Housing Finance
FHA Significantly Cuts Costs for Opportunity Zone Investors
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced today that it is reducing fees to provide greater incentives for multifamily developers to invest in Opportunity Zones across the nation.
NAHB Podcast Offers New Insights on Housing Economics
On this week’s episode of Housing Developments, NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz shares his 2019 economic forecast for the industry and what the recent change in the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index means for builders.
NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and guest host Paul Lopez, VP of Communications & Public Affairs, also discuss Mark Calabria’s confirmation as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, housing finance reform and the state of the labor force.
Momentum Builds for Housing Finance Reform Plan With Proper Federal Support
NAHB continues to play a pivotal role in the housing finance reform debate, as CEO Jerry Howard attended today’s swearing-in ceremony of Mark Calabria as the new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The Wall Street Journal today also published an NAHB letter to the editor that shows why a proper level of federal support is needed for the nation’s mortgage markets.
NAHB Congratulates Mark Calabria as New FHFA Director
Mark Calabria brings considerable housing finance experience to the job. NAHB looks forward to working with him to advance comprehensive housing finance reform.
Lower Mortgage Rates Bolster Market Activity
Mortgage rates dropped for the third straight month in February, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) commitment rate decreasing to 4.37% from 4.46% in January. As a result, lending interest has increased, as more borrowers are likely to be eligible.
NAHB Commends Trump Memorandum on Housing Finance Reform
NAHB today commended President Trump for putting housing finance reform at the top of the national agenda and signing a memorandum directing relevant agencies to develop a plan that will help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.
Crapo’s Housing Finance Reform Plan Moves the Debate Forward
NAHB today commended Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo for developing his housing finance reform proposal and believes it will serve as an important marker to move the debate forward in Congress. Testifying on this issue before the Senate Banking Committee, Chairman Greg Ugalde said that an effective housing finance system must address liquidity as well as affordability.
Fed Action Bodes Well for Mortgage Rates
The Federal Reserve’s decision last week to hold short-term interest rates steady, along with two other key announcements by the central bank, should reduce upward pressure on mortgage interest rates for the foreseeable future.
Va. Governor Signs Affordable Housing Fee Waiver Bill
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam last week Signed HB 2229, legislation aimed at reducing impediments to the financing, development and construction of affordable housing units. The bill will be become effective July 1, 2019.
HUD Secretary Carson to Step Down at End of Trump’s First Term
HUD Secretary Ben Carson said he intends to leave his Cabinet post at the end of President Trump’s first term. In an interview with Newsmax TV, Carson said he would “finish out this term,” adding that “I would be interested in returning to the private sector because I think you have just as much influence, maybe more, there.”
