Tag Archives: Urban Institute

The rate of homeownership in the U.S. is in the middle to lower range compared to other developed countries according to an analysis by the Urban Institute. In fact, data showed that the rate is about the same as it ...

With housing finance reform legislation once again in the works in Congress, now might be the right time for reforms in the mortgage servicing industry. The first in this three-part series of reports makes a case for the government to review and mitigate the risks associated with inefficient mortgage servicing.

The FHA’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund currently covers both forward and reverse mortgages. But is that really the best way to asses risk for the programs?

As home prices rise and tight inventory continues, the current market has made it more challenging for Americans to reach their goals of homeownership. In light of this, a recent report breaks down the top three barriers potential homebuyers face.

On Wednesday the Urban Institute and Citi Foundation will co-host an event promoting innovative strategies to aid poverty and help housing markets transform into a place of economic opportunity. See how to be a part of the event and what’s to come in The Week Ahead.

A new report breaks down home equity by race and age, finding that Black homeowners 65 years and older are more likely to take out reverse mortgages than any other demo.

Delinquencies, foreclosures, and homes in negative equity all dropped over the last quarter and the last year, according to new data. But just how much have they dipped and why?

As the years go by, technology progresses. New computers and cellphones, more efficient ways of handling paperwork—but what about credit reporting?

The real estate appraisal process has long been bemoaned as slow, inefficient, and more advantageous to cash buyers, but according to appraisal experts at a recent panel discussion, there are ways to change that. Among them? Streamlining the process, reevaluating professional requirements, and adopting new technologies. Data shows that the number of licensed appraisers has dropped significantly over the last decade, due to volatility in the industry. Changing up licensing requirements could alleviate this issue.

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