“Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think that they must have such a one as their neighbors have.” — Henry David Thoreau, Walden. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said on 3.24.2026 that from January 2019 to January 2026: […]
Manufactured housing is the homeownership solve we keep ignoring Read More »
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill into effect earlier this week that bans noncompete agreements across the state. The move marks a significant shift in employment law that will take effect on June 30, 2027. The measure prohibits contracts that restrict workers from joining or starting competing businesses after leaving a job. Noncompete agreements
Washington just banned noncompete agreements. Will other states follow suit? Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been active in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market in recent weeks — but their approach appears more measured and opportunistic than many initially expected. Their activity has also been overshadowed by the U.S.-Iran conflict. “We’ve seen some activity from the GSEs. Instead of issuing cash window pools and putting
Even as GSEs step into MBS market, macro forces are controlling mortgage rates Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac last week enacted updates to condominium project standards and property insurance rules for one- to four-unit properties and larger developments, aiming to lower costs for homeowners. The moves have been met with mixed opinions from mortgage professionals. The updates, which Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced on March 18, allow greater leeway
The GSEs updated their rules for condo loans. Will they be helpful or harmful? Read More »
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte is again targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James, this time filing criminal referrals with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over alleged insurance fraud. The referrals were sent to two U.S. attorneys — Jason Reding Quinones of the Southern District of Florida and Andrew Boutros of
Bill Pulte targets Letitia James with new criminal referrals Read More »
Washington state’s Covenant Homeownership Program is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) notified the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, which administers the program, of the probe on Tuesday. The investigation comes days
HUD launches probe into Washington state down payment assistance program Read More »
The Trump administration on Friday issued a “comprehensive national legislative framework” regarding artificial intelligence (AI) policy, aimed at boosting U.S. innovation while protecting consumers, children and national security. The proposal outlines six broad priorities aimed at positioning the U.S. as a global leader in AI while building public trust in the rapidly evolving technology. The
Trump’s AI policy framework calls for single federal standard Read More »
Federal bank regulators on Thursday introduced proposals to overhaul capital rules, affecting how depositories treat mortgage assets. The package includes three measures: revisions to the Basel III framework for large, internationally active banks; changes to the Global Systemically Important Bank (GSIB) surcharge; and updates to the U.S. standardized approach. A broader Basel III proposal introduced in 2023
Bank regulators unveil capital reforms to boost mortgage lending Read More »
President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting mortgages addresses several concerns raised by banks and nonbanks, which have largely welcomed it as a road map for regulatory change. But it’s also receiving pushback from consumer advocates. Friday’s order on “promoting access to mortgage credit” aims to boost lending by community banks (with less than $30 billion
Trump’s mortgage order sets stage for regulatory shift, draws consumer backlash Read More »
In a widely expected move, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady Wednesday at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, the same level it set in January. “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has been little
Fed holds rates, officials signal wait and see on inflation risks Read More »