House passes tax bill with LIHTC provisions; FHA finalizes rules on branch office registration requirements; HUD to hold meeting of the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee; and other news.

Ginnie Mae is evaluating a new security backed by FHA home equity conversion loans that have reached balances above 98% of their maximum claim amounts.

Former FHA Commissioner David Stevens dies at 66; NAAHL names Sarah Brundage CEO; Ginnie hosts state housing agencies at roundtable; Ginnie files motion to dismiss TCB lawsuit; OCC to host appraisal bias hearing; and other news.

Reverse mortgage lenders funded $3.95 billion in new home equity conversion mortgages in the third quarter, a 17.9% increase from the previous period. Year to date, though, HECM endorsements lagged.

Industry participants are asking Congress to fully fund the salary and expense requests for both FHA and Ginnie Mae during the fiscal 2024 budget appropriations reconciliation.

FHA and VA lenders are gearing up for an uptick in purchase, refinance and renovation loans in the new year.

Industry and consumer groups want the VA’s upcoming Veterans Assistance Servicing Purchase loss-mitigation program to target borrower payment reduction, not a single interest rate target.

Housing counseling providers are backing a proposal from HUD to permanently allow for services to be provided virtually rather than in-person.

VA issued a reminder on loan assumption requirements; Fannie to update Desktop Underwriter with FHA/VA loan limits on Jan. 20.

Endorsements of FHA and VA insured loans increased by 9.2% in the third quarter while total first-lien originations declined. (Includes three data tables.)