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WASHINGTON (February 7, 2019) – This morning at the National Association of Realtors®’ GSE Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., CEOs from the American Bankers Association, Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Home Builders gathered to discuss industry priorities for reforms to the nation’s housing finance system. At the panel moderated by Politico’s Lorraine Woellert, the future of the GSEs was discussed by the leaders of some of the nation’s preeminent housing finance and real estate trade groups.
National Association of REALTORS®
“NAR was thrilled to have the CEOs from ABA, MBA and NAHB join us to evaluate challenges facing America’s housing finance system as an end to conservatorship is debated,” NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said. “The industry is united in our desire to ensure any reforms to the GSEs secure a government guarantee, ensure equal access for lenders of all sizes, promote consumer affordability, maintain broad consumer access and protect the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. NAR is grateful to have the opportunity to continue working toward these goals with ABA, MBA and NAHB.”
Goldberg was unable to participate in the forum due to a sudden and unavoidable back procedure. In his place, NAR President-Elect Vince Malta joined Rob Nichols, Bob Broeksmit and Gerald Howard of ABA, MBA and NAHB, respectively. Late last year, Malta testified before the House Financial Services Committee during its hearing, A Legislative Proposal to Provide for a Sustainable Housing Finance.
“While the housing market has generally improved since the financial crisis, there remains a need for policymakers to address challenges that may arise in another economic downturn,” said Malta, a third-generation Realtor® in San Francisco, CA. “Thoughtful reform of the secondary mortgage market will not only safeguard the interests of taxpayers, but will also ensure the availability of affordable mortgage options for creditworthy Americans. In addition, NAR firmly believes that comprehensive housing finance reform should be done in a bipartisan manner.”
National Association of REALTORS®
While pursuing bipartisan reforms, NAR will continue to work with industry experts and other housing finance and real estate trade groups to develop solutions that are supportive of the broader industry.
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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