CFPB: Thinking About Buying a House in 2018? Here’s What You Need to Know
Are you thinking about buying a house this year? We’ve got tools and resources that will help you get your financial house in order as you prepare to look for that perfect place to call home—and shop for a mortgage that’s right for you. Just as in 2017, the supply of homes for sale is…
FEMA: One Month Recovery Update for Southern California
It’s been one month since FEMA’s Individual Assistance program was approved for Southern Californians in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Here’s an update on recovery numbers as of close of business Feb. 14: 582 households eligible for FEMA individual assistance. FEMA has approved more than $3.4 million in individuals and households…
FEMA: How to Create Permanent Housing Plans
FEMA Guidance on Moving Back Home Florida Hurricane Irma survivors who return home achieve a recovery milestone. They can reach this goal by creating a realistic permanent housing plan. Survivors who receive temporary FEMA housing assistance—hotel stays, rental assistance, travel trailers and FEMA-paid apartments—must routinely show they still need help and look for long-term options….
FHFA: Refinance Volume Increases in Fourth Quarter 2017
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today reported that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac completed more than 446,295 refinances in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with 362,934 in the third quarter. FHFA’s fourth quarter Refinance Report also shows that 6,309 loans were refinanced through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), bringing the total number…
CFPB: Tax Refund Tips – Understanding Refund Advance Loans and Checks
At this time of year, many people are thinking about filing their tax returns and about if and when they will receive their refunds. When filed electronically (e-file), the IRS issues most tax refunds within 21 days. It can take about six weeks to receive a tax refund for a return filed by mail. Using…
CDFI Fund: $3.5 Billion in New Market Tax Credits Awarded to Spur Economic Growth Nationwide
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) awarded 73 Community Development Entities (CDEs) $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credits today. The tax credit allocation awards, made through the calendar year (CY) 2017 round of the New Markets Tax Credit Program (NMTC Program), will help stimulate investment and economic…
HUD: Trump Administration Proposes 2019 HUD Budget
Spending plan will preserve or increase support for homeless, seniors, disabled, and healthy housing WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration today announced the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a $41.24 billion spending plan that continues or expands support for vulnerable populations including those experiencing homelessness, the…
CFPB: Five-Year Strategic Plan Released
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released its five-year Strategic Plan that establishes its mission, strategic goals, and strategic objectives. “If there is one way to summarize the strategic changes occurring at the Bureau, it is this: we have committed to fulfill the Bureau’s statutory responsibilities, but go no further,” said Acting Director Mick…
FEMA: President Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for American Samoa
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal emergency aid has been made available to the territory of American Samoa to supplement territory and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Tropical Storm Gita beginning on February 7, 2018, and continuing. The…
FEMA: Applicants Sought for National Advisory Council
FEMA announced today the agency is now accepting applications for open positions for its National Advisory Council (NAC); qualified individuals who are interested in serving may submit an application to be considered for appointment now, through March 18, 2018. The NAC is a federal advisory committee of up to 35 members that advises the FEMA…