Negative home equity is not an important barrier for a homeowner to decide to move elsewhere for a better job, although underwater homeowners are probably more likely to move than borrowers with equity in their homes, according to researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The study presents evidence debunking the theory that homes with underwater mortgages deter unemployed people from moving to get new jobs. The “lock-in” theory holds that unemployed people with negative equity could ...
Compliance experts are urging FHA lenders to express their concerns about a potential new enforcement regime the Department of Housing and Urban Development has proposed that could raise the risks of doing business with the FHA. The HUD proposal, which was published as a notice in the Federal Register with a comment deadline of Sept. 9, seeks comment on measures that would further enhance quality assurance in origination, underwriting and servicing. HUD has routinely used quality assurance methods, including routine and targeted audits, post-endorsement loan reviews and monitoring of early default and claim rates to evaluate lender compliance. Attorneys with K&L Gates cautioned...
The recent sharp increase in mortgage interest rates has priced some borrowers out of the market and motivated others to complete home purchases, according to industry participants. If interest rates stay near current levels, home affordability is expected to remain strong, encouraging home purchases. The market for non-distressed properties is still healthy, according to results from the latest Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse Tracking Survey. Average time on market for non-distressed properties is declining, the average number of offers is increasing and sales-to-list price ratios are at elevated levels. The trends have been driven...
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