Lenders originated $112.67 billion of FHA and VA loans in the third quarter — the highest quarterly volume for the government loan programs since the second quarter of 2022. (Includes three data tables.)

Stanley Middleman, founder and CEO of Freedom Mortgage, said the next administration’s approach for FHA and VA should be “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”

The capital ratio for FHA’s home equity conversion mortgage program grew nearly 800 basis points, helped by home price trends.

The agency wants the loan application for its Title I manufactured housing programs to more closely align with industry standards.

Speakers at the AEI Housing Center’s annual conference said the biggest negative of first-time homebuyer assistance policy is pushing borrowers to buy before they’re ready.

Among the proposed revisions, FHA would reduce the requirement for rental income history from boarders from two years to 12 months.

Government-insured products accounted for 27.1% of total first-lien originations in the third quarter compared with a 25.3% share the previous quarter. Streamline refi programs helped increase FHA/VA market share. (Includes two data tables.)

With the latest MMIF audit showing a strong capital reserve ratio, the FHA commissioner said it’s probably time to take action on pricing.

FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon suggested any cut in the mortgage insurance premium would likely wait for the next administration.

The CHLA once again is calling on FHA to eliminate its life-of-loan premium requirements.