DOGE's moves could destabilize mortgage finance system
National Housing Conference CEO David Dworkin, a centrist advocate for affordable housing stakeholders, warns of unintended consequences of downsizing of HUD, FHA and Ginnie Mae
by Matt Carter Feb 24
Mortgage rates seen as staying higher for longer as Fed pauses
Economists and bond market investors have been surprised by the continued strength of the economy, and are wary of the potential for tariffs, tax cuts and deportations to reignite inflation
by Matt Carter Feb 21
HUD, FHA staffing cuts would undermine housing, union warns
Trump administration silent on details but disputes the accuracy of a Feb. 18 report by Bloomberg Law that at least 40% of FHA's workforce are set to be laid off as part of cost-cutting initiatives
by Matt Carter Feb 20
Mortgage rates in retreat as investors weigh Trump's approach
After surprise inflation report, Trump administration says the Fed's interest rate decisions will be exempt from its attempt to exert more control over independent federal agencies
by Matt Carter Feb 19
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's net worths climb past $154B
While plans to privatize the mortgage giants are on the back burner, Trump administration may impose limits on how much support the mortgage giants can provide to riskier borrowers
by Matt Carter Feb 14
Trump nominates Jonathan McKernan as director of CFPB
McKernan's prior roles include senior financial policy advisor for Sen. Bob Corker and posts with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the US Treasury
by Richelle Hammiel Feb 12
Mortgage rates climbing again on hot CPI report, Powell testimony
Trump calls for lower interest rates after release of January CPI report. Powell says Fed is in no hurry to cut rates, and bond market investors who fund mortgages are taking him at his word
by Matt Carter Feb 12
Trump wants Greenland. The Danes say they’ll trade it for California
As President Trump ups the ante on his plan to force Denmark into selling Greenland, the Danes are pushing back with a satirical offer to purchase California
by Marian McPherson Feb 12
DOGE cost-cutting exposes risk to cities with federal office space
Impact on certain markets may be ‘profound,’ attorneys warn, as federal agencies look to cut the size of their real estate footprint by as much as 50% under the Trump administration
by Taylor Anderson Feb 10
Steel and aluminum are President Trump's latest tariff targets
Homebuilders already sounding the alarm on the potential impact on housing costs if Trump follows through on threats to impose duties on Canadian wood and Mexican gypsum
by Matt Carter Feb 10
CFPB is latest target of Trump's downsizing government campaign
Congressional Democrats vow to fight moves to 'unlawfully delete this popular consumer watchdog that enjoys the broad bipartisan support of 4 out of 5 Americans'
by Matt Carter Feb 10
Anxiety over mortgage rates, rent and home prices begins to mount
Inflation expectations surged after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico, a new University of Michigan survey of consumers finds
by Matt Carter Feb 10
Name change, budget cuts at top of HUD secretary’s list
Scott Turner put budget cuts and a department name change at the top of his list, while fair housing and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs were noticeably absent
by Marian McPherson Feb 6
Tool Kit: What you should know about DEI and Fair Housing
Experts predict that 70% of Americans will develop a recognized disability. DEI is essential for our future, writes Rachael Hite, and smart agents will invest in learning more
by Rachael Hite Feb 6
Senate confirms Scott Turner as HUD secretary in 55-44 vote
Former Texas state representative and NFL star Scott Turner will now lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development after being confirmed in a Senate vote of 55-44
by Marian McPherson Feb 5