Posts Tagged ‘fannie mae’

Americans equate homeownership with liberties

Posted on March 8th, 2010, by DHW

A great article published in the New York Times taps into the American psyche when it comes to homeownership. The author, Robert J. Shiller (one half of the super Swedish rock group Case/Shiller), provides a brief history behind  the creation of The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae in the 1930’s. Mr. Shiller notes [...]

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Loan modifications improving but still failing

Posted on January 12th, 2010, by DHW

Although the numbers are improving, a third of loans modified by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac early last year were delinquent after six months.
These loans were modified prior to implementation of Obama’s Home Affordable Modification Program.
DHW asks: Do you think loan modifications are making a difference?
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Be a patriot: purchase a home with FHA

Posted on November 25th, 2009, by DHW

Besides saving yourself money, using an FHA endorsed loan to purchase a home may be the most patriotic thing you can do.  Hear me out. In the late 1990s, the government correctly sought to increase homeownership. Naively, the government did not look to the FHA to take charge in this call to action. Instead, they [...]

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Stevens: FHA sublime, not subprime

Posted on November 16th, 2009, by DHW

During a speech to the National Association of Realtors in San Diego, FHA Commissioner David Stevens said his agency is not headed for the same fate as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the subprime sector. Concerns about the FHA’s financial well being were raised last week when it was revealed in an independent audit that [...]

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Audit: FHA’s reserve funds way below what law requires

Posted on November 12th, 2009, by DHW

From The Washington Post : ‘FHA’s cash reserves have dropped well below amount required by law, audit shows’
DHW asks: Do you think the FHA’s reserves will hit zero?
FHA loan limits in your area
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Foreclosures down but not out

Posted on November 12th, 2009, by DHW

U.S. foreclosures sank for a third consecutive month in October, down 3% from the previous month. However, many feel this trend will not continue. Foreclosure notices were curtailed in many states due to temporary, legislative intervention. CNBC reported Nevada foreclosures “dropped 26 percent from the previous month because of new legislation requiring mediation before initiating [...]

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Realogy CEO just doesn’t get it.

Posted on November 11th, 2009, by DHW

In a CNBC interview this morning, Realogy CEO, Richard Smith, called on FHA to increase its minimum required down payment of 3.5%. Mr Smith suggested the ‘risk profile’ will have to change to stave off foreclosures. This argument only perpetuates the myth that those who put less money down are somehow less attached to their [...]

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FHA loosens condo project guidelines

Posted on November 11th, 2009, by DHW

The Miami Herald reported the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is temporarily relaxing underwriting guidelines for some condominium communities. The changes are intended to increase condo sales and put occupants in otherwise vacant units. 
DHW asks: Do you agree with the FHA’s decision to relax condo underwriting guidelines?
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Citi and USA Today: 1 in 5 dressed like they want it

Posted on November 9th, 2009, by DHW

Last week, CitiMortgage suggested in a USA Today article that 1 in 5 homeowners currently in default of their mortgage are doing so strategically or voluntarily. They cite Sharon Sakson as one of these ’strategic defaults.’ Ms Sakson was laid off as a television writer and producer. After losing her job, she ‘burned through her savings to [...]

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Treasury Dept says ‘no deal’ for Fannie

Posted on November 7th, 2009, by DHW

Citing a loss too great for taxpayers, the US Treasury Department blocked Fannie Mae’s nearly $3 billion sale of unused low-income housing tax credits to Goldman Sachs Group and Berkshire Hathaway.

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