The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed a new rule aiming to create a standardized definition of what it means for a nonbank financial company to pose “risks to consumers.” The goal is to make supervision clearer, more consistent, and limited to significant threats rather than being applied on an ad‑hoc basis.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has reduced its national loan limits for the first time in over a decade, reshaping the landscape for prospective homebuyers in expensive markets. The change means many borrowers who expected to qualify under former thresholds may now fall short—and could face fewer options.
A 25‑basis‑point cut from the Federal Reserve is widely anticipated, but economists and bond‑market experts caution that the effect on mortgage rates could be limited or even counterintuitive in the near term. Markets are almost certain that the Fed will reduce its short‑term rate target from 4.25‑4.50% by a quarter point.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s decision to swiftly clear nearly all outstanding “matters requiring attention” (MRAs) is raising alarm among mortgage compliance experts, who warn the move could lead to regulatory gaps and unchecked risks. MRAs serve as a critical supervisory tool, flagging compliance issues—ranging from minor documentation oversights to serious lending violations—and giving lenders an opportunity to address them before formal enforcement.
In the second quarter of 2025, real estate investors accounted for a historic share of home purchases as traditional buyers struggled with surmounting affordability challenges. Investors snapped up nearly 27% of all homes sold during this period—an all‑time high over the past five years and a sharp rise from the 18.5% average seen between 2020 and 2023.
Does it ever cease to amaze you how people can twist the facts with regards to almost any situation in order to achieve the results that would most satisfy them even if those results achieve no end. In this day of mass media and the information highway, articles and blogs can be placed on the internet in a matter of minutes and unfortunately, many of the authors of this information have no real experience or responsibility where the content of their article is concerned and articles relating to the mortgage industry are no exception regardless of the type of media by which they conveyed.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
I have had it, really. Yesterday I read the tweet from Chef Mario Batali regarding the banking industry which compared bankers to Hitler and Stalin. As one that would consider themselves a banker, credit officer and underwriter, I take extreme offense to the comment particularly when it comes from someone who during the normal course business, charges $300.00 for a truffle tasting menu at his own establishment Babbo.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Something happened this week and it was big enough that I’m sure you’ve heard or read about it unless you’ve been camping out under a rock. Let me say this- Allied Home Mortgage. So you’ve heard?
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Ok, so I have been in the mortgage industry for 25 years and I have to say, this end of the month has been the worst ever. Well maybe not the worst but it ran a very close second. More frightening is the fact that we didn’t close near the volume that we have closed in past months.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
These days it seems as though the rules never stop changes where the preeminent mortgage programs are concerned, those of course being Conventional, FHA and VA, but it’s always nice when the change is something for the better and today I have the pleasure of delivering the good news. Recent VA circular’s issued on September 8, 2011, more specifically Circular 26-11-12 are indicating a reduction in the VA funding fee for loans closed on or after October 1, 2011.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
As you’re likely aware, USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing is changing guarantee fees from 3.5% to 2.0% for purchase transactions and implementing a new annual fee of .3% effective for all GRH loans that are not committed before October 1, 2011. This news was originally announced in RD AN 4551 which was issued February, 3rd.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Buckle your seat belts everyone because the next 45 days are going to be bustling with a lot of major agency program changes that are very important for all of us to keep track of and plan ahead for. Because so much is happening so quickly and in such rapid succession, I myself had to start maintaining a chart just to stay on top of it all. I’ve found this to be very helpful so I hope it helps you too!
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
When we think about government loan programs, most often the FHA and VA programs come to mind however there is another one, that being Rural Development. I know you have all heard of them but for some reason they seem to be a loan type that very few know anything about, so being in good form as I sometimes am, I thought I would share the specifics because these days, any program that a lender can offer with a maximum 100% LTV that will allow one to roll in closing costs, is a good one.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Mortgagee Letter 2011-22 dated 6/30/2011 clarifies, expands, consolidates, and updates existing condominium approval guidance while also replacing Mortgagee Letters 2009-46b, 2009-46a and 2011-03. Included with the new Mortgagee Letter are an attached Condominium Approval Implementation Schedule and 95 page Condominium Project Approval & Processing Guide.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Mortgagee Letter 2011-22 dated 6/30/2011 clarifies, expands, consolidates, and updates existing condominium approval guidance while also replacing Mortgagee Letters 2009-46b, 2009-46a and 2011-03. Included with the new Mortgagee Letter are an attached Condominium Approval Implementation Schedule and 95 page Condominium Project Approval & Processing Guide.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Stacey Sprain
As an FHA originator, processor or underwriter, it’s likely that in the ongoing foreclosure market you’ll run across a HUD REO loan at some point. The purpose of this multi-part article is to provide you with some useful information to help in your endeavors.