Focused On Housing Crisis, HUD Unveils 2024 Fiscal Year Proposed Budget

By SCOTT KIMBLER Leaders at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have unveiled their proposed budget for FY 2024 and say funds will be directed at solving the nation’s housing crisis. Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a statement that the proposed budget will help ensure every American has access to housing. “The budget invests in Americans at every station in life – from those seeking to purchase a home to those who receive HUD rental assistance – and will ensure families across the country can live in communities that are safe, affordable, and resilient,” Fudge said. HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman said during a press call that the budget reflects the Biden administration’s values and provides a blueprint…

Administration: Buyers Will Save Money On Mortgage Payments Through Premium Reduction

By KIMBERLEY HAAS The Biden administration has announced a reduction on mortgage insurance premiums in a move they say could benefit an estimated 850,000 borrowers over the coming year. New borrowers who take out loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration will see the effects of the reduced premiums, according to a press release. The premiums will be reduced from 0.85% to 0.55% for most homebuyers, which could mean an estimated savings of $678 million for American families by the end of 2023, according to officials. Vice President Kamala Harris and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge made the announcement in Bowie, Md., on Wednesday. White House officials said the average homebuyer in Prince George’s County –…

Industry Applauds Confirmation Of Julia Gordon As FHA Commissioner

In a narrow victory decided by a tie-breaking vote, Julia Gordon has been confirmed by the Senate as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). President Biden nominated Gordon to the position in June. Her nomination to the Senate for a vote didn’t happen in 2021, forcing President Biden to re-nominate her. This time around, Gordon was confirmed by a 51-50 vote in the Senate after a tie was broken by Vice President Kamala Harris. Gordon most recently served as president of the National Community Stabilization Trust, a nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood revitalization and housing affordability.  Gordon previously served as Senior Director of Housing and Consumer…

Biden-Harris Tackle Equity In Lending And Appraisals

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Vice President Kamala Harris joined officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday to announce the delivery of a plan designed to dismantle racial bias in the home lending and appraisal process. The Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) Action Plan submitted to President Joe Biden will, when enacted, represent the most wide-ranging set of reforms ever put forward to advance equity in the home appraisal process, according to a press release. During her speech, Harris described how a home ensures future financial security and peace of mind for families. “Imagine a young couple that saves enough money to put a down payment on a home. The day they…