U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his economic advisers and political representatives to prepare for a sweeping plan to purchase as much as $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities in 2026, signaling a renewed willingness to use federal market intervention to support the U.S. housing sector. The directive, confirmed by people familiar with the matter, represents one of the most aggressive housing finance proposals floated in recent years and underscores the growing political focus on affordability and mortgage rate pressures.
A proposed increase to mortgage fees tied to the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program has been temporarily put on hold after industry groups raised concerns about its potential impact on veteran borrowers. Lawmakers on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee delayed a planned markup of legislation that would have raised VA loan fees, signaling a willingness to reassess the proposal amid warnings that higher costs could undermine affordability for those the program is designed to serve.
Mortgage industry advocates are renewing calls for the Federal Housing Administration to eliminate its long-standing requirement that many borrowers pay mortgage insurance premiums for the life of their loan, arguing that the policy has become an unnecessary barrier to sustainable homeownership. The National Association of Mortgage Brokers has formally urged FHA officials to revisit the rule, contending that lifetime mortgage insurance premiums increase costs for borrowers long after the original risk has diminished.
The idea of introducing 50-year mortgages as a potential tool to address housing affordability has hit a pause, as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development signals that more research is needed before pursuing such a significant change to federal housing policy. HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge recently indicated that while extended-term mortgages have been discussed as a way to lower monthly payments, the agency is not prepared to move forward without a deeper understanding of the long-term implications for borrowers and the housing market.
As the Federal Reserve signals that interest rate cuts are likely ahead, many prospective homebuyers are wondering what those changes could mean for mortgage rates and housing affordability in 2026. After years of elevated borrowing costs that reshaped the housing market, economists and housing experts say rate cuts may offer some relief — but not the dramatic reset many buyers are hoping for.
Federal inspectors are taking the United States Treasury Department to task for not doing enough to increase participation in the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) which helps keep homeowners out of foreclosure. Borrowers having trouble paying their monthly payment can apply for a HAMP for a loan modification that lowers their monthly payment. So far, 1.5 million homeowners have received HAMP modifications, about half as many as originally predicted by the Treasury. The department has repeatedly extended the program’s initial December 2013 deadline; HAMP iis now scheduled to expire in December 2016.
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.
On Friday, April 24, 2015 HUD announced some significant changes to its Distressed Asset Stabilization Program (DASP). These changes were made in an effort to better serve homeowners looking to avoid foreclosure, loan servicers will now be required to delay foreclosure for a year and to evaluate all borrowers for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) or a similar program.
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.
While driving to work virtually every day I hear numerous advertisements for borrowers to apply for or to apply for a mortgage modification. The general public and mortgage professionals are unaware of the rules in order to obtain a Home Affordable Modification Program mortgage loan.
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.