Previously, I mentioned that VA had issued a request for comments on proposals to update the fees a veteran could pay in connection with their mortgage. If you missed that one you can read all about it HERE. It’s about time. VA allowable fees haven’t been updated in over 60 years. Maybe it’s about time for a facelift. The MBA…
Tag: Housing Market
Will Looser Credit Standards Increase Home Ownership?
Maybe! But, is it the final answer? The challenge, as I see it today, is a shortage of homes available for sale at the entry end of the spectrum. Homes normally purchased by first-time and low to moderate income home buyers. These would be the ‘first rungs’ of the housing ladder. With many existing homeowners having refinanced and now staying…
The Results Are In; Lenders are Optimistic
Lenders are optimistic about the effects the Trump administration’s policies will have on their business, based on a survey conducted by Ebiquity, on behalf of the Lenders One Cooperative, of St Louis. That’s rare, some positive news about the new president. Seventy-three percent of the 200 lenders surveyed feel this way. According to Bryan Binder, the CEO of Lenders One,…
What’s The National Consumer Assistance Plan?
The National Consumer Assistance Plan is an initiative launched by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to make credit reports more accurate and make it easier for consumers to correct any errors on their credit reports. Under the plan, which was launched in March 2015, the three companies are taking a number of steps…
What is FHA’s Role In Housing Finance?
FHA has always been seen as a vehicle to provide needed home financing for low-to-moderate income homebuyers. Since their inception many years ago, they have served these needs quite well. It appears they now may be challenged by the new administration’s budget proposals which cut funding for some FHA programs. Dr. Ben Carson, the new Secretary of HUD, sees things…
The Ups and Downs of the New Mortgage Market
The summer season is here! With Memorial Day now past and our veterans honored (hopefully not forgotten), we move on to the business of financing the spring and summer sales. By most accounts, things look good for housing and mortgage financing. The economy continues to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace than we wanted and expected. With this growth,…