News

National Association of Realtors® President Chris Polychron, executive broker with 1st Choice Realty in Hot Springs, Ark., released the following statement in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s announcement of a two-month delay for the implementation of the new Truth in Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosure, or TRID, regulation.

The Department of Energy’s Appliance Efficiency Standards are expected to save 70 quadrillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy and $1 trillion for consumers by the time they turn 40 at the end of the decade. But as “smart grid” technology, new business models for utilities, and appliances that communicate directly with the grid emerge, new opportunities and challenges for existing efficiency standards are likely to arise

This morning, a coalition of organizations that include faith-based, women’s rights groups, community groups and labor unions, united this morning at the City County Building Portico to launch a paid sick days campaign in the city. The coalition is calling on City Council to pass an ordinance providing for one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked

Statement from MBA President & CEO David H. Stevens on news that the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB) will propose an amendment to delay implementation of the new TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) regulation until October 1st

Mortgage applications decreased 5.5 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending June 12, 2015.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced it will escheat at the end of 2015 any remaining uncashed payments made pursuant to the Independent Foreclosure Review (IFR) Payment Agreement so eligible borrowers and their heirs may claim the funds through their states’ escheatment processes

Twenty-two real estate developments have been selected as finalists in the 2015 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Global Awards for Excellence competition, widely recognized as one of the land use industry’s most prestigious award programs. This year’s finalists represent developments from around the globe, including six in Asia, five in Europe, and eleven in North America.

Women are at a distinct disadvantage compared to men in accessing mortgages and refinancing their homes, new Woodstock Institute research report has found. The report found significant gender disparities across all purchase and refinance mortgages at several major banks.

First Solar, Inc.today announced it has set yet another world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) module conversion efficiency, achieving 18.6% aperture efficiency for an advanced full size module. For the first time ever, First Solar has demonstrated a record module that is more efficient than the best multi-crystalline module recorded.

Taking Action to Cut Carbon Pollution and Grow the Economy through the Administration’s Clean Energy Investment Initiative While Doubling Initial Goal of $2 Billion

Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett announced today that the Virgin Islands Port Authority is set to receive additional funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct a $10,000 square foot Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) building at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix

After a seven-year building moratorium in the Natomas basin, the revised FEMA-approved new flood zone status becomes effective June 16. The City Council passed an ordinance for building to resume in Natomas – commercial development and limited resumption of residential development – in late March. With it and the revised flood map taking effect June 16, building permits can start being issued June 16 at the City’s Community Development Department, 300 Richards Blvd.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-MS, today cosponsored a bill authored by Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-VA, and Roy Blunt, R-MO, to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure. The Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment (BRIDGE) Act helps to address the nation’s alarming investment shortfall in maintaining and improving our transportation network, water and wastewater systems and energy infrastructure

The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance and real estate settlement services industries, announced today a 12-state tour aimed to educate homebuyers and real estate professionals about new mortgage closing disclosures that go into effect on August 1. The tour will begin in Texas on June 18 and end in Missouri on September 26

NeighborWorks America today announced that lead grants from JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo Housing Foundation are underwriting the Comeback Communities summit and enabling dozens of nonprofit professionals to attend the one-of-a-kind event here. Comeback Communities is the first step in a national effort designed to identify, explore, celebrate and nurture the essential ingredients of strong, resilient communities.

The Notice has been revised primarily to: (1) incorporate changes authorized by the FY 15 Appropriations bill (e.g., increasing the cap on public housing conversions from 60,000 to 185,000 units), (2) include lessons learned from the previous two years with respect to gaps in policy and better management of transactions, and (3) clarify questions on the Notice that HUD was frequently getting from stakeholders.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Father's Day, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is encouraging communities to support dads living in HUD assisted housing to stay connected with their children. For the fifth consecutive year, hundreds of public housing authorities across the country are participating

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today questioned President Obama’s nominees for the Department of Energy (DOE) on the department’s plans to increase American energy exports and expand opportunities for energy production in the Arctic. The nominees, Mr. Jonathan Elkind for Assistant Secretary of International Affairs and Dr. Monica Regalbuto for Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management, appeared and were approved by the committee last Congress but neither nomination received a vote on the Senate floor

the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced that in April and May it welcomed 21 new regular members to its ranks, which currently numbers more than 2,200 member companies.

MacArthur today announced its progress and plans for $31 million in impact investments to advance innovative energy efficiency financing specifically designed for multifamily housing