The Department of Housing and Urban Development has finalized rules that would modernize residential building standards.

A reduction in closing costs, down payment assistance programs for first-generation homebuyers and investing in communities that need housing could all lead to more affordable housing access.

The CFPB this week issued a report regarding numerous “junk fees” charged by mortgage servicers. The servicers were generally ordered to refund the fees and change their practices.

The two resignations in less than two months and in a presidential election year have created some uncertainty over the future of other political appointees in the federal housing sector.

Potential homebuyers are showing stronger demand for mortgages than they were a year ago, even though interest rates are higher now. Economists at Fannie Mae revised their projections for mortgage originations upward last week.

Lenders, servicers and others in the housing market should work together to educate consumers on the financial impact of climate change, according to participants at a conference last week.

The bills with endorsements from the MBA marked up by a House committee didn’t garner support from Democrats, making it unlikely that they’ll be signed into law during the Biden administration.

The current loss-mitigation waterfall has dramatically reduced foreclosure liquidations, suggesting lenders could make more loans to riskier borrowers without increasing expected losses.

As Fannie Mae’s CEO approaches the first anniversary of her tenure, she talks about climate change, affordable housing and the homeownership gap.

Refinance volume was up across the board in first-quarter agency business, but the sharp spike in VA activity caught the most attention. (Includes three data tables.)