New Home Sales Finish 2021 on Solid Ground, But Down for Year

New home sales rose by nearly 12 percent in December, the highest level since last March, HUD and the Census Bureau reported Wednesday. Despite the improved numbers, however, sales were off from a year ago and 2021 sales fell by more than 7 percent from 2020.

Housing Starts End Year on Positive Note

Housing starts posted a modest increase in December, HUD and the Census Bureau reported Wednesday, and jumped by nearly 16 percent from a year ago.

MBA Commends HUD Guidance on Special Purpose Credit Programs

HUD on Dec. 7 released guidance clarifying special purpose credit programs that conform with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B generally do not violate the Federal Fair Housing Act.

MBA, Trade Groups Urge HUD to Issue ‘Clear Roadmap’ for Servicers in LIBOR Transition

As HUD considers changes to its index for FHA-insured adjustable-rate mortgages away from LIBOR, the Mortgage Bankers Association and other industry trade groups urged the Department to issue a clear roadmap for servicers of FHA-insured ARMs, including specification of a replacement comparable index or indices for existing mortgages, as well as guidance on communications with borrowers.

October New Home Sales Up 0.4%

New home sales in October rose for the second straight month, albeit just slightly, HUD and the Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Housing Starts Fall 3rd Straight Month

Housing starts fell for the third straight month in October, HUD and the Census Bureau reported Wednesday, although multifamily starts picked up, as did housing permits.