All 10 of the top management challenges facing the Department of Housing and Urban Development last year, including mitigating counterparty risk to mortgage programs, remain, the HUD Inspector General reported last week. 

Leaving the choice of index to the noteholder could lead to volatile payment amounts and default for the borrower as well as problems for FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, the group says. 

FHA moves away from the Catalyst Electronic Appraisal Delivery module; the Mortgage Bankers Association asks the Senate Finance Committee to make the mortgage insurance premium tax deduction permanent; and more. 

A Cleveland homeowner says Nationstar (now known as Mr. Cooper) improperly declined his COVID-related loan-modification request. Nationstar acquired the servicing rights from another company. 

Although FHA is required to maintain a minimum 2% capital ratio, there’s nothing in its Congressional mandate that speaks to a maximum.

The falloff in refinance issuance is easing, but perhaps only because it's nearing rock bottom. (Includes two data charts.)

Private mortgage insurers expect a boost in business from pricing changes in the conventional market. But an FHA mortgage insurance premium cut, expected sometime in the next several months, could swing business back to the government-insured market.

There’s work to be done in the remaining months of the current Congress, including funding the government. If that isn’t done by Dec. 16, the government could shut down, and that has spelled trouble for FHA and USDA originations in the past.

RHS extends Section 502 subsidy pilot program; Rural Development seeks applications for 2023 community development program; FHA promotes 203(k) rehab loans; Nutter shutters; MBA names affordable homeownership advisory council members; Chase launches VA purchase closing cost benefit.