Economists are raising red flags over former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policy, warning that the reintroduction of steep tariffs could undo decades of global economic integration and steer the U.S. economy back toward the protectionist practices of the early 20th century. Recent estimates suggest that average U.S. tariff levels are now approaching highs not seen since 1910—a period marked by isolationism and economic volatility.
Zillow has announced a sweeping policy shift that aims to clamp down on the widespread use of “pocket listings”—properties marketed privately without being listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Starting May 1, homes that have been publicly marketed outside the MLS will no longer be allowed on Zillow’s platform. The move is being positioned as a step toward greater transparency and equal opportunity in home buying.
Mortgage rates continued to climb last week despite the Trump administration’s decision to delay certain trade tariffs, adding fresh pressure to an already strained housing market. The increase in borrowing costs came as a surprise to many industry watchers who had expected rate relief following news that some of the proposed tariffs would be postponed. Instead, the rise underscores the persistent influence of broader economic forces—especially inflation expectations and bond market volatility—on the cost of home loans.
The new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) spent much of last week issuing orders that rescinded or terminated policies put in place during the previous administration. FHFA Director William Pulte posted the series of orders on his X.com account last week.
The new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) took the opportunity of his swearing in to echo the Trump administration’s emphasis on government efficiency. William J. Pulte was confirmed by a 56-43 vote of the U.S. Senate last week as FHFA Director for a five-year term. Three Democrats voted with the Republican majority to approve President Trump’s nomination.
There are certain situations where the borrower must show that they have reserves after closing. Individuals purchasing or refinancing three and/or four family homes with FHA financing must provide evidence that they will have three (3) months of PITI reserves. The reserve does not include funds received from a gift. The reserves must be the borrower’s own money.
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.
Periodically the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other organizations keep tract of the housing industry. When the numbers are up that is usually an indication that the mortgage industry will increase or decline.
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: Glenn Michaels, Opinion Editorial Contributor
As an old time underwriter, more than fourty years of mortgage underwriting I feel we are heading to another housing bubble. Conversations with other seasoned underwriters also feel that we are also going down the road to another housing bubble.
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.
For a long time under the Obama Administration mortgagor’s under certain conditions were able to apply for a mortgage loan modification. The HAMP program is actually called the Home Affordable Modification Program.
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: Glenn Michaels, Opinion Editorial Contributor
Super Storm Sandy also known as Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeastern United States on October 29, 2012. After the storm hit and the damage was done, all of the news media and politicians came out in mass to report on the storm and what has happened since.
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.
Revitalization Areas are HUD designated geographic areas authorized by Congress under provisions of the National Housing Act. Revitalization Areas are intended to promote “the revitalization, through expanded homeownership opportunities, of revitalization areas.”
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.
Today, virtually every FHA loan is put through an AUS underwriting system with TOTAL Scorecard for an automated underwriting decision.
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.
Anyone that has been in the mortgage industry for a long while remembers the “wild west” of mortgage lending. During this time we had all kinds of exotic mortgage programs. Literally, if a prospective borrower had a body pulse he was able to purchase a home.
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 I talk to more and more people it is amazing how much erroneous information is out whereby borrowers must put 20% down in order to buy a home. These people must have read all of the news articles referring to the QM (Qualifying Mortgage) and other press releases referring to the difficulty in obtaining mortgage financing.
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 reviewing a credit report for a mortgage loan where you find derogatory credit on the credit report always find out what contributed to the derogatory credit. Loan applicants that can provide evidence that the derogatory credit was due to loss of employment or other extenuating circumstances as defined in Mortgagee Letter 2013 – 26 can obtain mortgage financing sooner than later than other applicants with the same derogatory credit.
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.