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Mortgage Lenders Implement Stricter Overlays Beyond Government Guidelines, Causing Discrepancies in Loan Approvals

Mortgage Lenders Implement Stricter Overlays Beyond Government Guidelines, Causing Discrepancies in Loan Approvals

Mortgage Lenders Implement Stricter Overlays Beyond Government Guidelines, Causing Discrepancies in Loan Approvals
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Restricts Large Institutional Investor Purchases of Single-Family Homes

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Restricts Large Institutional Investor Purchases of Single-Family Homes

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (P.L. 119-101) was enacted on July 11, 2026, after President Trump declined to take action on the bill. A central provision of this new law, Section 1001, imposes a general prohibition on large institutional investors (LIIs) from purchasing single-family homes (SFHs). This prohibition will take effect 180 days after the enactment date, specifically on January 7, 2027. An LII is defined as a for-profit legal entity, such as an investment fund or corporation, that is involved in investing in, owning, renting, managing, or holding SFHs, and has investment control over at least 350 SFHs in aggregate. The act includes several 'excepted purchases' that allow LIIs to acquire SFHs under specific conditions, such as new construction for sale, build-to-rent programs, renovate-to-rent programs with substantial rehabilitation, and acquisitions related to debt satisfaction or mortgage servicing. The law also mandates the U.S. Department of Treasury, in consultation with HUD, FHFA, a...
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HUD Homes Offer Affordable Homeownership with Specific Considerations

HUD Homes Offer Affordable Homeownership with Specific Considerations

HUD homes are residential properties owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) due to the previous owner defaulting on an FHA-insured mortgage. When a borrower with an FHA loan stops making payments, the lender forecloses, and HUD reimburses the lender, taking title to the property. HUD then resells these homes to recover its loss, operating with a motivation to move properties efficiently rather than maximize profit. These homes are sold 'as-is,' meaning HUD will not undertake repairs or negotiate on property condition before closing. Sales are conducted through a sealed-bid process via HUD-registered real estate agents during defined listing periods, differing from traditional negotiations. Properties are listed on HUD’s official marketplace. A key feature is an exclusive 30-day window for owner-occupants, nonprofits, and government agencies to bid before investors are allowed, providing a significant advantage for those planning to live in the home. While often priced below mar...
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Mortgage Lenders Explore AI and Alternative Data for Credit Scoring

Mortgage Lenders Explore AI and Alternative Data for Credit Scoring

Mortgage Lenders Explore AI and Alternative Data for Credit Scoring
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Fannie Mae Multifamily Loan Program Offers Long-Term, High-Leverage Financing for Apartment Properties

Fannie Mae Multifamily Loan Program Offers Long-Term, High-Leverage Financing for Apartment Properties

Fannie Mae Multifamily Loan Program Offers Long-Term, High-Leverage Financing for Apartment Properties
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President Trump's Administration Rolls Back Biden-Era FHFA Initiatives, Shifts Focus to Operational Efficiency in Mortgage Market

President Trump's Administration Rolls Back Biden-Era FHFA Initiatives, Shifts Focus to Operational Efficiency in Mortgage Market

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), under President Trump's administration, has initiated several rollbacks of Biden-era policies, signaling a shift in its operational focus. According to Eric Chaffee, the John C. Hutchins Professor of Law for Case Western Reserve University, the Trump administration has expressed concerns regarding the previous administration's efforts in diversity, inclusion, equity, and climate change. These changes include allowing condos to purchase actual cash value roof insurance, withdrawing from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, and adjusting housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reduce target percentages for low- and very-low-income homebuyers. Additionally, the FHFA has changed credit score requirements, allowing for lower scores and the use of VantageScore, and has permitted cryptocurrency as a qualifying asset for mortgages. Doug Perry, strategic financing advisor at Real Estate Bees, notes a shift towards operatio...
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A canceled home sale could be good news for buyers

A canceled home sale could be good news for buyers

A Redfin report revealed that 14% of home-buying deals were canceled in July.
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Young Americans Demonstrate Improved Credit Scores Post-COVID, Despite Economic Disparities

Young Americans Demonstrate Improved Credit Scores Post-COVID, Despite Economic Disparities

Young Americans, specifically those aged 18 to 29 (Gen Z) and 30 to 44 (Millennials), have shown significant improvements in their credit scores since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to FICO research. The 18-29 age group experienced a 17-point increase in average credit scores, the largest among all age groups measured, with nearly half (49.6%) now possessing a strong credit score of 700 or above, up from 41.4% in April 2020. This trend is partly attributed to the pause in student loan payments during the initial stages of the health emergency and increased financial literacy among younger generations. Experts suggest that younger Americans are more aware of the importance of protecting credit scores due to various economic challenges they have faced. However, this improvement is not uniform, as FICO data indicates a 'K-shaped economy' where credit score distribution for 18-29 year olds has shifted towards both higher and lower scores, rather than clustering in the middle, highlighting existing dis...
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Fintech Lenders Utilize Alternative Data to Expand Credit Access for U.S. Consumers and Small Businesses

Fintech Lenders Utilize Alternative Data to Expand Credit Access for U.S. Consumers and Small Businesses

Fintech Lenders Utilize Alternative Data to Expand Credit Access for U.S. Consumers and Small Businesses
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law, Boosting Affordable Housing Investment

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becomes Law, Boosting Affordable Housing Investment

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026, without the president's signature, after a 10-day congressional process. This legislation compiles numerous bipartisan housing bills and introduces several key provisions aimed at enhancing affordable housing initiatives. A significant change is the increase of the bank public welfare investment (PWI) cap from 15% to 20%. This adjustment is expected to channel billions in private capital towards the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The Act also modernizes the HOME program and directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review and report back on its Build America, Buy America (BABA) process. Additionally, it streamlines National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews by eliminating outdated and duplicative requirements for recently developed sites. Other provisions include raising the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) cap by 100,000 units and authorizing the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Rec...
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Experts update mortgage rate, housing market forecast

Experts update mortgage rate, housing market forecast

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has both good and bad news for homebuyers.
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New York homebuyers could get cash from $28.5M settlement

New York homebuyers could get cash from $28.5M settlement

New Yorkers who bought a home as far back as 2015 may qualify for a share of the settlement involving Keller Williams and RE/MAX, but claims must be filed by Aug. 25.