The Government Accountability Office warned the FHA Catalyst technology modernization program faces an increased risk of outspending its planned $91.9 million budget.

During a recent conference, officials from government agencies spoke about their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the top challenges facing them next year.

HUD joins FHFA in limiting sale of REO property to investors. The plan is to make sure more affordable housing is available to private buyers and nonprofits.

In a bid to bring 100,000 new affordable homes to market for purchase or rent in the next three years, HUD will limit the sale of certain FHA-insured and HUD-owned properties to institutional investors.

As part of FHA’s ongoing outreach to industry, Julienne Joseph, deputy assistant secretary for single-family housing, released a video answering servicers’ questions on COVID-19-related loss-mitigation options.

Servicers can temporarily offer repayment plans to HECM borrowers regardless of their total outstanding arrearage. Also, servicers no longer have to wait for three years before seeking an assignment of a HECM they have cured with their own funds.

Key metrics reviewed in HUD’s single-family default monitoring system showed that residential servicers generally complied with HUD’s forbearance reporting requirements for FHA loans.

In comment letters already submitted, mortgage servicers and credit unions warned that proposed capital requirements could force some entities out of the Ginnie market and drive up the costs of loans.

Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee want the next FHA commissioner to revisit an Obama-era policy that keeps distressed properties out of the reach of individual home buyers.

Two waivers address concerns that requiring re-reviews of which borrowers were eligible for foreclosure prevention options could take focus away from loss-mitigation efforts.