President Signs Bill Reinstating Jumbo FHA Limits
Despite intense opposition, home builders and Realtors were successful in their lobbying efforts to pass legislation that keeps the government insuring jumbo mortgages. The bill is especially beneficial to homeowners and Realtors in California. As a result of the legislation, the Government National Mortgage Association is expected increase market share.

On Friday, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2112, Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. Obama has been in Asia for the past week and was in Bali the day the bill was signed.

The legislation was passed by the House on Thursday, and the Senate quickly followed suit.
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Wholesale Lender to Wind Down
The wholesale lending arm of the company formerly headed by the Mortgage Bankers Association's chief executive officer is doing away with mortgage broker business. The company will instead focus its origination resources on real estate agents.

Technology is Top Topic at Industry Events
Technology issues are being tackled at a trio of financial services conferences, while secondary marketing is the topic of discussion at an upcoming Texas event. Two other recent events covered compliance issues and commercial mortgages. Nearly 40 mortgage-related events are being held from November through January.

iPhones, Tablets Render CFPB Disclosure Obsolete
The use of smartphones and tablets has already made one of the mortgage disclosures being proposed by Consumer Financial Protection Agency obsolete, and a trade group is calling on the new regulator to adapt the form to today's technology.

Protesters Put MBA On Alert
A planned protest had attendees on alert at the Mortgage Bankers Association's 98th Annual Convention and Expo in Chicago.

Lenders One Reports Milestone
Membership at the Lenders One Mortgage Cooperative reached a new milestone.

Pulte Mortgage Chief Among Host of MBA Appointments
The chief executive officer of Pulte Mortgage was sworn in as a Mortgage Bankers Association chairman-elect at the group's annual conference in Chicago. It was one of several appointments announced.

MISMO Management Moves from MERS to MBA
The management of industry technology standards is changing hands as more widespread adoption of the standards is sought.

Congress Advised to Expand HARP
Mortgage bankers told lawmakers today that the federal refinance program should have lower secondary fees, higher loan to values and streamlined appraisals.

Senate Committee Passes Flood Bill
A Senate committee has passed legislation to keep flood insurance available -- a move praised by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The action comes as a federal program is set to lapse in a few weeks.