Tag Archives: HOUSING

HUD Secretary Ben Carson is preparing for a big June as he kicks off the newly proclaimed National Homeownership Month with a forum at his own agency today. He’ll also go before Congress next week to discuss potential HUD budget cuts via Trump’s recent 2018 budget blueprint, which slashes the agency’ funding by more than $6 billion. The cuts will also significantly reduce HUD’s rental assistance program, which Carson recently discussed in a Sirius XM radio interview.

The latest CFPB Monthly Complaint Report shows older Americans face a unique set of financial difficulties compared to their younger counterparts. The group regularly cites reverse mortgage concerns—specifically servicing issues and difficult changing loan terms—when lodging complaints with the CFPB. Older Americans also cite financial scams, confusion around deferred- and zero-interest credit cards, and being charged unauthorized add-on products as frequent financial complaints.

Loan application defects are on the rise across the country, particularly in North Dakota, Montana, and Vermont. According to an expert economist, it’s riskier lending practices—both on purchases and refinances—that are to blame. McAllen, Texas, and Knoxville, Tennessee, came in the with highest frequency of defaults in terms of metro markets.

According to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, with “the right mindset,” many of the low-income citizens using his department’s services could cease to need them. Carson said as much in a recent radio interview, when he talked poverty, housing, and the role the government should play in both. The interview comes on the back of President Trump’s recent 2018 budget blueprint, which includes more than $6 billion in cuts to the HUD budget.

According to new data, home prices have hit a new peak, now reaching $272,000. Eight states and 15 metros also hit new price peaks this year. Washington has seen the biggest jump in prices over the year.

Homebuyers in San Jose, California are enjoying the fastest closing times in the nation. Trailing behind San Jose, six other cities came in at 50 days or less. These markets are seeing multiple bidders, many of whom are pre-qualified and offer large down payments, on the first day of listing.

At the close of Q1, Bank of America had fallen behind its peers—at least in terms of its capital buffer. The bank came in last among major financial institutions, with just a 1 percent buffer for the quarter. Goldman Sachs took the top spot.

The latest Census data has Southern cities reigning supreme in terms of population growth. Ten of the top 15 fastest growing cities in the country are located in the South, with five in Texas alone. The West also saw growth, claiming four of the top spots.

According to a new report, first-time homebuyers now make up 60 percent of all home purchases. On GSE loans, first-time buyers comprise 47 percent of loans, while on FHA loans, they account for 82 percent. The uptick is likely due to an improved economy, lower unemployment, rising income, and more new home construction

According to a new report, FDIC-insured banks saw a jump in income over the first quarter. The institutions reports a 12.7 percent rise in revenues over the year. Total loan balances at FDIC banks are slowing down.