For some first-time buyers and low- to moderate-income buyers, these programs may be beneficial while for others it may not be a viable substitute for FHA lending, according to the Urban Institute.
Read More »Effects of Brexit-influenced Rates a Mixed Bag
One week after the controversial Brexit vote, some in the industry can already see how the vote affected rates, which may in turn affect housing demand.
Read More »Housing Supply Not Keeping Up with Demand
Housing construction is still considerably below demand across swaths of the United States, and it’s causing costs and rents to balloon, according to a recent analysis.
Read More »Why is Originator Profitability Muted?
Although interest rates have been at historical lows, they have been highly responsive to the general level of interest rates, causing originators' profits to suffer.
Read More »The Two-Sided Credit Picture
Credit availability in the mortgage industry increased slightly in the fourth quarter, reversing a long-time downward trend over the last four quarters. However, credit access is not the same across the board.
Read More »Are Racial Disparities Hindering Housing Reform?
What can be done to close the economic gaps between races and reform the housing finance system in America? Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League and former the Mayor of New Orleans may have an answer.
Read More »Back to Basics: 4 Ways to Transform the GSEs
Andrew Davidson, President of Andrew Davidson & Co., Inc., says that the GSEs should be striped down to the functions that promote standardization, liquidity, and access to credit, and adopt the best governance structures for those functions using these four methods.
Read More »Are Small Loans a Thing of the Past?
One task that has never been easy in the housing market is getting a mortgage loan for under $50,000, but small loans are quickly nearing the point of nonexistence which will create barriers of entry for homeownership.
Read More »The New 21st Century Housing Financial System
America's housing finance system is in what some call a "dysfunctional limbo." Not only is it underperforming, but it is also outdated and in desperate need of a complete revamping among its mission, activities, products, and services.
Read More »Mortgage Credit Access Reverses Course
Credit availability in the mortgage industry increased slightly in the fourth quarter, reversing a long-time downward trend over the last four quarters.
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