MBA’s Stevens Points to Political Impact on Housing’s Future – NMP
Industry News

MBA’s Stevens Points to Political Impact on Housing’s Future

May 22, 2018
The new push by the Trump Administration to bring the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) out of their 11-year federal conservatorship could result in some negative impacts on the wider mortgage market, according to an opinion piece by David H. Steven

In his final trade conference appearance as President and Chief Executive of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), David H. Stevens warned that potential changes in the political landscape could bring a reshuffling of how Washington views the housing and mortgage markets.
 
Stevens linked one of the key issues facing today’s housing market to the post-recession regulatory regimen.
 
“The real problem is that there is not enough housing inventory,” said Stevens in a presentation at the MBA National Secondary Market Conference & Expo. “One of the big challenges in providing homeownership opportunities is simply having more inventory on the market, and that has its own regulatory issues. We have to give home builders the incentives to build more entry level homes.”
 
However, Stevens did not dump the burden solely on the home builders.
 
“All of us have to work together—Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Home Builders—to create meaningful change,” Stevens added. “We don’t have to worry about people wanting to own a home—they do.”
 
Stevens stated that barring another recession, he was “going to remain bullish on the housing market and the economy.” But a change in the political landscape could bring new emphasis to different issues within the federal housing policy debate.
 
“Should the Democrats flip the House, you're going to see a bigger focus on affordable housing,” he predicted, noting that the next presidential election could bring even more change. “The next President could be a Democrat and we could see the deregulation pendulum swing back. We need stability; we need responsible lending; and I worry that we don't self-police ourselves enough.”
 
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
May 22, 2018
Get the NMP Daily
C-Suite Strategies
Activist Investor Calls For loanDepot To Explore Sale

Randian Capital argues the lender’s servicing assets could attract a strategic buyer, but its campaign faces loanDepot’s concentrated insider voting power

A loanDepot shareholder is pressing the mortgage lender’s board to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, arguing that the company’s servicing portfolio could command a higher valuation from a strategic buyer than it receives from public investors.Randia...

Continue reading
Regulation and Compliance
Solidifi Clears FHA Certification For UAD 3.6 Integration

The appraisal management company says it is the first to complete certification for FHA’s modernized EAD platform, giving lender clients an early path toward implementation

Solidifi has completed certification to integrate with the Federal Housing Administration’s Electronic Appraisal Delivery platform under the modernized Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 standard, the appraisal management company announced Wednesday.The company said it is t...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Industry News
Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Industry News
Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Industry News
Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026
President Trump Cancels 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act

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

Industry News
Jun 24, 2026