Topic: Federal Housing Administration

The federal government spends a lot more money than you think

'Federal spending' figures are not reliable markers. In reality, the federal government spends about 30 percent more than it admits.

Why Obama is unveiling mortgage relief plan on Super Tuesday

President Obama will announce a mortgage relief plan to help some 3 million homeowners. Is it coincidence that Obama's first news conference since November is during Super Tuesday?

In economic rebound, housing woes remain

Job growth and spending are showing signs of life, but the biggest continuing problem for most Americans is their homes.

Obama plan to lower mortgage payments could help, but how much?

President Obama unveiled his plan to cut mortgage payments for 'responsible homeowners' in trouble. But the housing crisis is so massive that no one program can solve it, experts say.

The Federal Housing Administration may need bailing out

With the housing market crash continuing on government time, it should be no surprise that the FHA’s cash reserves have fallen to such a level that the odds are 50/50 the agency will run out of money and be looking to the Treasury to keep its doors open.

Credit scores will get more personal

Credit scores will include estimates of annual income. FICO is developing separate credit scores to incorporate any payday loans, evictions, and child support payments.

Government holds too many distressed, foreclosed homes. Rent 'em!

If Fannie Mae and other agencies sold their more than 1 million distressed or foreclosed homes, it would glut the market. But it could rent them.

After Fannie and Freddie, a role for government in mortgages?

Whatever system replaces Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will need government participation. Please keep it small.

House looks to cut $62 billion for distressed homeowners, properties

The House voted this week to end two programs to help certain homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages. More housing aid is on the chopping block, as lawmakers decry 'ineffective' programs.

Suze Orman: Know the risks, rewards of reverse mortgages

Suze Orman says reverse mortgages can look enticing, but they can sink you financially, if you're not careful.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 101: How much will we miss them?

The White House proposes to 'wind down' mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But they've been deeply entwined in the US mortgage market for decades. A look at how we got here.

FHA low on funds but won't need bailout

FHA, which guaranteed nearly 40 percent of new home loans over the past year, can survive without taxpayer funds, according to an audit.

Foreclosed homes: three potential fixes for the crisis

Towering mortgage debt continues to fuel the housing crisis. What policies could help reduce the number of foreclosed homes?

Labor day BBQ? A side dish is partisan sparring on jobs, unemployment

Obama mulls new tax relief and help for 'under water' mortgages to lift economy. Republicans and business groups say if jobs are the goal, tax relief should include highest-earning Americans.

Mortgage rates hit new lows. Will you benefit?

Mortgage rates declining means lower housing costs, but not for those who most need the help of lower mortgage rates.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform: Would it add $5 trillion to US debt?

The Obama administration held a conference Tuesday about how to reform mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Reform could involve adding Fannie and Freddie's roughly $5 trillion in obligations, in effect, to the federal balance sheet.

Foreclosure crisis phase 2: The negative equity dilemma

Many prime borrowers are being caught between devalued homes and job losses. Will Congress step in?

Economic collapse: Don't blame the free market

A more realistic view is that a housing boom and bust happened to strike a fragile financial system whose fragility was worsened by ill-conceived government interventions.

Why less government spending would mean less economic trouble

Many economists say deficit spending is crucial to keeping the economy moving. But history tells a different story.

Will the government's affordable mortgage modification program work?

Obama home-foreclosure relief: Do I qualify for a mortgage refinance?

Here's a look at who qualifies for a mortgage refinance under President Obama's new home-foreclosure relief plan.

Obama wields new tools to try, again, to stem home foreclosures

The Obama administration on Friday unveiled new programs to help 3 million to 4 million distressed borrowers avoid home foreclosures. By one count, 11 million borrowers now owe more than their homes are worth.

FHA increases premiums, tightens loan standards

The Federal Housing Authority's (FHA) measures are expected to help replenish the agency's depleted capital reserves and quell rising delinquencies. The move to increase premiums and tighten loan standards could have an impact on low-income borrowers.

Home mortgage foreclosures rise in third quarter

Home mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies were up in the third quarter despite greater efforts to help homeowners. Defaults on modified loans were also high.

Record 9.6 percent of homeowners are behind on their mortgages

Job losses are driving more mortgage woes, as a record 9.6 percent of homeowners were delinquent in the third quarter, Mortgage Bankers Association reports.