Today’s News Synopsis:

Aaron Norris of the Norris Group gives this week’s Norris Group real estate headline roundup.  HomeUnion released their top ten list of the best and worst places to receive a return on rentals.  Fannie Mae reported their net income for the first quarter was $2.8 billion.  Areas in the Southeastern US are the preferred sports for people to rent according to Morningstar Credit Ratings.

In The News:

CNBC – “Landlord alert: Where to buy homes for the best rental returns” (5-5-2017)

“Today’s housing market is more competitive than ever, but investors are still pouring in.  Interest rates remain remarkably low, which makes financing an investment home easier.”

Bloomberg – “Solid U.S. Job Market May Be Undercutting Trump’s Tax-Cut Case” (5-5-2017)

“President Donald Trump’s economic team says it won’t be satisfied until Americans workers earn more — and aggressive tax cuts are essential for those fatter paychecks.”

Freddie Mac – “Freddie Mac Announces Pricing of $276.2 Million Multifamily Small Balance Loan Securitization” (5-5-2017)

“Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) announces the pricing of the SB30 offering, a multifamily mortgage-backed securitization backed by small balance loans underwritten by Freddie Mac and issued by a third-party trust.”

Fannie Mae – “Fannie Mae Reports Net Income of $2.8 Billion and Comprehensive Income of $2.8 Billion for First Quarter 2017” (5-5-2017)

“Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) today reported its first quarter 2017 results and filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

Seeking Alpha – “Real Estate Weekly: Net Lease REITs Crushed on Continued Retail Woes” (5-5-2017)

“REITs declined by 1% on the week, dragged down by severe weakness in the Net Lease sector. Spirit Realty reported credit issues with a number of their tenants.”

PR Newswire – “Commercial Real Estate Executives See Steady, Strong Market Fundamentals for Q2; Uncertainty Clips Future Index” (5-5-2017)

“Commercial real estate industry leaders participating in The Real Estate Roundtable’s Q2 2017 Economic Sentiment Index report that market conditions are stable and will maintain slow, but steady growth over the next several months – yet many respondents are also less optimistic about future conditions due to uncertainty in domestic policy and the geopolitical landscape.”

The Real Deal Magazine – “Ping-pong capitalism: RE tech firms look to China for cash” (5-5-2017)

“In March, Airbnb raised $1 billion from investors in a funding round that valued the short-term rental company at $31 billion.”

DS News – “SE a Popular Spot for Rental Investors” (5-5-2017)

“Rental property investors are shifting their efforts toward the Southeastern U.S., with Florida, Texas, and Georgia making up the bulk of acquisitions, according to an RMBS research report released by Morningstar Credit Ratings on Friday.”