There’s no shortage of differing opinions within housing, but one thing most industry professionals can agree on is that affordability is a key ongoing struggle for many prospective homebuyers. Real estate agents and members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are on the front lines of this battle, as they work with buyers to […]
NAR supports major housing reforms in 2026 legislative agenda Read More »
The Housing for the 21st Century Act advanced in the House on Wednesday after a markup by the Financial Services Committee, setting the stage for a potential floor vote in early 2026. Lawmakers also unanimously passed a separate bill extending the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). H.R. 5577 extends the program through
Housing for the 21st Century Act clears House committee, heads to floor vote Read More »
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to expand property tax exemptions for seniors to up to 65% of their home’s assessed value, raising the ceiling for the first time in decades from the previous 50% cap. “No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,”
New York raises senior property tax exemption to 65% Read More »
The ROAD to Housing Act was left out of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the final House text released Sunday, leaving the mortgage industry to continue pushing for housing provisions into the first quarter of next year. The bipartisan bill — which includes policies to address housing affordability, boost supply, modernize financing
ROAD to Housing Act dropped from NDAA, sparking trade group response Read More »
Last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and 14 other trade groups representing insurance companies, lenders and other financial institutions urged Congress to approve a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In a letter to congressional leaders dated Dec. 2, the organizations said that millions of U.S. homeowners depend on the federally
Trade groups urge Congress to reauthorize NFIP Read More »
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) on Wednesday signed a housing bill aimed at addressing the state’s shortage of affordable housing. H.B. 5002, a “much-debated” bill, according to CT Insider, passed during a special session in early November. The bill is a compromise from the version that Lamont had vetoed in June, which was followed by
Connecticut governor signs bill to tackle affordable housing shortage Read More »
The Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday passed two bills aimed at limiting future property tax increases by tying them to inflation — marking the latest in a series of efforts to curb rising property taxes across the state. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman said the legislation represents “something significant” for Ohio taxpayers. He estimates
Ohio moves to tie property tax increases to inflation Read More »
U.S. Reps. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) introduced the Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act on Wednesday, which clarifies that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the sole authority to establish energy efficiency and safety standards for manufactured housing. “America has been grappling with a housing crisis and cutting red
Bipartisan House bill would strengthen HUD’s grip on manufactured housing standards Read More »
U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced legislation last week that would make it easier for faith-based organizations and colleges to convert unused land into affordable housing. The measure — called the Yes in God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act — would direct federal resources to help religious
Bill aims to expand affordable housing on unused religious, college land Read More »
As the real estate industry prepared for the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) nationwide commission lawsuit settlement agreement, one of the biggest questions was how the changes would impact veteran homebuyers wishing to use their loan benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The NAR settlement requires
VA loan homebuyers navigate NAR settlement with ease Read More »