Pulte pledges Fannie, Freddie's help in curbing home purchases by institutional investors
Trump's promise to "ban" big investors from buying more single-family homes renews the debate over whether such a move would be legal — or make much of a dent on affordability
by Matt Carter Jan 8
FHA builds record reserves against a gathering storm of delinquencies
With delinquencies and debt-to-income ratios on the rise, the Trump administration is lifting foreclosure restrictions and eyeing tighter underwriting for borrowers with multiple risk factors
by Matt Carter Jan 2
House with a "for sale" sign in the front yard
Popular with 1st-time homebuyers, FHA loans have higher delinquency rates, and borrowers are more likely to end up underwater or in foreclosure when home prices fall
by Matt Carter Dec 12
New Fannie, Freddie housing goals may hurt working families
A coalition of groups has warned that the Trump administration's goals for the mortgage giants will leave up to 177K lower income homebuyers looking elsewhere for a loan
by Matt Carter Nov 4
Century 21 CEO on rethinking the inventory challenge
Adapting to market changes and creating options for clients allows real estate agents to stay relevant and engaged no matter what shifts may occur, Century 21 CEO Mike Miedler writes
by Mike Miedler Jul 15
Trump's interest sends shares in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac soaring
President says he's giving 'very serious consideration' to bringing companies public, and investors are hoping that whatever plan emerges will generate a windfall for them
by Matt Carter May 22
FHFA gutting Fannie, Freddie minority homeownership programs
Flood of orders published without explanation on social media target programs and practices designed to boost lending in minority communities, protect borrowers from deceptive practices
by Matt Carter Mar 26
US could sweep Fannie, Freddie stakes into sovereign wealth fund
Some experts are intrigued by the idea floated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, saying it could help put the mortgage giants on sound footing without boosting mortgage rates
by Matt Carter Mar 24
Democrats weighing government shutdown to protest DOGE cuts
As March 14 debt ceiling deadline approaches, housing and mortgage finance industries brace for repercussions of DOGE cuts to HUD, FHA and Ginnie Mae workforce and programs
by Matt Carter Mar 4
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
Healthy FHA reserves justify premium cuts, lenders say
Private mortgage insurers are hoping to head off a repeat of the 35% reduction approved by the Biden administration last year, which is projected to save homebuyers $5.1B over 10 years
by Matt Carter Nov 15
Trump, Harris housing policies emerging from the rhetoric
Housing policy has gotten short shrift in the debates, with a tight focus on immigration and inflation. But the candidates' platforms — and Project 2025 — provide more details
by Matt Carter Oct 16
Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, eXp Realty swept up in Section 8 sting
A consumer watchdog filed complaints with California’s Civil Rights Department against 200 firms after an undercover sting found that the vouchers were refused repeatedly across the state
by Richelle Hammiel Oct 9
Private mortgage insurers again losing market share to FHA, VA
FHA premium cuts spur growth, but borrowers with stellar credit can still do better taking out conventional Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-eligible mortgages with private mortgage insurance
by Matt Carter Jul 30
From teen mom to luxury broker, Sharelle Rosado hustled to the top
Sharelle Rosado's grit and determination helped her rise up from humble beginnings to become one of Tampa's top agents. 'If you dream something, no matter how big it is, go for it,' she said
by Lillian Dickerson Jul 16