The MReport Webcast: Thursday 7/9/2015

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Wednesday the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Final Rule, which will help communities that receive HUD funding get the help they need to meet fair housing obligations in the use of HUD funds. In addition to equipping these communities with data and tools to help them meet their fair housing obligations, additional guidance and technical assistance will be provided by HUD to assist local decision-makers on fair housing priorities and affordable housing and community development goals.

The aim of the final rule is to provide participants in HUD programs with clear guidelines and data they need to achieve the goals outlined in the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which directs HUD and its program participants to promote fair housing and equal opportunity so that everyone can have access to affordable, quality housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. The new rule also includes the promotion of access to community assets such as quality education, employment, and transportation for HUD's program participants.

Arch Mortgage Insurance Company, recently released their Summer 2015 Housing and Mortgage Market Review. The review contains the latest Arch MI Risk Index model results which revealed that the national average risk of price declines remains unchanged at 8 percent and North Dakota and Texas have elevated risks due to oil and gas exposure and higher home prices in relation to incomes. North Dakota and Texas are settled in the moderate risk category, with price declines of 38 percent and 32 percent, respectively.