Housing counseling providers are backing a proposal from HUD to permanently allow for services to be provided virtually rather than in-person.

VA issued a reminder on loan assumption requirements; Fannie to update Desktop Underwriter with FHA/VA loan limits on Jan. 20.

If the GSEs required stricter energy codes on new homes, savings on utility bills would cover borrowers’ costs within three years, a coalition of advocacy groups said in a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

In general, appraisers can adjust down a comparable valuation dollar for dollar with the value of seller concessions.

HUD is planning proposed rules and final actions in the coming months that will impact the FHA program.

VA issues circular on foreclosure moratorium; Ginnie is looking for new senior vice president for the Office of Enterprise Data and Technology Solutions.

Stricter energy codes would lower residents’ housing costs, improve their health and make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change, according to environmental and consumer groups.

The revisions would increase the maximum allowable rehabilitation costs for a limited loan, update the rehab period for both standard and limited loans, and allow higher fees for program consultants.

The goal, FHA said in a new report, is to improve the quality and efficiency of its data and allow its program offices to better collaborate.

The rate of foreclosures is too small to play a meaningful role in boosting housing supply, according to panelists at a recent Urban Institute conference.