FHA raises loan limits for 2022; VA announces new maximum allowable legal fees; FHA extends use of alternative methods for face-to-face interviews with borrowers; Ginnie extends the use of alternative audit procedures; FHA is hiring; Mr. Cooper sells reverse servicing portfolio; Ginnie Mae to host a webinar on its single-family pool delivery module.

The spending bill would direct $300 million for HUD information technology systems, including those that support FHA mortgage insurance programs and grant programs.

Rocket Mortgage recently completed its one millionth e-closing transaction, an executive with the lender said last month during a Ginnie Mae podcast on digital collateral in the government mortgage market.

Still, very few homeowners age 62 and above have accessed their home equity since the 2008 housing bust.

FHA extended forbearance by another six months on recent additions to the recovery program and proposed a 40-year loan modification as a loss-mitigation option.

FHA lenders have until Dec. 31 to comply with new changes to financial requirements for mortgagee eligibility.

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.