FHFA: Modifications Announced to High LTV Streamlined Refinance Program and Extension of HARP through December 2018
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced modifications to the streamlined refinance program for borrowers with high loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. On August 25, 2016, FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) would implement a High LTV Streamlined Refinance program to provide much-needed liquidity for borrowers who are current on their mortgage…
FHFA: Refinance Volume Continued to Slow in Second Quarter 2017
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today reported that more than 356,709 refinances were completed in the second quarter of 2017, compared with 510,074 in the first quarter. FHFA’s second quarter Refinance Report also shows that more than 9,700 loans were refinanced through the Home Affordable Refinance Program, bringing the total number of HARP refinances…
HUD & Census Bureau: Residential Construction Activity in July 2017
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau jointly announced the following new residential construction statistics for July 2017. Building Permits: Privately owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,223,000. This is 4.1 percent (±0.9 percent) below the revised…
HUD: Anna Maria Farias Sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
WASHINGTON – Texas native Anna Maria Farías is the new Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Following her confirmation last week by the U.S. Senate, HUD Secretary Ben Carson today administered the oath of office to Farías who will now lead the Department’s…
HUD: “Worst Case Housing Needs” Increased in 2015
8.3 million households paid more than half their income for rent or lived in substandard housing WASHINGTON – The number of very poor unsubsidized families struggling to pay their monthly rent and who may also be living in substandard housing increased between 2013 and 2015, according to a new report released today by the U.S….
HUD: $38 Million Available to Fight Housing Discrimination
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today it is making $38 million available to fight housing discrimination through the Department’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The grants offered through three FHIP funding notices will support a variety of critical fair housing activities, including fair housing testing in the rental and…
Census Bureau: 2015 Rental Housing Finance Survey Available
The 2015 Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS) are now available on census.gov. This survey provides measures of financial, mortgage, and property characteristics of rental housing properties in the United States. Statistics include property, residential structure(s), and mortgage characteristics, ownership status, commercial use of space and benefits received. Internet address: <https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/rhfs.html>.
CFPB: Three Tools to Help Your Homebuying Process
Buying a home is exciting. It’s also one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. Choosing a mortgage to pay for your new home is just as important as choosing the right home. You have the right to control the process. Check out our other blogs on homebuying topics, and join the conversation on…
FHFA: Progress Update on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Credit Risk Transfer Program
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today issued a Credit Risk Transfer Progress Report updating the status and volume of credit risk transfer transactions through the first quarter of 2017. The Report gives a comprehensive picture of how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) transfer a portion of credit risk to…
CFPB: Don’t Let Marketers Tell You How to Age in Place
We often hear that older Americans want to “age in place.” Aging in place means living at home in the community, rather than in an institutional setting, like a nursing facility. This is the choice most people want to make even if they need services and support to do so. With over ten thousand people…