Lamacchia: ‘Nothing’s changed’ about mortgage commission rules

Anthony Lamacchia thinks some agents are reading too much into guidance issued by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac confirming sellers can continue to pay buyer’s agents’ commissions. Continue reading

Mortgage giants offering very low income homebuyers a spring break

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering a $2,500 credit that borrowers can put toward their down payment, closing costs, escrow or mortgage insurance premiums. Continue reading

Assumable loan platform Roam offers seller closing guarantee

If it takes longer than 60 days from the time an offer is accepted until close of escrow, Roam will make the homeseller’s mortgage payments for up 60 days after the scheduled closing date. Continue reading

David Stevens, influential leader in mortgage finance, dies at 66

The former FHA commissioner also held executive positions at World Savings Bank, Freddie Mac, and The Long and Foster Companies before leading the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading

FHA 2024 loan limits are headed up, chasing rising home prices

Annual home price appreciation of 5.5 percent pushes FHA loan limits up to a minimum of $498,257 in affordable markets, and to a ceiling of up to $1.72 million in high-cost states like Alaska and Hawaii. Continue reading

Mortgage groups urge FHA to ditch ‘life of loan’ premium payments

Having just slashed annual mortgage insurance premiums on new FHA loans by 35 percent in March, and with total insurance in force growing faster than reserves, HUD officials show no signs of giving in to long-standing industry demands. Continue reading

LoanDepot lets buyers cover FHA down payment with 2nd mortgage

Available everywhere except New York, loanDepot’s new “accessZERO” program provides a down payment of up to 5 percent in the form of a 10-year fully amortized second mortgage. Continue reading

FHA will consider rent from ADUs when qualifying borrowers

Policy change is intended to help more first-time homebuyers, seniors, and inter-generational families tap the wealth building potential of homeownership. Continue reading

Mortgage assistance for Hawaii fire victims includes forbearance help

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration outlined relief for homeowners as FEMA and the state of Hawaii rushed to provide emergency housing for displaced residents. Continue reading

Demand for mortgages wanes as rates plateau near 2023 highs

A decrease in applications for FHA loans popular with first-time homebuyers helped push the average purchase loan application to $432,700, according to the latest MBA lender survey. Continue reading