Total issuance of Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities declined slightly during the first quarter of this year. Still, volume was up sharply from the first three months of 2023. (Includes four data tables.)

The VA earlier this week announced its long-awaited Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase loss-mitigation program and said it will launch May 31.

The administrative actions last year resulted in civil monetary penalties of more than $26 million.

The Mortgage Bankers Association and Community Home Lenders of America want policy updates from the VA and FHA to respond to market changes that are anticipated following a proposed National Association of Realtors settlement tied to broker commissions.

Texas judge allows “tortious interference with property rights” claim to proceed against Ginnie Mae, but dismisses arbitrary and capricious claim and promissory estoppel charges.

The revisions to USDA’s technical handbook will take effect next month.

Adrianne Todman, the new acting secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, called for more action to solve the affordable housing crisis.

CHLA endorses House Resolution 612 to protect veterans benefits; VA finalizes rule updating loss-mitigation terminology; VA adopts a no cash, no check policy; Ginnie adds low- to moderate-income data disclosures related to its home equity conversion mortgage MBS program; HUD to hold vacant home sale related to its HECM program.

Marcia Fudge, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, this week announced her retirement, effective March 22. HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will step in as acting secretary.

President Biden last weekend signed a six-bill fiscal 2024 appropriations package that includes funding for the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture.