Almost one year into the Biden administration, both FHA and Ginnie Mae are waiting for the Senate to approve leaders.

The latest version of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better agenda retained several key programs intended to support homeownership.

The mortgage industry wants Ginnie Mae to withdraw the pandemic-related pooling restrictions imposed on reperforming loans.

FHA raises loan limits for 2022; VA announces new maximum allowable legal fees; FHA extends use of alternative methods for face-to-face interviews with borrowers; Ginnie extends the use of alternative audit procedures; FHA is hiring; Mr. Cooper sells reverse servicing portfolio; Ginnie Mae to host a webinar on its single-family pool delivery module.

While lenders contend lower FHA insurance premiums will help attract more borrowers, FHA wants to protect the resiliency of its program. (Includes data chart.)

FHA plans to take a multiprong approach to expanding homeownership among underserved communities as a way to address the racial wealth gap.

In an effort to reinforce its commitment against racial bias in home valuations, FHA updated its general appraiser requirements. An interagency task force discussed the issue this week.

Spouses and children of Black World War II veterans who were shut out of the VA home loan program would be eligible under new legislation introduced this month.

Veterans United Home Loans offered to pay off the mortgage of 11 borrowers as part of a Veterans Day promotion.

House passes Build Back Better bill; lenders can send electronic submissions of multifamily mortgage applications in the FHA Catalyst; HUD will sell multiple pools of vacant properties from FHA’s reverse mortgage program; FHA announces job openings; the USDA appoints new administrator to the RHS.