Zillow and the Bipartisan Policy Center to Host Housing Forum in Washington, D.C.

“Getting Our House in Order: Solving the Lingering Issues of the Housing Recession” Scheduled for Oct. 24 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

SEATTLE, WA – October 8, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — After more than five years of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conservatorship, now is the time to move past the temporary fixes that were put in place during the crisis and create a functional and sustainable housing finance system. But with so many plans being put forward, it can be confusing for consumers to understand how changes to the mortgage finance system might affect them. What is in store for the future of mortgage finance? How will the reform of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) evolve with the housing recovery?

To answer some of these questions, Zillow®, the leading real estate information marketplace, along with the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) will host a full-day event entitled “Getting Our House in Order: Solving the Lingering Issues of the Housing Recession,” Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

Full details of the Washington, D.C., event are below, and guests can register for this free forum here. The event is open to the press. More information and updates about speakers can be found here.

Getting Our House in Order: Solving the Lingering Issues of the Housing Recession

Oct. 24, 2013, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.

Keynote Addresses by:
Carol Galante
Acting Federal Housing Administration Commissioner and Assistant Secretary for Housing

Edward Joseph DeMarco
Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency

Top Housing Experts and Policymakers Will Debate and Discuss in Two Moderated Panels:

A Full Appraisal: An Independent View of GSE Reform Prospects, Pitfalls and Possibilities
Hear new ideas and views on the housing finance system in the United States from the top housing experts in the public and private sectors

and

Blueprints for the Future: Plans and Proposals for GSE Reform
Panel discussion of the various plans for reforming the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, followed by an interactive Q&A session with consumers

“Housing finance reform is a critical, complex issue with the potential to affect virtually every American homeowner and potential home buyer. It is vital that we find ways to bridge the gap between the complexity of mortgage finance, on the one hand, and the expectations and preferences of consumers on the other hand. We’re excited to have the opportunity to hear directly from proponents of various reform plans and help frame the conversation in a way that allows consumers to better understand how each plan affects them,” said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. “I’m delighted to be able to partner with the Bipartisan Policy Center, which already has been so engaged around the country in helping people better understand the issues and options. They share our view that there is a lot at stake in this debate as we lay the groundwork for the future of American housing finance today.”

“The Bipartisan Policy Center is pleased to partner with Zillow and offer a unique opportunity for policy leaders to connect with stakeholders across the country for an important conversation about the future of our housing finance system,” said Pam Patenaude, director of housing policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “While we welcome the recent flurry of activity in Washington on housing finance reform, there is still no clear plan for Fannie and Freddie nor a clear vision of what our nation’s mortgage system should look like in the years ahead. With its recommendations and events like this, the BPC Housing Commission continues its work to fill the policy void on how best to move forward.”

In advance of this forum, Humphries hosted a series of Q&A sessions on the topic of GSE reform. Most recently, Barry Zigas, director of housing policy for the Consumer Federation of America and a member of the Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission, discussed the recommendations laid out in the commission’s February 2013 report. In September, Humphries spoke with Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Mark Warner, D-Va., co-sponsors of Senate Bill 1217.

This will be the fourth housing forum hosted by Zillow. In April “The Future of Housing: What’s Next for Housing Demand, Mortgage Finance, and Recovery” was also held in Washington, D.C. While previous forums have been oriented to legislators, policymakers, analysts and industry professionals, this upcoming forum will include more participation by American homeowners, buyers, sellers and renters. Viewers interested in participating in the event should submit their questions using the hashtag #HousingFuture. The forum will be live-streamed on Zillow.com.