Tag Archives: Government

While saving for a down payment continues to be one of the most challenging barriers to homeownership for many, Freddie Mac’s latest multipronged action removes industry-wide barriers to down payment assistance (DPA) programs, helping provide mortgage loans and financial assistance to lower-income homebuyers across the nation.

New findings from Fannie Mae’s HSPI revealed consumers are increasingly expressing “pessimism toward the larger economy this month, in addition to their ongoing frustration with the housing market,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Senior VP and Chief Economist.

In a new report, the National Association of Realtors revealed what a government shutdown would mean for the real estate industry, including the closing of some federal housing, mortgage, and other programs nationwide.

While the “if” and “when” of a recession remain uncertain, the Fannie Mae Economic and Strategic Research Group does forecast one to occur, expected to begin in the first half of 2024—despite increased chances of a “soft landing.”

“Confidence in the housing market appears to have plateaued at a relatively low level, suggesting that many consumers may be coming to terms with elevated mortgage rates and high home prices,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae SVP and Chief Economist.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced it has awarded $10 million in Rural Capacity Building grants, along with $12.5 million in grants through the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, to help expand affordable housing and homeownership nationwide.

According to Fannie Mae's Economic and Strategic Research Group expectations for Q1, the increase in the sales pace from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023 revealed that homebuying demand remains buoyant and was unexpectedly responsive to small declines in mortgage rates.

"As expected, the annual rate of increase in home prices has slowed dramatically in response to the rapid and significant increase in interest rates," said Doug Duncan, SVP and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the commencement of Fair Housing Month 2023, honoring the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act, as well as modern efforts to advance equity in housing and protect fair housing rights.

According to a new report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, a decline in the MCAI indicates that lending standards are tightening, while increases in the index are indicative of loosening credit.