Freddie Mac, in a recently published Single-Family Update, has reminded everyone that it has now been three years since they implemented the Selling Representation and Warranty Framework which provides lenders (or sellers) with relief from certain selling representations and warranties for loans that demonstrate an acceptable payment history. What does this mean to lenders? It is anticipated that many…
As the saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished!” In my blog post, dated February 24, 2016, I discussed a rather significant change in HUD/FHA policy with respect to the financing of HUD REO properties. Effective for transactions obtaining their FHA Case Number on and after March 14, 2016, lenders will be required to obtain a new appraisal if the…
HUD/FHA announced a new partnership between FHA and the Department of Energy (DOE) which incorporates the use of DOE’s innovative Home Energy Score into FHA’s current Energy Efficient Homes (EEH) program, in Mortgagee Letter 2015-22, dated September 30, 2015. If you currently work for a mortgage lender that originates FHA insured loans, you may ask what the significance is relative…
Lenders need to be aware of policy & procedural changes are being implemented by HUD/FHA on March 14, 2016. One of these changes involves a requirement to obtain a new appraisal when processing an FHA loan transaction on a HUD Real Estate Owned (REO) property. Under current guidelines, which have been in effect for many years, an “AS-IS” appraisal of…
HUD recently announced the specific details of its proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Budget. This is part of the President’s overall Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Plan that was just submitted to Congress. In reviewing HUD’s proposed 2017 Budget, there are some items that will be of particular interest to mortgage lenders. Some examples are as follows: HUD is requesting from Congress…
Recently, I discussed a new security role of “Lender Agent” that was created by USDA Rural Development for participating lenders. Once designated as a “Lender Agent” – a User will be authorized to establish applications, order new and re-issue existing credit reports and request preliminary underwriting recommendations on behalf of an approved lender. Although this is a baby-step in the…
