Tax reform

The Trump administration's new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum may raise prices on a variety of consumer and commercial products, but will only put minimal strain on the housing industry.

Bay Area residents already face some of the highest housing prices in the country.

Consumer confidence in the housing market fell in February, with fewer Americans sharing positive thoughts on mortgage rates, home buying and home prices, according to Fannie Mae.

Banking and affordable housing advocates are encouraged by a provision in the tax reform legislation that could increase investment in underserved communities by allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes when they reinvest in federally chartered Opportunity Funds.

The secretary of housing and urban development also urged the Senate to approve Brian Montgomery to be the new Federal Housing Administration commissioner.

Financial services groups are calling for more funding for the Internal Revenue Service that could fix flaws in the agency's system for verifying the income of mortgage applicants.

Recent tax cuts could negatively affect home prices over the long run, according to a survey of economists and other housing market experts.

National MI set a record for new insurance written in the fourth quarter, but its parent company reported a net loss for the period due to tax reform.

The 2018 spring home buying season could be even more competitive than last year's, marked by fewer listings, quicker sales, and a higher percentage of homes selling above the asking price in January.

Tax reform caused Fannie Mae to burn through retained earnings that had been approved just two months ago and to post a fourth-quarter loss. CEO Timothy Mayopoulos argued it was a one-time event that overshadowed strong fundamentals.