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
Guidance or steering? Red flags of giving professional advice
Opinion
Understanding the difference between steering and providing meaningful advice to clients is essential for navigating the future of real estate, writes mega team leader Carl Medford
by Carl Medford May 20
10 answers to the questions confused sellers are asking now
Opinion
The changing real estate landscape and media misinformation are creating confusion for homesellers. Mega-team leader Carl Medford lays out the facts so you can educate clients
by Carl Medford May 14
How NAR's settlement threatens Black Realtors and homebuyers
This is a moment in history when NAREB and our leaders must stand up for justice and equality, writes Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers
How the Sitzer | Burnett decision hurts minority homebuyers
Opinion
According to Keller Williams Head of Inclusion and Belonging Julia Lashay Israel, the Sitzer | Burnett commission case has broad implications for the accessibility of homeownership
Economists agree rates have peaked. But will they come down?
Two closely watched forecasts agree that mortgage rates have probably peaked, but the MBA and Fannie Mae diverge sharply on how quickly they'll come down over the next 2 years
by Matt Carter Nov 22
Real estate industry welcomes FHA premium cuts, with caveats
Premium cuts are expected to save borrowers $678M a year but don't apply to existing loans or release homeowners who have built up equity from 'life-of-loan' requirements
by Matt Carter Feb 23