Those looking for an indication when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may exit conservatorship did not receive one during recent Congressional testimony from the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Under the Donald Trump administration, the end of conservatorship was a matter of when, not if. That has changed somewhat during the Joe Biden administration.
Potential homebuyers are finding various ways of dealing with the new reality of higher mortgage rates that are closer to historic norms. During the recent pandemic, mortgage rates sank below 3 percent. In January 2021, the average 30-year rate hit an all-time low of 2.65, according to Freddie Mac. By October 2023, however, that rate was nearly at 8 percent.
Anybody who has bought a home, has tried to buy a home, or is involved in selling or financing real estate knows housing affordability has been an issue for some time. Last week, real estate brokerage Redfin released data showing the extent of how challenging it is for some consumers to buy a home.
As the first quarter of 2024 draws to a close, the latest news shows an industry in consolidation that may have expanded opportunities to finance this year while still dealing with the rising costs of homeownership. A recent report from Fitch Ratings shows that the largest U.S. non-bank mortgage lenders are gaining market share. This is largely due to consolidation and the exit of smaller lenders.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) expects to transition to new crediting reporting requirements and new credit score models in the fourth quarter of 2025. “Following extensive stakeholder engagement and input, FHFA is aligning the implementation date of the bi-merge credit reporting requirement with the transition from the Classic FICO credit score model,” the agency said in a statement.
In recent year, FHA has published updates to the rules that affect how to process a FHA Reverse Mortgage or Home Equity Conversation Mortgage. This process is completed through what is a “Financial Assessment” that was added to the Reverse Mortgage effective date April 27, 2015. FHA required each lender to process a prospective mortgagor on all HECM transaction type.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
As a mortgage underwriter, licensed mortgage loan originator and as a housing counselor it is amazing how many people do not understand the reverse mortgage program, HUD calls it the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Every year millions of American tax payers must file their federal and state tax return forms by April 15. As I look at my calendar tax filers have two more weeks to file unless they go on extension. Over the years my home has been my cash cow to enable my wife and I to get back a bundle of dollars from both the Internal Revenue Service and from the state (New York) where I reside. In fact my employer(s) often have trouble with the way I file the W – 4 form.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Hello All – I am sure that once President Obama has had time to digest all his duties, there will be changes in the mortgage industry; however, until then everything is pretty much status quo.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMP® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMP® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMP® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMP®. Nothing contained in this article should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Bonnie Wildt
I have said it before and I will say it again and that is, do not believe everything you hear or read for that matter. In this particular instance I am referring to AUS Findings. I have had countless conversations with processors and loan officer who want to know why I am asking for documentation that the AUS findings have clearly stated wasn’t needed or worse, they can’t believe I am turning a loan down that has an Approve/Eligible. So here it is again and pay particular attention to the details because just because you have an Approve/Eligible or Accept doesn’t necessarily mean you have a done deal.