State housing finance agencies want to be exempted from proposed FHA audit requirements for investing mortgagees, the National Council of State Housing Agencies said in a comment letter.

The updated guidance, which will go into effect Jan. 1, notes that housing counseling must be provided by a qualified, independent third party and not by anyone compensated by a mortgage originator or servicer.

FHA Catalyst claims module now enables bulk submissions of supplemental claims; USDA’s Rural Housing Service to release proposed rule updating eligibility requirements for non-citizens; Senate Banking Committee to hold hearing on flood insurance; HUD to hold meeting of its Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee.

Consumer advocates, trade groups and federal agencies are urging banks to help close the racial wealth and homeownership gaps by committing to launch more special purpose credit programs.

MISMO seeks participants for VA-document-related working group; Senate banking subcommittee to hold housing supply hearing; HUD to host housing counseling conference; OMB to hold tribal consultation on 2025 budget; HUD to co-sponsor special purpose credit program roundtable; UWM expands soft credit check program.

FHFA joins HUD, OCC and CFPB in an effort to promote the use of special purpose credit programs as a way to boost lending in disadvantaged communities.

Federal housing agencies are directing mortgage servicers to instate a moratorium on foreclosures for homeowners affected by the Maui wildfires.

The FHA Credit Watch Termination Initiative is separate from any action taken by HUD’s Mortgagee Review Board.

The trade group suggested HUD streamline property valuation data for HECMs through a waterfall of appraisal options that could eliminate the need for a second appraisal in some cases.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reminded lenders and servicers of the options available to homeowners impacted by the deadly wildfires in Maui.