MBA Forecast for Economy: Lookin’ Good! – NMP Skip to main content

MBA Forecast for Economy: Lookin’ Good!

Feb 17, 2017
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has looked into the future, and they are not complaining

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has looked into the future, and they are not complaining.
 
"We're expecting steady, modest growth in the U.S. economy," said MBA Vice President of Research & Economics Lynn Fisher yesterday at the MBA National Mortgage Servicing Conference & Expo. "We're seeing real economic growth in a number of indicators."
 
Fisher noted that as federal unemployment rates decline, employers may find difficulty in attracting workers to meet specific skill-sets. "This in turn is going to drive up wages," she said. "Over the next two years, unemployment will fall to around 4.5 percent, suggesting further tightening on the labor front."
 
Fisher also observed that the Federal Reserve is expected to raise the federal funds rate at least two more times this year, with the first increase mostly likely coming by June. The MBA also predicts the 30-year fixed rate will reach 4.7 percent by the fourth quarter while home prices increase by 4.28 percent and new home sales rise by 10.1 percent.
 
Fisher added that the Millennials and minority communities will be fueling new housing demand in the near future. "If you fast-forward to 2019-2020, this cohort is going to be ready for homeownership," she said. "We're going to build into this—it's a big group—but it's going to take some time." 
About the author
Published
Feb 17, 2017
President Trump Cancels 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act

Trump cancels signing the bipartisan housing bill, leaving affordability package in limbo

Jun 24, 2026
Commercial, Multifamily Mortgage Debt Tops $5 Trillion In Q1

MBA says outstanding debt grew by $26.3 billion in the first quarter, led by multifamily lending and increased holdings from banks, agencies, and life insurers

Jun 18, 2026
Fed Holds Rates Steady, But Outlook Dims For Mortgage Rate Relief

The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged but updated projections show more policymakers expecting additional hikes

Jun 18, 2026
Congress Nears Final Vote On 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Senate voted 87-8 to advance House-amended package, with final votes expected in coming days

Jun 17, 2026
Florida Pending Sales Signal Strong Summer Housing Market

Closed sales rise for a ninth straight month as inventory gives buyers more negotiating power

Jun 16, 2026
Trump Taps Former CFPB Deputy Brian Johnson To Lead Bureau

MBA backs the nomination as lenders await clarity on the future direction of consumer finance regulation under the Trump administration

Jun 12, 2026