AMBA Monday Morning News - Week of January 26, 2026

Message from the Board

Fellow Alaska mortgage banking professionals,

As we begin another week serving Alaska families and businesses, I'm reminded of something President Theodore Roosevelt once said: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." That spirit of resourcefulness and dedication defines our industry here in Alaska.

The work you do matters. Every loan you close, every first-time buyer you guide, every family you help refinance - these aren't just transactions. They're Alaskans building equity, achieving dreams, and putting down roots in communities across our state. In a market as challenging as Alaska's, with our unique costs and geographic hurdles, your expertise and commitment make homeownership possible for people who might not achieve it otherwise.

This week, as the legislative session gains momentum and we move toward spring market activity, I hope you'll take a moment to appreciate the impact you have. You're not just mortgage bankers - you're community builders, problem solvers, and trusted advisors during some of life's most significant financial decisions.

Thank you for your professionalism, your integrity, and your dedication to Alaska's families. AMBA is honored to represent you and support your success.

Here's to a productive week ahead.

Benjamin Reynolds - AMBA President

Next Luncheon!

February '26 Luncheon - Financial Planning: A Personal Guide feat. Damon Darby - Early Bird Ends Feb. 11

Join us for our February 2026 luncheon featuring Damon Darby, CFP®, who will present "Financial Planning: A Personal Guide."

In this session, we will talk about how finances fit into your life and how planning today can help strengthen your financial future. This informative presentation will provide valuable insights into personal financial planning strategies tailored for today's economic landscape.

Speaker Bio

Damon Darby began his career in the financial services industry in 2008 with McKinley Capital Management and currently holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) with a concentration in Finance in 2010, followed by his master's in business administration from UAA in 2017.

Damon brings extensive experience in creating and implementing financial plans, developing investment strategies, and expertise in domestic and international equities, insurance, trust, and wealth management. He is passionate about educating individual clients and providing educational opportunities throughout Alaska.

This luncheon promises to be an excellent opportunity to gain practical financial planning knowledge while networking with fellow AMBA members and industry professionals.

Luncheon Schedule:

Doors Open at 11:30 AM
Food Served at 11:45 AM
Meeting Starts at 12:00 PM
Meeting Ends at 1:00 PM

Reminder!!!

All member companies and employees have been added and have an account created. Login using your company email and, if this is your first time logging in, select the "Forgot Password" option to update your password. If there are any issues with logging in, please contact us at [email protected] or Benjamin Reynolds at [email protected].

This Month's Meeting Sponsor:

VENUE SPONSOR: Seeking!

Catering SPONSOR: Seeking!

Virtual Meeting SPONSOR

Learn more about Catering Sponsorship and Venue Sponsorship by clicking on the appropriate link. Contact us at [email protected] for more information or sign up using the associated registration.

REGISTER NOW!

News From Last Week

Responses needed! Review AMBA's Deed Fraud Survey

AMBA Launches Deed Fraud Survey to Support Legislative Action The Alaska Mortgage Bankers Association is collecting industry data on deed fraud and fraudulent property transfers to inform potential legislative solutions during the current 2026 Alaska Legislative Session. The confidential survey, which takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, seeks information about fraudulent deed recordings, identity theft related to property ownership, forged signatures on property documents, unauthorized liens, and title issues caused by fraudulent documents. AMBA's Legislative Affairs Committee will use the aggregated data to advocate for stronger protections, streamlined remedies for victims, and improved safeguards in Alaska's property recording system. The survey closes February 28th and can be completed anonymously to protect sensitive client and transaction information while still providing valuable pattern data.

Alaska Impact: Deed fraud disproportionately affects Alaska homeowners due to inconsistent oversight across the state's 34 recording districts, limited verification requirements in the recording process, and gaps in fraud detection systems. Member responses will directly shape AMBA's advocacy priorities and policy recommendations to Alaska legislators, helping protect both Alaska homeowners and the integrity of mortgage transactions statewide. Complete the survey at https://alaskamba.org/survey.php?id=16

Mortgage Rates Hit Three-Year Low Before Rising Slightly

On January 15th, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.06%, marking the lowest level since September 2022 and nearly 100 basis points below the same period last year. Freddie Mac's Chief Economist Sam Khater noted "the impacts are noticeable, as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped, underscoring the benefits for both buyers and current owners." The Mortgage Bankers Association confirmed mortgage applications surged 28.5% for the week ending January 9th, with refinance applications jumping 40% week-over-week and 128% year-over-year, while purchase applications increased 16%. By January 22nd, rates had ticked back up to 6.09%, with some daily surveys showing rates around 6.20%. The uptick came as markets positioned ahead of this week's Federal Reserve meeting.

Alaska Impact: Alaska's compressed spring buying season typically lags national trends by 4-6 weeks due to weather and daylight patterns. The mid-January rate dip may translate into increased Alaska buyer activity starting late February through March as conditions improve and inventory expands.

NAR Commission Settlement Under Appellate Review

On January 14th, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Kansas City heard oral arguments regarding the Sitzer-Burnett settlement that reshaped real estate commission practices nationwide. The settlement, which includes $418 million in damages and sweeping practice changes, is being challenged by objectors questioning various aspects of the agreement. NAR continues to defend the settlement, stating in a recent statement that "the practice changes enacted following the settlement have further empowered consumers to negotiate compensation and promoted transparency in the marketplace." The appellate court's decision is expected later in 2026. Legal observers note that any substantial changes to the settlement could create significant uncertainty for the industry given the extensive implementation work already completed since August 2024.

Alaska Impact: The settlement's practice changes - including mandatory written buyer agreements before showings and prohibition of compensation offers on MLS platforms - have been in effect since August 2024. Alaska mortgage professionals should ensure transaction processes comply with current requirements while staying informed about potential future developments through AMBA's legislative updates.

Builder Confidence Declines at Start of 2026

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell two points to 37 in January, with all sub-indices declining, according to data released this week. The index measuring current sales conditions dropped one point to 41, while the gauge for prospective buyer traffic fell three points to 23. Most notably, the index measuring future sales expectations fell three points to 49, marking the first time this component dropped below the breakeven point of 50 since September 2025. NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes noted "while the upper end of the housing market is holding steady, affordability conditions are taking a toll on the lower and mid-range sectors." The survey revealed 40% of builders cut prices in January (unchanged from December), with the average price reduction increasing to 6% from 5% the previous month.

Alaska Impact: Alaska's new construction costs run 30-50% above national averages due to materials shipping, labor costs, and weather-related construction windows. Builder caution nationally may affect availability of construction financing and materials pricing for Alaska projects, particularly in the affordable and mid-range segments serving first-time buyers.

Housing Market Shows Early Signs of Spring Activity

Multiple housing market indicators show inventory levels beginning to rise as the traditional spring selling season approaches. Industry analysts note that the combination of mortgage rates stabilizing in the low-6% range and easing from 2025's higher levels is creating improved conditions for both buyers and sellers. Several major markets are reporting inventory levels notably higher than in recent years, with the increase particularly pronounced in Sun Belt states where new construction has continued. Real estate data providers project 2026 could mark the first year of meaningful growth in existing home sales after several years of constrained activity, though improvement is expected to be gradual rather than dramatic.

Alaska Impact: Alaska's spring market typically peaks from March through June, driven by improved weather, extended daylight, and out-of-state buyer activity. National trends suggesting improved inventory levels may translate to Alaska markets by late March, potentially creating more options for buyers who have faced limited selection in recent years.

Upcoming Events

A Professional Conversation with Your Assembly Candidates

Join AMBA for an afternoon of direct dialogue with the candidates running for Anchorage Assembly. This is a professional, non-partisan forum where Alaska's mortgage banking community can have real conversations with the people seeking to serve on the Assembly.

Why This Matters

Assembly members make decisions that directly impact Alaska's housing market, business environment, and real estate industry. Before you vote, this is your chance to hear from candidates about their views on issues affecting your business and your clients. Just as important, they'll hear from you about what matters to our industry.

What to Expect

This is not a campaign rally. No candidate materials will be distributed, and there will be no political fundraising. We're creating a professional, relaxed environment focused on conversation and information sharing.

The informal format allows you to move around the room, engage with multiple candidates, and discuss the issues that matter most to you and your business. Housing affordability, local business climate, community development...you'll have the opportunity for direct conversation on the topics you care about.

Candidates will hear from mortgage professionals about the realities of Alaska's housing market and the challenges our industry faces. You'll hear their perspectives on local governance and the issues facing Anchorage.

Supporting AMBA's Advocacy Work

Your attendance supports AMBA's Legislative Affairs Committee, which represents Alaska's mortgage banking industry at the state capitol and monitors policy developments that affect our members.

Luncheon Schedule:

Doors Open at 11:30 AM
Food Served at 11:45 AM
Meeting Starts at 12:00 PM
Meeting Ends at 2:00 PM

REGISTER NOW! Early Bird Through February 15

Sponsorship Opportunities

Title Sponsor - $2,500 (Exclusive)

Event naming recognition: “Meet Your Anchorage Assembly Candidates presented by [Company]”
Premier logo placement on all event marketing and promotional materials
Opportunity to deliver welcome remarks (up to 2 minutes)
Six (6) complimentary event registrations
Exclusive title sponsor designation
Recognition in AMBA newsletter, Monday Morning News, and social media communications
Featured company profile in event-related communications

Keynote Sponsor - $1,500 (Exclusive)

Sponsorship of the opening candidate remarks portion of the program
Opportunity to introduce candidate presentations
Prominent logo placement in the presentation area
Four (4) complimentary event registrations
Featured recognition in pre-event marketing materials
Recognition in AMBA communications

Soda Bar Sponsor - $1,000 (Exclusive)

Exclusive sponsorship of the mobile coffee and beverage service provided by Mixology Mobile Bar
Branded signage at the coffee station with recognition: “Coffee and beverage service provided by [Company]”
High-visibility placement at a primary attendee gathering area
Three (3) complimentary event registrations
Recognition in all event communications

Catering Sponsor - $1,000 (Exclusive)

Exclusive sponsorship of refreshment catering
Signage at food stations with recognition: “Refreshments provided by [Company]”
Natural visibility at high-traffic gathering areas
Three (3) complimentary event registrations
Recognition in all event communications

Registration Table Sponsor - $750 (Exclusive)

Logo placement at the event check-in and registration area
Recognition as the sponsor of attendee registration
High-visibility placement as the first point of contact for all attendees
Two (2) complimentary event registrations

Supporting Sponsor - $500

Logo placement on event signage and materials
Recognition in pre-event communications and on-site materials
Two (2) complimentary event registrations

Friend of AMBA - $250

Name recognition on event signage and materials
One (1) complimentary event registration

Secure your sponsorship today! Contact Benjamin at [email protected] or (907) 727-1076. Exclusive sponsorships are first-come, first-served. Sponsorship revenue supports AMBA and the Legislative Affairs Committee, ensuring Alaska’s mortgage banking industry has a strong voice in policy decisions affecting our profession and the communities we serve.

Welcome New Members!

AMBA welcomes all Alaska mortgage banking professionals to join our growing community. Membership provides access to industry advocacy, professional development opportunities, networking events, and regular market intelligence updates tailored specifically to Alaska's unique market conditions.

2025-2026 Membership Benefits Include:

Voice in state legislative advocacy through our new Legislative Affairs Committee
Monthly educational sessions and industry updates
Professional networking opportunities with Alaska mortgage banking leaders
Access to Alaska-specific market data and trends
Discounted rates for industry events and conferences

Contact AMBA at (907) 727-1076 or [email protected] to learn about Regular, Affiliate, Non-Profit, and Individual membership options. Visit alaskamba.org for complete membership information and dues structure. Join us in advancing Alaska's mortgage banking industry!

New Job Posts

Check out these careers!

Our Career Board is now available! Take a look at some of the new positions below:

POST YOUR JOB TODAY USING YOUR MEMBER ACCOUNT!

Want to sponsor our Career Board and get unlimited individual memberships for your company? Contact us today at [email protected] for more information!