“Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think that they must have such a one as their neighbors have.” — Henry David Thoreau, Walden. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said on 3.24.2026 that from January 2019 to January 2026: […]
Manufactured housing is the homeownership solve we keep ignoring Read More »
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill into effect earlier this week that bans noncompete agreements across the state. The move marks a significant shift in employment law that will take effect on June 30, 2027. The measure prohibits contracts that restrict workers from joining or starting competing businesses after leaving a job. Noncompete agreements
Washington just banned noncompete agreements. Will other states follow suit? Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been active in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market in recent weeks — but their approach appears more measured and opportunistic than many initially expected. Their activity has also been overshadowed by the U.S.-Iran conflict. “We’ve seen some activity from the GSEs. Instead of issuing cash window pools and putting
Even as GSEs step into MBS market, macro forces are controlling mortgage rates Read More »
Washington state’s Covenant Homeownership Program is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) notified the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, which administers the program, of the probe on Tuesday. The investigation comes days
HUD launches probe into Washington state down payment assistance program Read More »
Federal bank regulators on Thursday introduced proposals to overhaul capital rules, affecting how depositories treat mortgage assets. The package includes three measures: revisions to the Basel III framework for large, internationally active banks; changes to the Global Systemically Important Bank (GSIB) surcharge; and updates to the U.S. standardized approach. A broader Basel III proposal introduced in 2023
Bank regulators unveil capital reforms to boost mortgage lending Read More »
President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting mortgages addresses several concerns raised by banks and nonbanks, which have largely welcomed it as a road map for regulatory change. But it’s also receiving pushback from consumer advocates. Friday’s order on “promoting access to mortgage credit” aims to boost lending by community banks (with less than $30 billion
Trump’s mortgage order sets stage for regulatory shift, draws consumer backlash Read More »
In a widely expected move, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady Wednesday at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, the same level it set in January. “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has been little
Fed holds rates, officials signal wait and see on inflation risks Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Wednesday announced updates to condominium project standards and property insurance requirements for one- to four-unit properties and project developments, with a stated goal of reducing costs for homeowners. “We are replacing a disruptive and expensive Biden insurance mandate with commonsense policies for today’s market,” Bill Pulte, director of the
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac revise condo insurance standards Read More »
Top banks in the mortgage space, which have relied on a similar playbook for years, say they could become more active if upcoming changes to capital rules provide more flexibility, several industry executives told HousingWire. But any shift in strategy is expected to take time. Depositories typically focus on their existing customer base, ranging from
Banks eye bigger role in mortgages as regulators reconsider capital rules Read More »
A coalition of 16 attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), alleging the agency is attempting to force states to weaken their housing discrimination protections. The dispute centers on written guidance issued by HUD in September to state and local agencies that participate in the Fair
16 attorneys general sue HUD over fair housing guidance Read More »