The Department of Housing and Urban Development updates code on manufactured home construction and safety standards; HUD issues final rule modernizing housing counseling services delivery; HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling hosts virtual conference.

The Mortgage Bankers Association and the Housing Policy Center have urged VA to extend the deadline to implement the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase loss-mitigation program though Dec. 31.

The redrafted proposal provides specific examples of defects and clearer, proportionate remedies to the potential harm.

Stakeholders say the GSEs’ proposed definition of “first-generation homebuyer” in their equitable housing-finance plans unfairly excludes many of the people the enterprises and the FHFA want to help.

Many trade groups denounced Freddie’s plan to buy second liens, saying key details were lacking. There are also concerns that Freddie’s effort will simply cannibalize an otherwise healthy and liquid non-agency market for second liens.

Nonbank issuers in the Ginnie Mae program should have better access to funding from commercial banks to help bolster their liquidity, according to a proposal from the Housing Policy Council.

Servicers have until Oct. 1 to implement the program.

Facing criticisms that borrowers would intentionally default to qualify for VA’s upcoming loan-modification program, the agency noted that nearly 90% of its home loan portfolio is at a 2.5% to 3% coupon.

VA borrowers could stand a better chance when bidding for a home if the agency’s minimum property requirements are aligned with GSE standards, according to mortgage lenders.

Freddie and lender trade groups circled the wagons in opposition to many of the mortgage-related provisions in a proposed rule to change capital requirements for large banks.