The VA has introduced a new program participation management system for its loan guaranty program.

VA wants servicers to immediately stop offering previously outlined loss-mitigation options from Chapter 5 of its servicers’ handbook.

Servicers have until Oct. 1 to implement the new VA Servicing Purchase loss-mitigation program. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs introduced legislation to authorize a VA partial-claim loss-mitigation option.

After falling below $100 billion in each of the previous two periods, Ginnie Mae issuance turned a corner in the second quarter. But volume is still far off the numbers for most of the past four years. (Includes four data charts.)

The interest rate on VA’s Native American Direct Loan program has been lowered to 2.5% for the next two years.

Trade groups recommended VA establish a permanent partial claim program that allows servicers to combine a partial claim with a loan modification for borrowers that need to reduce their monthly payments.

The VA is adding a step to its appraisal bias detection procedures. Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors told the agency not to rush its appraisal modernization efforts.

Looser pooling requirements for delivering reperforming loans to Ginnie; FHA revises policy handbook; FHA updates instructions for use of GSE model forms; FHA hiring; VA revises various forms; VA offers loan review API; CHLA calls for permanent PTAP; RHS proposes loosening loss-mitigation standards.

Proposed updates to rules governing VA interest rate reduction refinance loans drew asks from VA lenders and trade groups around loosening eligibility requirements for borrowers to maintain access to the product. (Includes data chart.)

A last-minute budget deal resulted in funding increases for many HUD housing-related programs.