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ICBA Welcomes CFPB Final Rule Implementing ICBA-Advocated Changes to Qualified Mortgage Rules
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) welcomed today’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau final rule that broadens the small-creditor designation under its Qualified Mortgage rule. The ICBA-advocated change will allow more community banks to receive QM legal safe-harbor protection for mortgage loans they originate and retain in portfolio.
Fresh Perspectives on Multifamily Investment Trends
As part of the program for the 2015 NMHC Board of Directors and Advisory Committee meeting, six young multifamily investment sales professionals discussed the best investment opportunities in their respective geographic markets, which buyers and sources of capital are succeeding in allocating capital and what innovation their industry may bring to the market.
Multifamily Mortgage Debt Hits $1 Trillion in Second Quarter as Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Debt Continues...
The level of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding increased by $38.5 billion in the second quarter of 2015, as three of the four major investor groups increased their holdings. That is a 1.4 percent increase over the first quarter of 2015
Consumers Energy Highlights Safety Messages from Michigan Elementary Students in Annual Calendar
Consumers Energy has recognized the artistic talents of students across Michigan elementary schools by featuring their drawings about electric and natural gas safety into its 2015-16 kids safety calendar.
NAHB Study Reveals What “Green” Means to Home Buyers
What do consumers think of green homes? And, what are the most important elements of a green-built home? Builders and other industry professionals now have an opportunity to find out what green means to home buyers with a new publication from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Representatives Set to Testify Next Week at Institute’s Hearing on Productivity and the Workforce
The National Institute of Building Sciences has released the schedule of testimony for the Representative Hearing on Productivity and the Workforce, to be held September 25, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm EDT, at the Institute’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C
Outdoor Living Spaces and Smart Home Technology Top Homeowner Preference
Homeowners continue to prioritize investing in outdoor living spaces and there has been a significant surge in popularity in adding technology and systems that can help automate energy consumption .These findings are from the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey covering activity during the second quarter of 2015 that focused on emerging home features: systems, technologies and special function rooms in the home.
Greenpeace Report Finds 100 Percent Renewable Energy Possible by 2050
Greenpeace released its 2015 Energy [R]evolution report, which finds that a global phase out of fossil fuels and shift towards 100 percent renewable energy is possible by 2050. The analysis, researched in collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), shows that the transition to renewables would create jobs and be cost competitive. The necessary investment in clean energy would be more than covered by future savings in fuel costs
EPA Encourages Homeowners and Communities to Maintain Septic Systems During SepticSmart Week
“Proper septic maintenance can improve water quality across the nation,” said Ken Kopocis, Deputy Assistant Administrator in EPA’s Office of Water. “Maintenance can also prevent expensive malfunctions and save homeowners significant sums of money. It’s good for our environment and our economy.”
Farm Bureau Prepares to Ask Supreme Court to Throw out the Chesapeake Bay Clean...
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and its allies, including the National Association of Homebuilders, made it clear that they intend to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn two lower court decisions upholding the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint. The AFBF requested an extension of time to ask the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of their lawsuit challenging the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint
Existing-Home Sales Stall in August, Prices Moderate
Following three straight months of gains, existing–home sales dipped in August despite slowing price growth and a positive turnaround in the share of sales to first–time buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors®. None of the four major regions experienced sales increases in August.
Architects Issue Statement on DOE’s Net-Zero Energy Building Definition
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the Department of Energy’s release of a common definition of a zero energy building, or what is also referred to as a “net zero energy” or “zero net energy” building. Please attribute to AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA
New Solar Career Mapping Tool Launched by IREC at Solar Power International
A new, highly interactive Solar Career Map launched today by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is designed for workforce professionals, educators, policymakers and job seekers. It explores an expanding universe of solar-energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the high-quality training necessary to do them well.
First NAMB #MortgagePro Social Media Contest Winner Announced
The Association of Mortgage Professionals, announced today that John Yeager, Branch Manager of Summit Mortgage in Valley Center, California, has won the first NAMB Social Media Contest. Over the past several months mortgage professionals from across the country have been encouraged to tell the world what makes them a mortgage professional and to use the #MortgagePro hashtag when they do.
23rd Annual Evening With The Stars Of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner Highlights Achievements Of...
The Alliance to Save Energy is proud to host the 23rd annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. This year’s Awards Dinner, affectionately referred to as the ‘Energy Prom’, welcomes 400 key players and influencers within the energy efficiency field to gather and celebrate the achievements of individuals, companies and policymakers
Housing Starts Edge Lower in August, Permits Up
Nationwide housing starts dropped 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.126 million units in August, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. Overall permit issuance rose 3.5 percent to a rate of 1.170 million.
DOE Releases Common Definition for Zero Energy Buildings, Campuses and Commu
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reached a significant milestone in bringing the building community together by releasing a common definition for a zero energy building, or what is also referred to as a “net zero energy” or “zero net energy” building
Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families during first national A Brush with Kindness Week
Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Valspar, Habitat’s national paint partner, and Wells Fargo to launch the first national A Brush with Kindness Week, Sept. 19-26. A Brush with Kindness Week is a nationwide effort to transform neighborhoods by painting, landscaping and providing minor exterior home repairs in partnership with low-income homeowners, many of whom are elderly or have a disability.
Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications decreased 7.0 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending September 11, 2015. The week's results included an adjustment for the Labor Day holiday.
Federal Judge Says Cross Point’s Contractor Must Rehire Janitors
An administrative law judge has ruled that the cleaning contractor, Emerald Green Building Services, engaged in unlawful actions when it refused to hire incumbent janitors at Cross Point Towers, Lowell’s premier office building, and Nagog Park, an office park in Acton. The judge found that Emerald Green unlawfully refused to hire the incumbent workers because of their affiliation with the labor union 32BJ SEIU.
