A recently introduced bill, the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act, would direct VA to update regulations on home appraisals.

USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small testified this week about the shortages of affordable multifamily rental units and single-family homes for sale in rural areas.

FHA is planning significant reductions to both the upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums for most Section 232 program mortgages of green residential care facilities.

Gordon sworn in as FHA commissioner; Ginnie to expand digital collateral program; FHA to present overview of its single-family purchase program; Ginnie hosts training sessions for single-family issuer pooling processes and systems; Ginnie clarifies requirements for MBS related to delinquent loan buyout eligibility; USDA to hold online training sessions for its single-family program; USDA raises interest rates for its single-family direct loan programs.

The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization backed Ginnie’s updates to the digital collateral program.

Lisa Rice, CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, said it will take “thousands of equity-centered programs” to close racial homeownership and wealth gaps.

Even before Julia Gordon took oath as FHA commissioner last week, industry participants were reaching out with calls for action.

Citi’s Sandy Furlow will help Industrial Bank, a minority depository institution, build strong controls for its future growth within the mortgage business.

Ginnie Mae said Monday it will move beyond the pilot phase for its digital collateral program by opening it up to new applicants on June 20.

Merchants Capital complete $214 million commercial MBS transaction...Freddie Mac prices first seasoned loans structured transaction trust offering of the year...U.S. Mortgage Insurers said industry transferred $55 billion in risk over the past six years...Jerome Powell sworn in for second term as Federal Reserve chair.