The Senate voted 55-44 to confirm Scott Turner as housing secretary, paving the way for the Trump administration to install new leadership at FHA and Ginnie Mae.

The pause was ultimately rescinded following court injunctions. In the meantime, participants in government-insured mortgage programs faced uncertainty.

The changes were set to take effect Feb. 5. Instead, HUD instituted a 90-day delay to review the final rule developed by the Biden administration.

VA sets return-to-office requirements for employees; Indecomm adds FHA underwriting; RHS interest rates increase; number of downpayment assistance programs grows.

With a new federal administration in charge, the MBA renewed its calls for reductions to FHA premiums. However, the Trump administration is unlikely to cut premiums.

VA origination fees will stay at elevated levels through mid-2034 rather than coming down near the end of 2031. The extension was prompted by a bill that passed Congress with broad bipartisan support.

Endorsement activity involving traditional HECMs declined slightly and production of HECMs for home purchase increased during the third quarter. Mutual of Omaha remained the top HECM lender. (Includes three data tables.)

Among a large group of FHA/VA lenders, the broker channel accounted for 24.8% of government-insured originations in the third quarter. UWM and PennyMac sharply increased their broker volume in the quarter. (Includes data table.)

Lenders originated $112.67 billion of FHA and VA loans in the third quarter — the highest quarterly volume for the government loan programs since the second quarter of 2022. (Includes three data tables.)

FHA and Ginnie Mae officials are working to ensure HECMs are available by implementing various reforms.