Home insurance premiums are rising at a slower pace, but affordability challenges still remain an issue for homebuyers.

Housing affordability has improved due to slowing home price appreciation and growing inventory but it is still lagging historical levels.

Lenders urged the regulator to spell out the GSEs’ conservatorship-era obligations that could apply even if Fannie and Freddie are released.

Cross-industry coordination will be key to increasing housing affordability, according to industry participants.

The new requirements, and the shutdown, are expected to further delay the release of CDFI Fund awards that have already been approved.

Housing legislation with strong bipartisan support could move forward in the Senate as soon as this month.

Larger credit unions are increasingly acquiring community banks and reducing mortgage lending in local communities, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Democrats in the House offered 14 housing-related bills, many with bipartisan support.

Still, experts believe more can be done to educate borrowers on availability of downpayment programs.

Fannie Mae economists slightly increased their mortgage rate projections for the remainder of the year despite widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut the federal funds rate in September.