HUD: FHA Expands Foreclosure Relief for Victims of 2017 Disasters
New options offered to struggling homeowners impacted by hurricanes, wildfires and mudslides WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced expanded mortgage relief to FHA-insured homeowners who live or work in areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as California wildfires and subsequent flooding and mudslides. FHA is instructing mortgage servicers…
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…
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…
CFPB: Help Is Here for People with Severe Disabilities Struggling with Student Loans
Tens of thousands of disabled veterans and hundreds of thousands of people living with severe disabilities are now eligible for new student loan protections starting this year. What’s new for borrowers with severe disabilities and student debt? Due to a recent change in federal law, borrowers whose student loans are forgiven on or after…
FHFA: 2018-2020 Housing Goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Finalized
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today published a final rule that establishes new housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) for 2018 through 2020 in accordance with the provisions of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The new goals replace the previous goals, which were in effect through the…
FHFA: Deadline Extended to March 30th for Request for Input on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Credit Score Requirements
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that it will extend, from February 20, 2018 to March 30, 2018, the deadline for interested parties to provide input on potential changes to the credit score requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). FHFA is seeking input on all aspects of a potential change…
CFPB: Latest List of Consumer Reporting Companies Available
You may know that your credit record affects your ability to get an affordable loan, a job, an apartment, or many other essentials of daily life. But, do you know where and how to actually request your credit report and what you can do once you order your consumer reports? Over the past few years,…
ABA Report Shows Credit Card Market Continued to Expand in Third Quarter
The credit card market continued to expand in the third quarter of 2017 as monthly purchase volumes edged up across risk tiers, according to the American Bankers Association’s latest quarterly Credit Card Market Monitor. On an annual basis, purchase volumes rose 3.3 percent for prime accounts and 4.3 percent for super-prime accounts, but fell 3.9…
FHFA: Final Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022 Released
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today released the FHFA Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2018-2022, which reflects the Agency’s priorities as regulator of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) and as regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). Last year FHFA requested input on the draft Agency strategic plan from Members…