The Biden administration’s fiscal 2024 budget request includes $61 million for Ginnie Mae; HUD proposes modernized flood mitigation standards; HUD reinstates 2013 discriminatory effects standard; HUD announces fair housing grants.

As part of its 2024 budget proposal, the White House has asked for a $20.6 million increase in funding for Ginnie Mae.

The flow of new single-family mortgage-backed securities in Ginnie pools dribbled to just $22.66 billion last month. Through the first two months of the year, volume was down 53.9% from the same period in 2022.

The proposed changes are tied to registration of branch offices where lenders are authorized to conduct FHA business and to applicable fees.

White House releases budget request; MBA seeks clarifications from FHA on expanded COVID loss-mitigation options; MBA asks VA to consider appraisal-related policy reforms; HUD finalizes rule removing LIBOR as approved index for FHA ARMs; House bill seeks to make permanent mortgage insurance premium tax deduction.

FHA is cutting annual mortgage insurance premiums, effective March 20. Lenders are seeking operational clarity on loans already in the origination pipeline.

FHA is taking comments through April 17 on a request for information on the barriers consumers and lenders face in accessing the FHA 203(k) rehabilitation mortgage program.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced an agreement with Louisiana that will free borrowers from debt related to a program meant to mitigate against hurricane risk post Katrina.

The USDA’s Section 502 loan program could be the answer to the affordable housing crisis in towns near tourist attractions.

FHA to discontinue paper claims option; VA updates loan fees; Mortgage Bankers Association seeks Congressional action on multifamily housing; FHA corrects mortgagee letter on expanded loss-mitigation options; USDA maintains appraisal fee; HUD updates civil monetary penalties.