A quick note for anyone coming to the California MBA’s Western Secondary via LAX and taking a ride share to the venue: grab the lime green shuttle bus and don’t even try to request a ride until you reach the pick-up area. At roughly 700, the attendance of the WS, 26 miles across the sea from Santa Catalina, is well above last year’s. Several of the sessions discuss economics, and interest rates of course, despite everyone’s inability to predict them accurately and with consistency. There’s the old story about the economist with his head in the oven and his feet in the freezer and saying “on average” he felt great. Some ask, “Why cut interest rates? Does the U.S. economy need stimulation?” Others point to unemployment creeping up, inflation coming down, and certain economic measures slightly worsening. Last week’s podcast interview with the MBA’s Chief Economist, Dr. Fratantoni, is definitely worth a listen. Time will tell. (Today’s podcast is found here and this week’s is sponsored by Candor. Candor’s authentic Expert System AI has powered more than 2 million flawless, hands off underwrites. Every credit risk decision Candor makes is backed by a Warranty, eliminating repurchase worries. Hear an interview with Broker First Funding’s Carla Meyers on the inner workings of mortgage company marketing departments.) Lender and Broker Software, Services, and Products Assumable mortgages are making a resurgence in today’s market conditions – and two new fee changes at the federal level create an unexpected opportunity for servicers. In a new blog, the experts at ICE Mortgage Technology detail what’s changing with those fees and the FHA and VA regulatory requirements that servicing teams must be ready to meet. The blog also explores how servicers can find a competitive edge if they are prepared to service assumable mortgages. Read the new blog here to see how you can meet the moment and make the most of these recent fee changes.