borrowers. In a recent interview with The Mortgage Note, Kaul said a well-documented hurdle to homeownership is a lack of an adequate down payment, especially with the increase in home prices over the last decade. “So what can we do to make sure…

Industry Concerns Shared At MBA Conference In Washington, DC

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Attendees at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Advocacy Conference shared concerns about housing affordability, trigger leads, and changes to the loan-level price adjustment matrix. The conference was held last week at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. MBA members learned about the political and market landscapes on Tuesday before speaking with their elected state representatives on Wednesday. Over 300 members from 39 states participated in those Capitol Hill meetings. Kellie Allen, vice president of production at Synergy One Lending, was at the conference representing Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association. She was looking forward to talking about the challenges members of her association are facing. “Affordable housing is a huge one, of course, and then one of the big…

MBA’s National Advocacy Conference Kicks Off In Washington, DC

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Members of the Mortgage Bankers Association are gathered in Washington this week to advocate for legislative reforms that could benefit the industry and consumers. The National Advocacy Conference started on Tuesday morning at the JW Marriott with a general session about the current political landscape. Robert Broeksmit, president and CEO of the MBA, told those in attendance that elected representatives want to know what is happening in their states and how they can better serve their constituents. While highlighting victories for the industry, Broeksmit said he was delighted that Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Julia Gordon announced a reduction in mortgage insurance premiums at the MBA Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo in Orlando this past February. It’s a…