Lenders need to do more to boost first-time homeownership among low- to moderate-income households, according to panelists speaking at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s annual convention.

Chairs of two congressional committees have pledged to fight to ensure a hefty level of funding for housing in the Build Back Better package.

While FHA plans to provide low-cost financing for borrowers mitigating climate hazard, Ginnie said it will consider backing housing programs with environmental, social and governance innovations.

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

FHA/VA loans in COVID-19-related forbearance continue to drop; VA updates eligibility rules on specially adapted housing grants; HUD plans a fair housing event; Ginnie non-agency early buyout securitization planned; VA to host advisory committee meeting on homeless veterans.

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. has closed its first agricultural MBS, valued at $302.7 million.

CoreLogic this week completed its purchase of ClosingCorp., while SimpleNexus wrapped up a deal to buy LBA Ware.

Mortgage M&A is expected to hit the vendor sector as well in the coming year...

As part of its plan, HUD will collaborate with VA and USDA on ways to integrate climate-related financial risk into mortgage underwriting standards and loan terms.

According to research conducted on behalf of the National Association of Realtors, 51% of non-homeowners with outstanding student loan debt said they have delayed buying a home because of that debt.