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.

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.

First-time homebuyers seeking loans backed by FHA, VA or the Rural Housing Service are among those eligible for the DPA program under the Build Back Better Act.

FHA Principal Deputy Assistant Lopa Kolluri discussed the home equity conversion mortgage program and return-to-work at the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s annual convention.

Positive results in the forthcoming audit report to Congress on the status of the FHA insurance fund could prompt a reduction in premiums (or so the industry hopes).

While FHA plans to provide low-cost financing for borrowers mitigating climate hazard, Ginnie said it will consider backing housing programs with environmental, social and governance innovations.

Refinances made up nearly 50% of the reverse mortgages originated in the second quarter of 2021. Overall volume in the HECM market increased in the first six months compared to the same period a year earlier. (Includes two data charts.)

HUD joins FHFA in limiting sale of REO property to investors. The plan is to make sure more affordable housing is available to private buyers and nonprofits.

As part of FHA’s ongoing outreach to industry, Julienne Joseph, deputy assistant secretary for single-family housing, released a video answering servicers’ questions on COVID-19-related loss-mitigation options.

The growth gap between private mortgage insurers and insurance-in-force at FHA widened in the second quarter, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a new report.