NAR's "The Washington Report" Headlines

Washington Report, Feb. 6, 2012: Obama Administration Unveils Plan to "Heal the Housing Market"

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:45:20 -0600

In this issue: Fish and Wildlife Service to Increase Focus on Listing Species as Endangered; Obama Administration Unveils Plan to "Heal the Housing Market"; FHFA Seeks Applicants to Pre-qualify for REO to Rental Plan; NAR Spearheads Industry Effort to Ensure RESPA/TILA Changes Work.

Washington Report, Jan. 23, 2012: Online Piracy Bills Debated

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:19:58 -0600

In this issue: GAO Releases Report on Appraisal Subcommittee; Online Piracy Bills Debated; NAR Pushes Servicers on Freddie Short Sale Affidavit Updates.

Washington Report, Jan. 16, 2012: Federal Reserve Releases Housing White Paper

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:12:41 -0500

In this issue: Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Wetlands Case; Government Mandates Housing Fee Increases to Help Pay-for Benefits Extensions; NAR Meets with HUD REO Staff; Federal Reserve Releases Housing White Paper.

Washington Report, Jan. 9, 2012: NAR Calls for Expansion of FHA's 203(k) Program.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 16:19:01 -0500

In this issue: FHFA Releases Statement on GSE Guarantee Fee Increase, FGovernment Offers to Review Foreclosure Handling in More than 4 Million Individual Cases, and more

The Washington Report, Jan 3: NAR Submits Comments On Loan Servicing Compensation

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 11:23:24 -0500

In this issue: NAR Submits Comments On Loan Servicing Compensation.

The Washington Report, Dec. 26: FHA Extends Anti-Flipping Waiver through 2012

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:37:33 -0500

In this issue: FHA Extends Anti-Flipping Waiver through 2012; Housing Taxed to Pay-for Extension of Existing Tax, Medicare, and Unemployment Benefits.

The Washington Report, Dec. 19: Congress Extends Flood Insurance Until May 31, 2012

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:36:57 -0500

In this issue: NFIP Extended Until May 12; NAR President Veissi Meets with FHA; CFPB Issues Second Round of Proposed Closing Documents; CFPB Sets Up Mortgage Complaint Hotline; NTSB Urges States to Ban Use of Electronics While Driving

Washington Report, Dec. 12: Limited Time to Appeal FHA Loan Limits

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:26:06 -0600

In this issue: Limited Time to Appeal FHA Loan Limits; NAR Supports Bill for Homeless Children; NAR Supports Making Investor Visa Regional Center Program Permanent; NAR Signs onto Accounting Coalition Letter; House Subcommittee Passes RESPA Home Warranty Clarification Act; Rural Development Announces Fee Changes for Refinance Mortgages.

Washington Report, Nov. 28: NAR Supports Bill to Level Playing Field for Community Businesses

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:18:10 -0500

In this issue: NAR and Other Organizations Support Bill to Level Playing Field for Community Businesses; Bank of America Releases Short Sale Videos.

Washington Report, Nov. 21: Freddie Mac Amends Mandatory Short Sale Affidavit Policy

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:18:32 -0500

In this issue: NAR Comments on SEC Concept Release; NAR Supports Covered Bonds Legislation; NAR Supports Loan Flexibility Legislation; Fannie and Freddie Release Details on HARP 2; Freddie Mac Amends Mandatory Short Sale Affidavit Policy; Freddie Mac HomeSteps Winter Sales Promotion; FY11 Audit of FHA is Released; Congress Restores Loan Limits for FHA; Congress Re-extends Flood Insurance to Dec. 16; Legislation Takes on Interstate Sales Tax Collections; Passed Appropriations Bill Prohibits Funding for Implementation of H -2B Regulation.

Washington Report, Nov. 14: CFPB Debuts Proposed HUD-1 Replacement

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:21 -0500

In this issue: CFPB Debuts Proposed HUD-1 Replacement; NAR Comments on Proposed Lobbying Rule.

Washington Report, Nov. 7: NAR Shows Support for HOME Program

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:04:12 -0600

In this issue: NAR Shows Support for HOME Program; VA Funding Fee Update.

Washington Report, Oct. 31: Obama Administration Expands GSE Refi Program

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:28:15 -0500

In this issue: FCC Approves Reforms to Boost Broadband Access; NAR Supports Greater Liquidity for Rural Communities; Obama Administration Expands GSE Refi Program.

Washington Report, Oct. 24: Senate Passes Loan Limit Extension Amendment

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:43:46 -0400

In this issue: Senate Passes Loan Limit Extension Amendment; BofA's Equator Requires Current License Information.

Washington Report, Oct. 17: NAR Testifies Before Congress: Government Plays Valuable Role in Homeownership

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:11:43 -0400

In this issue: NAR Supports Credit Union Lending Bill; NAR/ALTA Seek Freddie Short Sale Affidavit Changes; NAR Testifies Before Congress that the Government Plays Valuable Role in Homeownership; Treasury Department Holds Short Sale Outreach Event for Real Estate Professionals.

Washington Report, Oct. 10: MID: Witnesses Say No Cuts Now

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:11:29 -0500

In this issue: MID: Witnesses Say No Cuts Now; Congress Extends Flood Insurance until Nov. 18.

Washington Report, Oct. 3: Congress Extends Flood Insurance Until Nov. 18

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:09:32 -0500

In this issue: HUD Clarifies FHA Mortgage Insurance Requirements on 15 Year Loans; NAR Comments on Proposed Energy Labeling Program for Commercial Buildings; Congress Extends Flood Insurance until Nov. 18.

Washington Report, Sept. 26: Congress to Extend Flood Insurance for 7 Weeks

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:22:25 -0400

In this issue: Congress Failed to Act on Loan Limits; Congress to Extend Flood Insurance for 7 Weeks; FCC's Net Neutrality Rules Take Effect November 20; NAR Seeks Co-sponsors for RESPA/Home Warranty Bill; Tighter Ethics Rules Proposed for U.S. Employees; NAR Supports Extension of Key SBA Programs; Congress Extends Surface Transportation and FAA Authorization; Fight over Transportation Priorities and Funding Shifts to FY2012 Appropriations.

Washington Report, September 19, 2011: Super Committee to Set Agenda for Tax Reform

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:38:32 -0500

In this issue: House Hearing on Housing Counseling; NAR Submits Comments on Enhancing REO Disposition Strategies; Super Committee to Set Agenda for Tax Reform.

Washington Report, September 12, 2011: Senate Passes House Patent Reform Bill— President Now Expected to Sign

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:36:48 -0500

In this issue: Supreme Court to Hear Wetlands Case; NAR Will Submit Amicus Brief; Senate Committee Reports 5-Year Flood Insurance Bill; Senate Passes House Patent Reform Bill— President Now Expected to Sign.

Washington Report, September. 5: BofM Reaches Out to NAR on Mortgage Lending Business Exit

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 13:32:21 -0400

In this issue: Bank of America Reaches Out to NAR on Exiting its Correspondent Mortgage Lending Business

Washington Report, Aug. 29: NAR Urges More GSE Refinancing

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:36:49 -0400

In this issue: FHA to Adopt Uniform Appraisal Dataset; Uniform Appraisal Dataset Goes Into Effect

Washington Report, Aug. 22: CFPB Lays out Plans for Combined TIL/GFE

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:31:11 -0500

In this issue: Updated NAR Videos Offer Insight on QRM and QM Proposed Rules

Washington Report, Aug. 15: Treasury Department Updates HAFA Policies

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:40:32 -0400

In this issue: NAR Calls for Ban on AMC Indemnification Clauses; HUD Unveils REO Web-Based Mapping Portal; FHFA, Treasury, HUD Seek Input on Disposition of Real Estate Owned Properties; Treasury Department Updates HAFA Policies.

Washington Report, August 8, 2011

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 09:49:15 -0400

In this issue: NAR Submits Comments On Proposed Waters Jurisdiction Guidance; FTC Publishes Mortgage Advertising Rule; NAR Calls on FHA to Eliminate Prepayment Penalty; Accounting Boards to Re-expose Lease Proposal; Senators Introduce Loan Limit Extension Bill; NAR Submits Comments on Risk Retention/QRM Proposed Rule.

Washington Report, August 1, 2011

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 12:00:18 -0400

In this issue: Accouting Boards to Re-expose Lease Proposal.

Washington Report, July 25, 2011

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:11:30 -0400

In this issue: Data Security Legislation Moves in the House; NAR Supports Housing Counseling; MID Still in Play in Debt Ceiling Talks; NAR Works with Coalition on Loan Limits; Federal Flood Insurance Program Expires on Sept. 30, 2011; NAR Comments on Qualified Mortgage (QM) Rule; HUD Issues Technical Corrections on RESPA; Ways and Means Committee to Review FAIR Tax; NAR Works to Extend VA Loan Limits.

Washington Report, July 18, 2011

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:52:36 -0500

In this issue: NAR Announces Support for GSE Refinancing Bill; House Appropriations Committee Votes to Block EPA Lead Paint Regulations; FTC Announces MARS Enforcement Forbearance; House Passes 5-year Flood Insurance Extension Bill; NAR Testifies on Home Warranty, Dodd-Frank, and FHA; Bank of America Announces Short Sale Changes

Washington Report, July 11, 2011

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:41:12 -0500

In this issue: Agencies Finalize Credit Notice Changes; NAR Backs Bill for Secondary Mortgage Market Reform; NAR Calls on HUD to Provide Guidance for New Loan Limits; NAR President Phipps Meets with HUD Secretary Donovan.

Washington Report, July 4, 2011

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 14:57:59 -0400

In this issue: HUD Publishes SAFE Act Final Rule; FHA Unveils Updated Condominium Rules; NAR Calls on HUD to Address REO Delays; Check out the "Under the Hood" improvements on Government Affairs Landing Page.

Washington Report, June 27, 2011

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:08:17 -0400

In this issue: House Approves Patent Reform Legislation; NAR Supports Covered Bond Legislation; Conflict of Interest Rules for Fannie and Freddie REOs; NAR Calls for Broader QRM Definition; House Committee Considers Reforms to Section 8 Voucher Program.

Washington Report, June 20, 2011

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:54:26 -0400

In this issue: Two Data Security Bills Introduced; NAR Submits Comments on Regulatory Burdens; NAR Supports Credit Union Lending Bill; Fannie Mae Announces New Incentives; FHA and FHFA Publish October 1st Loan Limits; End of Hope for Homeowners Announced; Senators Discuss Change to FHA Prepayment Requirement.

Washington Report, June 13, 2011

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:45:38 -0500

In this issue: Fannie Mae Announces Delinquency Directives; QRM Comment Deadline Extended; QRM Podcast; Senior Democrat Addresses MID and Other Deductions; Bank of America to Accept FHA Mortgages with Credit Scores Under 600; 3 Servicers Penalized under Making Home Affordable Program.

Washington Report, June 6, 2011

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 14:18:03 -0400

Reduced Premiums Announced for Federal High Risk Insurance Program; NAR Submits Statement on Regulatory Fairness; GAO Recommends Updated Guidance for Commercial Lending; Treasury Department Holds HAFA Summit; Dept. of Interior Reverses Decision on "Wild Lands" Designations; House Approves 1-Year Extension of the National Flood Insurance Program; NAR Urges House to Consider Impact of Housing on the Economy.

The Washington Report, May 30, 2011

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:01:11 -0400

In this issue: White House, Congress Propose Data Breach Disclosures; Lease Accounting Proposal Reconsidered Again; Treasury Launches NPV Tool; Treasury Department Releases New HAFA Form; EPA, Corps of Engineers Discuss Draft Guidance With Private Sector Stakeholders; NAR President Testifies Against Changes to FHA.

The Washington Report, May 23, 2011

Mon, 23 May 2011 14:58:54 -0500

In this issue: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Previews Propsed RESPA GFE/TILA Combined Forms; Treasury Department Releases HAFA Guidance; Freddie Mac Announces Summer Incentive for Agents; Housing Coalition Asks FHA to Improve Condominium Rules.

The Washington Report, May 16, 2011

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:33:45 -0500

In this issue: NAR MARS Rule Q&A; NAR Hosts Mortgage Liquidity Symposium; NAR Hosts Webinar with Bank of America; House Committee Approves 5-year Flood Insurance Reauthorization Bill.

Washington Report, May 9, 2011

Mon, 9 May 2011 16:32:19 -0500

In this issue: Legislation Introduced to Make Loan Limits Permanent

Washington Report, May 2, 2011

Thu, 5 May 2011 10:31:52 -0400

In this issue: Fannie/Freddie Servicing Guidelines; QRM Rule Published in Federal Register; EPA, Corps of Engineers Release Draft Guidance To Clarify Clean Water Act Authority.

Washington Report, April 25, 2011

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:44:34 -0400

In this issue: Federal Reserve Issues Proposed Qualified Mortgage (QM) Rule; NAR Launches QRM Website; House Subcommittee Passes 5-Year Extension of National Flood Insurance Program.

Washington Report, April 18, 2011

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:55:52 -0500

In this issue: Obama Announces National Wireless Initiative; Privacy Legislation Introduced in the House and Senate; Industry Groups Issue White Paper on QRM; 45-day Short Sale Decision Legislation Introduced; Agencies Take Action Against 14 Servicers; NAR Comments on Credit Score Regulations; NAR Seeks Additional Clarification on FHFA's Proposed Rule on Use of Private Transfer Fees for FHLBs and GSEs.

Washington Report, April 11, 2011

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:55:24 -0500

In this issue: SBA Expands Temporary Refinance Program; Fannie Offers Incentives for HomePath Properties; Congress Repeals Reporting Rules; Republican Budget Includes Tax Reform.

Washington Report, April 4, 2010

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 14:57:17 -0400

In this issue: NAR Meets with FTC on MARS Rule; Freddie Mac Releases Foreclosure Info Videos; Agencies Release Draft of QRM Rule; Treasury Department Releases HAFA Guidance; FHA Announces New Condo Requirements.

Washington Report, March 28, 2010

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:12:24 -0500

In this issue: NAR Urges Reasonable QRM Down Payments

Washington Report, March 21, 2011 Edition

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:53:23 -0400

In this issue: Anti-Money Laundering Responsibilities; FHFA Extends HARP Program; How to Appeal/Escalate HAFA Decisions; Agencies Implement Sweeping Regulatory Review Process; Senator Introduced Bill to Eliminate FHA Prepayment Penalty.

Washington Report, March 14, 2011 Edition

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:13:32 -0400

In this issue: NAR Efforts on MARS Rule; Senate Approves Patent Reform Legislation; NAR Discusses Dodd-Frank Regulations with Government Accountability Office; QRM Exemption from Dodd-Frank Act Requirement; Bill to Encourage Increased Mortgage Liquidity; NAR President Testifies on State of Housing.

Washington Report, March 7, 2011 Edition

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:32:51 -0500

In this issue: NAR Guidance on MARS Rule; FASB Reconsiders Lease Accounting Proposal; Updates Available for Uniform Appraisal Dataset; Agencies Propose Credit Notice Changes; and House Repeals Reporting Rules; and more. . .

Washington Report, February 28, 2011 Edition

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:40:33 -0500

In this issue: Repeal Vote Set in House

Washington Report, February 21, 2011 Edition

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:50:46 -0500

In this issue: SBA Announces New Commercial Real Estate Financing Program; Ways and Means Committee Repeals Landlord Reporting; Obama Budget Would Weaken MID; NAR Urges Changes to Definition of "Rural"; FHA Increases Monthly Premium; President Submits FY 2012 Budget; House Republicans Propose FY 2011 Spending Cuts; NAR President Phipps Meets with Professor Elizabeth Warren

Washington Report, February 14, 2011 Edition

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:36:36 -0600

In this issue: Obama Announces National Wireless Initiative; NAR Comments on Proposed Money Laundering Rule; NAR Launches Webpage on Impact of Federal Laws Affecting Seller Financing; Obama Administration Releases Plan to Reform Housing Finance System; Finance Committee Reviews Landlord Reporting.

Washington Report, February 7, 2011 Edition

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 13:23:33 -0600

In this issue: EPA Hosts Radon Summit; Senate Agrees to 1099 Reporting Repeal.

Washington Report, January 31, 2011 Edition

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:29:33 -0500

In this issue: NAR Participates in Small Business Forum; FASB Backtracks on Fair Value Accounting Proposal; NAR Meets with Senior Government Officials; NAR Officers Meet with CitiMortgage Executives; 1099 Reporting Repeal Effort Continues; Incorrect Rumors About 3.8% Transfer Tax Persist; President Obama Silent on MID; Rural Housing SFGHLP Funds Now Available.

Washington Report, January 24, 2011 Edition

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:06:12 -0600

In this issue: Federal Reserve Releases Publication on Credit Decision Notices; HUD Eliminates Master Appraisal Report; Wells Fargo to Accept FHA Mortgages with Credit Scores Under 600.

Washington Report, January 17, 2011 Edition

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:41:15 -0500

In this issue: NAR Joins Housing Trades and Consumer Groups to Support Affordable Mortgages; Interior Secretary Restores BLM Authority To Designate Lands for Wilderness Protection; EPA Finalizes Landmark Veto Of Controversial Mountaintop Mine Permit; Ways and Means to Kick Off Tax Reform Hearings; Congressional Resolution Introduced Supporting Mortgage Interest Deduction.

Washington Report, January 10, 2011 Edition

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:20:42 -0600

In this issue: NAR Joins in Brief on RESPA Suit; FHA Extends Temporary Condominium Rules, NAR Calls for Additional Enhancements.

Washington Report, January 3, 2011 Edition

Mon, 3 Jan 2011 11:28:10 -0500

In this issue: Treasury Department Amends HAFA Program to Increase Borrower Eligibility; EPA Finalizes Chesapeake Bay Pollution Guidelines; NAR Supports Housing Trust Fund Proposed Rule; FHA Issues Guidance on FHLB Affordable Housing Program, Homeownership Set-Aside Program; NAR Submits Appraisal Independence Comments.

Washington Report, December 27, 2010 Edition

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:22:28 -0600

In this issue: Law Extends Tax Rates, Some Credits

Washington Report, December 13, 2010 Edition

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:36:50 -0600

In this issue: NAR is Streamlining Its Member Communications, DOE Meets With NAR Leadership to Discuss Home Energy Score, Senate to Vote on Bush Tax Cut Extension, Proposed Estate Tax Revisions, FHA Announces Condominium Recertification Deadline Extensions, HUD Announces Guidance on Lender Certification Process

Washington Report, December 6, 2010 Edition

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 11:28:58 -0600

In this issue: NAR is Streamlining Its Member Communications, Treasury Issues New Guidance on Tax Credits for Small Business Health Coverage, FCC Previews New Rules on Net Neutrality, FTC Issues Report on Consumer Privacy, NAR Submits Comments to FASB on Proposed Lease Accounting Rule Change, NAR Urges Regulators to Follow Congress Intent on Qualified Residential Mortgages, Deficit Commission Releases its Report, Repeal Effort Fails

Washington Report, November 29 Edition

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 14:46:27 -0600

In this issue: FTC Issues Final Rule on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS)

Washington Report, November 22 Edition

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 14:45:29 -0600

In this issue: NAR Submits Comments on FTC's Proposed Mortgage Advertising Rule; Wells Fargo Allows Foreclosure Postponements for Short Sales in Certain Situations; HAFA Brochure Now Available Online at REALTOR.org; NAR Responds to Deficit Commission's Draft MID Proposal; and more.

Washington Report, November 15 Edition

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 14:42:27 -0600

In this issue: NAR Board of Directors Adopts Credit Policy Calling for Reassessment of Unduly Restrictive Lending Standards; NAR and HUD Partner on Homebuyer Education; NAR Adopts Federal Technology Policy Principles; New Data Security & Privacy Toolkit Available from NAR; and, Deficit Commission Chairs Release Draft MID Proposal.

Washington Report, November 1, 2010 Edition

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 09:36:26 -0500

This week's headlines: FHA Modifies Requirements for Combined Loan Amounts.

Washington Report, October 25, 2010 Edition

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:27:49 -0500

This week's headlines: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Unveil New Appraisal Independence Standards; Federal Reserve Board Announces Appraisal Independence Requirements.

Washington Report, October 18, 2010 Edition

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:24:44 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Writes Federal Officials about the Foreclosure Mess; FHFA Releases Statement; NAR Submits Comments on Private Transfer Fees; NAR Calls on USDA to Restore Section 502 Program; NAR Submits Comments to Federal Reserve on Appraisal Independence.

Washington Report, October 11, 2010 Edition

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:51:25 -0500

This week's headlines: Report on NAR's Meetings with Large Lenders to Discuss Originations and Servicing Issues; Serious Questions Raised about the Validity of Foreclosures; NAR Submits Formal Comments on the Newly Authorized Health Insurance Exchanges; NAR Submits Comments to FASB on Proposed Fair Value Accounting Rule Change; Bank of America Exits First Mortgage Wholesale Business; HUD Announces Outline of Emergency Homeowner Loan Program.

Washington Report, October 4, 2010 Edition

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:50:00 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR President Participates in Obama Administration Conference on the Future of Housing Finance; Federal Reserve Board Publishes Proposed Rule under TILA to Enhance Consumer Disclosures; Federal Reserve Board Publishes Proposed Rule on Escrow Requirements for Higher-Priced Jumbo Loans; Federal Reserve Board Requires Notice to Homeowners When Mortgages Are Sold; Federal Reserve Board Issues Final Rule to Limit Loan Originator Compensation; Federal Reserve Board Issues Interim Rule Requiring Disclosures of How Mortgage Payments May Change; Small Business Lending Fund Bill Signed Into Law; Congress Extends Loan Limits; New Reporting Requirements for Landlords.

Washington Report, September 27, 2010 Edition

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:56:29 -0500

This week's headlines: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Set to Launch on July 21, 2011; NAR Meets With Treasury Secretary Geithner and Special Adviser Elizabeth Warren on Simplifying RESPA-TILA Disclosures; Small Business Lending Fund Bill Approved by U.S. House; Fannie Mae Introduces Second Lien Modification Program; Fannie Mae Announces New HomePath Incentives Including $1,500 Bonus for Selling Agents; National Flood Insurance Extended through 2011; Senate Banking Committee Holds Reform Hearing; Improved Deduction for Health Insurance of the Self-employed and Other Useful Changes; NAR Calls for Updates to HMDA Data Collection Requirements; NAR Meets with FHA Commissioner Stevens

Washington Report, September 20, 2010 Edition

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:35:55 -0500

This week's headlines: Small Business Lending Fund Legislation Approved by U.S. Senate; Freddie Mac Expands First Look Initiative

Washington Report, September 13 , 2010 Edition

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:47:47 -0500

This week's headlines: Freddie Mac Short Sale Webinars for Real Estate Professionals; Rural Development Begins Obligating Section 502 Loans

Washington Report, September 6 , 2010 Edition

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 09:48:54 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Submits Comments on Proposed Regulations for Grandfathered Health Plans; NAR Represented on HHS Health Care Implementation Panel; Fannie Mae Announces Pre-Foreclosure Mediation Policy for Mortgage Loans in Florida; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce PACE Program Guidelines; FHFA Establishes New Housing Goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; FHA Announces Premium Changes; Minimum Credit Scores Announced for FHA Mortgages

Washington Report, August 30 , 2010 Edition

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:49:35 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Comments on HUD's Required Use ANPR; USDA to Begin Issuing Guarantees in September; FHA Announces Condo Recertification Process

Washington Report, August 23 , 2010 Edition

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:50:20 -0500

This week's headlines: Federal Reserve Study Reveals Limited Signs of Improvement to U.S. Credit Markets; Fannie Relaxes Policy for Properties Subject to Redemption Period; Fannie Mae Clarifies Lenders Not Required to Obtain New Credit Report Before Closing; Vince Malta Represents NAR at the White House's Conference on the Future of Housing Finance; Frank-Bachus Letter prods HUD to Issue S.A.F.E. Act Final Rule and Clarify Other Issues; NAR Urges FHA to Retain Permitted Seller Concessions

Washington Report, August 16, 2010 Edition

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:15:04 -0400

This week's headlines: FHA Announces Short Refinance Program for Non-FHA Borrowers; Vince Malta to Represent NAR at the White House's Conference on the Future of Housing Finance; NAR Urges Treasury Secretary to Reduce Punitive Dividend Rates Paid by GSEs; NAR Calls on USDA to Restore 502 Guarantee Program; and, FHA to Delay Premium Increase

Washington Report, August 9, 2010 Edition

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 12:59:30 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Creates New Email Address to Collect Data on the Experiences of REALTORS® with Short Sales; Fannie Mae Launches New Website to Assist Homeowners; Senate May Loosen New Reporting Requirement; and, FHA Changes Announced.

Washington Report, August 2, 2010 Edition

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 14:00:25 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Testifies Before Congress on Commercial Real Estate Liquidity Crisis; Congress Restores Funding for Rural Housing; FHA Reform Awaiting Senate Action.

Washington Report, July 26, 2010 Edition

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:54:43 -0500

This week's headlines: HUD Creates Monthly RESPA Update, NAR Comments on RESPA Home Warranty Guidance, New Consumer Privacy Legislation Introduced, NAR's Input on Reforming the Housing Finance System, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed into Law, House Committee Votes to Extend Loan Limits, Vote on Carried Interest Legislation Delayed Again

Washington Report, July 19, 2010 Edition

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:58:05 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Posts Information on FICO, FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac Credit Policies; Fannie Mae Relaxes 30 REO Listings Limit; Congress Passes Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation; House Passes Flood Insurance Reform Bill; Senate Still Needs to Act; NAR Comments on Proposed Commercial Lead Paint Rule; Debate on Bush Tax Rates Begins; and, NAR Urges Congress to Restore Rural Housing Funding.

Washington Report, July 12, 2010 Edition

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:18:42 -0400

This week's headlines: FHFA Directs GSEs to Take Actions Regarding PACE Program Energy Retrofit Loans; Fannie Mae Discourages Strategic Defaults; Fannie Mae Announcement Addresses Several NAR Appraisal Concerns; and IRS Criticizes New Reporting Requirement.

Washington Report, July 5, 2010 Edition

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 11:41:45 -0400

This week's headlines: FHA Commissioner Addresses RESPA Home Warranty Guidance;Small Business Lending Bill Advances to Senate Floor; Flood Insurance Extended; and, Tax Credit Closing Date Extended to September 30.

Washington Report, June 28, 2010 Edition

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:28 -0500

This week's headlines: HUD Issues Guidance on Home Warranty Contracts and RESPA; Freddie Mac Revises HAMP Backup Modification Requirements; EPA Delays Lead Paint Certification Rule; and, June 30 Closing Date Remains Unchanged.

Washington Report, June 21, 2010 Edition

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:57:57 -0500

This week's headlines: FinCen: Foreclosure Rescue Scams on the Rise; NAR Urges Congress for Passage of Small Business Lending Legislation; and, NAR Creates Web Page for Condominium Rules.

Washington Report, June 14, 2010 Edition

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:17:16 -0400

This week's headlines: Resolution to Limit EPA's Authority to Regulate CO2 Fails in Senate; Flood Insurance Update; June 30 Closing Date May be Extended; and, House Passes FHA Reform Bill.

Washington Report, June 7, 2010 Edition

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 15:16:06 -0400

This week's headlines: Most Real Estate Professionals Not Required by Law to Provide Census Data on Listed Properties; NeighborWorks® Warns Consumers about Loan Modification Scams; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Release Their HAFA Guidelines; NAR Sends Out Call-For-Action To Reauthorize the NFIP; and much more. . .

Washington Report, May 31, 2010 Edition

Mon, 31 May 2010 13:59:01 -0400

This week's headlines: IRS Offers Details on New Small Business Health Care Tax Credit; Treasury Answers Three HAFA Questions; FHFA and the GSEs Unveil the Uniform Mortgage Data Program; Amendment to Help Contractors With New Lead Paint Rules Passes Senate; and much more. . .

Washington Report: May 24, 2010 Edition

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:30:06 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Testifies Before Congress on Commercial Real Estate Liquidity Crisis; Credit Union Legislation Gains Support from White House;House and Senate Poised to Vote on Carried Interest Legislation; FHA Issues Appraisal FAQs; Rural Housing Program Funds Exhausted, Congress Hopeful a Fix Will Be Soon; and much more. . .

Washington Report: May 10, 2010 Edition

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:58:53 -0400

This week's headlines: Draft Consumer Privacy Bill is Released; Closing Cost Assistance Extended for Fannie-Mae-Owned Homes; Fannie Tightens Underwriting for Certain Types of Mortgages; Fannie Mae Changes Rules for Borrowers with a Prior Short Sale or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure; NAR Webinar Series: FHA Today, What to Expect and Why; and more. . .

Washington Report: May 3, 2010 Edition

Mon, 3 May 2010 10:17:16 -0400

This week's headlines: House Committee Approves Property and Flood Insurance Bills; Rural Housing Program Funds Exhausted in Early May-- Congress is Working on A Fix; House Committee Passes FHA Reform Bill; and NAR Webinar Series: FHA Today, What to Expect and Why. . .

Washington Report: April 26, 2010 Edition

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:33:36 -0400

This week's headlines: No 4.0% "Sales Tax" on Home Sales In Recently Enacted Health Reform Bill; NAR Submits Comments on Bank Liquidity and Bank Capital Proposals; House Committee Passes Energy Efficient Incentives Program; NAR Testifies for Multi-year Flood Insurance Extension; Oberstar Re-Introduces Clean Water Act Bill; and much more. . . .

Washington Report: April 19, 2010 Edition

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:40:51 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Submits Comments on GSE Affordable Housing Goals for 2010 and 2011and Flood Insurance Update.

Washington Report: April 12, 2010 Edition

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:06:06 -0500

This week's headlines: Facts about the "Homeowners--Listen Up" Email, FHA Announces Appraisal Updates, Registration Update for "A Conversation with FHA Commissioner Stevens", NAR Calls for Implementation of IVPI, HUD to Allow Electronic Signatures on Some Documents for FHA Mortgage Insurance.

Washington Report: April 5, 2010 Edition

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 15:30:27 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR files Comment Letter with FTC on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS); HAFA Takes Effect on April 5, 2010; and, Freddie Mac Announces Florida Condominium Effort.

Washington Report: March 29, 2010 Edition

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:48:25 -0400

This week's headlines: Obama Administration Announces Enhancements to HAMP, FHA Refinances; House and Senate Approve Second and Final Health Care Bill; NAR Posts Webinar on Upcoming HAFA Program; and much more. . .

Washington Report: March 22, 2010 Edition

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:08:33 -0500

This week's headlines: Complete Streets Policy Adopted at USDOT; HAFA Changes—Short Sale Negotiators Will Not Be Paid from Real Estate Commissions; FHA Sets Up Email Account for Condominium Questions; Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Update HVCC FAQs; and Registration Open for "A Conversation with FHA Commissioner Stevens"

Washington Report: March 15, 2010 Edition

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:16:52 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Testifies for Affordable Property Insurance; NAR Submits Written Statement on Residential Energy Efficiency Proposal; USDA Rural Housing 502 Program Running Out of Money; NAR Testifies Before Congress on FHA Changes; NAR Responds to Use of BPOs in HAFA Program; and, Leasehold Improvements Renewal Efforts Underway.

Washington Report: March 8, 2010 Edition

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 11:31:01 -0500

This week's headlines: HUD General Counsel Posts Letter on Administrative Fees; NAR Submits Statement on Commercial Real Estate; Flood Insurance Update; and, IRS to Step Up Audits of Independent Contractor Status.

Washington Report: March 1, 2010 Edition

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:18:24 -0500

This week's headlines: UD General Counsel Posts Letter on Administrative Fees;NAR Submits Statement on Commercial Real Estate; Flood Insurance Update; and IRS to Step Up Audits of Independent Contractor Status.

Washington Report: February 22, 2010 Edition

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:16:28 -0500

This week's headlines: CRS Releases Position Statement on Federal Lands and Deficit Reduction Commission Chairs Appointed

Washington Report: February 15, 2010 Edition

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:57:17 -0500

This week's headlines: FDIC Issues Statement Taking Strong Exception to False Claims in Web Video and NAR Submits Comments on HUD's Proposed Rule to Implement the SAFE Act.

Washington Report: February 1, 2010 Edition

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:44:11 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Issues Brochure Explaining the New Short Sales Program (HAFA); Administration Updates Home Affordable Loan Modification Program (HAMP); Freddie Mac Tightens Rules for FHA-Approved Condo Projects; NAR Launches REALTOR® Neighborhood Stabilization Project; and much more. . .

Washington Report: January 25, 2010 Edition

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:04:15 -0500

This week's headlines: FHA Announces Policy Enhancements to Better Manage Risk; USDA Announces Lending and Underwriting Reminders for Single Family Program; and,

Washington Report: January 18, 2010 Edition

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:10:28 -0500

This week's headlines: House and Senate Leadership Continue Negotiations On the Terms of a Final Compromise Health Reform Bill; Freddie Address REALTOR® Communication with Appraisers; HUD Expands Waiver for Anti-Flipping Rule FHA to Announce Significant Changes to Loan Programs; and much more. . .

Washington Report: January 11, 2010 Edition

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:11:59 -0500

This week's headlines: Fannie Mae Launches Special Condo Project Approval Designation for Florida; HUD Invites Comment on Proposed SAFE Act Loan Originator Licensing Rule; Mortgage Cancellation Relief Still in Effect; Leasehold Improvements Renewal Efforts Fail; Congress Allows Estate Tax Repeal

Washington Report: January 4, 2010 Edition

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 11:04:19 -0500

This week's headlines: SBA Announces Funds Still Available for ARC Loans and Microloans; and, Flood Insurance Extended Through February.

Washington Report: December 28, 2009 Edition

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:58:13 -0500

This week's headlines: Legislation Introduced to Reform Seasonal Worker Program; Senate Passes Health Reform Legislation; NAR Comments on Proposed TILA Rule; FHA Delays Implementation of Appraisal Rules; and, FHA Announces Rules for Short Sales and Short Pay Offs. . .

Washington Report: December 21, 2009 Edition

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:26:15 -0500

This week’s headlines: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Releases Guides on RESPA, Begins Implementation of New Forms; Senate Health Reform Debate Continues; House and Senate Introduce Bills to Increase SBA Loan Limits; Congress Fails to Act on Expiring Estate Tax; Leasehold Improvements Renewal Efforts Fail; and much more. . .

Washington Report: December 14, 2009 Edition

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:51:28 -0500

This week's headlines: House Passes Data Security Legislation; EPA Promulgates Endangerment Finding for Carbon Dioxide; Carried Interest Passes House; Deduction for Brownfields Clean-up Due to Expire; and more. . .

Washington Report: December 7, 2009 Edition

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:27:05 -0500

This week's headlines: Treasury Department Announces Program to Streamline Short Sales; HUD Releases Schedule of "Live Online" RESPA Presentations; NAR President Vicki Cox Golder Testifies on FHA; HUD Releases Schedule of "Live Online" RESPA Presentations; and much more. . .

Washington Report: November 30, 2009 Edition

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:25:20 -0500

This week's headlines: Loan Limit Appeals Process Announced; Senate Begins Formal Debate of Final Senate Health Reform Bill; HUD Schedules "Live Meeting" on RESPA and FHA Fee Cap; FHA Announces Proposed Rule to Strengthen Risk Management through FHA-Approved Lenders; and much more. . .

Washington Report: November 23, 2009 Edition

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:27:29 -0500

This week's headlines: HUD Announces 120-day Period of Restraint in Enforcement of New RESPA Rule; House Commerce Subcommittees Hold Hearing on Data Privacy; Senate to Begin Consideration of a Final Senate Health Reform Bill Saturday; HUD Releases 19 new FAQs on New RESPA Rule; and much more. . .

Washington Report: November 9, 2009 Edition

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:52:49 -0500

This week's headlines: President Signs Tax Credit Extension and ExpansionData Security Bills Clear Senate Judiciary Committee; House Health Reform Bill Scheduled For Saturday Vote; Flood Insurance Extended Till December; Update on Home Energy Labeling Proposals; and more. . . .

Washington Report: November 2, 2009 Edition

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:35:53 -0500

This week's headlines: Extending the Credit : Almost There; NAR Letter Expresses Concerns with Senate Data Security Legislation; House Leadership Releases Text of Health Reform Bill to be Considered on the House Floor; and, Congress Votes to Extend FHA and GSE Loan Limits through 2010.

Washington Report: October 26, 2009 Edition

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:24:59 -0400

This week's headlines: House Financial Services Committee passes H.R. 3126, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act; FCC Opens Net Neutrality Proceeding; Senate Small Business Hearing Examines the Impact of Senate Health Bills on the Self-Employed and Small Businesses; HR 3126 Passes House Committee with HVCC Amendment; and much more. . .

Washington Report: October 19, 2009 Edition

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:54:20 -0400

This week's headlines: Focus on Extending Tax Credit Intensifies; NAR Urges Caution in Phasing Out the Fed MBS Purchase Program; Senate Finance Committee Approves Fifth Health Reform Bill; and, Federal Regulators Reported Close to Issuing Guidelines for Commercial Mortgage Modifications.

Washington Report: October 12, 2009 Edition

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:05:46 -0400

This week's headlines: House Financial Services Committee Prepares to Mark-Up Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation; HUD Releases Additional RESPA FAQs; Rangel, Pelosi Comment about Tax Credit Extension; NAR Supports Refinance Enhancements to Affordable Housing Program; and much more. . .

Washington Report: October 5, 2009 Edition

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 14:02:27 -0400

This week's headlines: Fed Prevents Conflict between FHA and TILA; Senate Finance Committee Complete Consideration of Amendments; Vote Expected Next Tuesday; House Energy & Commerce Committee Approves Data Security Legislation; IRS Publicizes Tax Credit on YouTube; and more. . .

Washington Report: September 28, 2009 Edition

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:36:17 -0400

This week's headlines: HUD Releases Additional RESPA FAQs Along With New Table of Contents; Long Awaited Senate Finance Health Bill Released and Markup Begun; Tax Credit Extension Draws Increasing Attention; Mortgage Interest Deduction Limits Not Included in Health Care Legislation--So Far; and much more. . .

Washington Report: September 21, 2009 Edition

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:14:33 -0400

This week's headlines: IRS Says 1.4 Million Taxpayers Have Used Tax Credit; NAR Comments on FCC Definition of Broadband; NAR Calls for Enhancements to FHA Appraisal Rules; and much more. . .

Washington Report: September 14, 2009 Edition

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:52:24 -0400

This week's headlines: Health Care Debate Continues as Congress Returns to DC; NAR Adopts Policy on Streamlining the Regulation of Non-admitted and Surplus Lines of Insurance; NAR Begins Push to Extend Homebuyer Credit; and much more. . .

Washington Report: September 7, 2009 Edition

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 15:07:13 -0400

This week's headlines: August Health Insurance Reform Deadline Passes Without Floor Votes; SBA Launches YouTube Channel to Promote SBA Loan Programs; HUD Releases Expanded FAQs on New RESPA Rule; and more. . .

Washington Report: August 31, 2009 Edition

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:53:46 -0400

This week's headline's: FHA Clarifies Position on HVCC

Washington Report: August 24, 2009 Edition

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:54:37 -0400

This week's headlines: FTC Announces Fee Increase to Access Do Not Call Registry; NAR Submits Comment Letter to FinCEN on Money Laundering ANPR ;Freddie Mac Issues Written Short Sales Commissions Policy

Washington Report: August 17, 2009 Edition

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:15 -0400

This week's headlines: SBA Clarifies that Real Estate Agents are Eligible for SBA Guaranteed Financial Assistance; HUD Releases FAQs on New RESPA Rule; NAR Launches New Webpage Addressing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Real Estate; NAR Submits Letter to HUD Requesting Meeting on Administrative Fees and Home Warranty Contract Fess Under RESPA, and much more. . .

Washington Report: August 10, 2009 Edition

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:02:49 -0400

This week's headlines: Lead Paint Renovation Compliance Guide Now Available On-Line; NAR Calls for Enhancements to New FHA Condominium Rules; NAR Responds to FHFA Guidance on HVCC

Washington Report: August 3, 2009 Edition

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:16:38 -0400

This week's headlines: August Health Insurance Reform Deadline Passes Without Floor Votes; The Fed's 5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage; NAR Asks Obama Administration to Urge Servicers to Participate in the Upcoming Short Sales Program; NAR Calls on State Presidents to Support HVCC Moratorium, and much more. . .

Washington Report: July 27, 2009 Edition

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:31:53 -0400

This week's headlines: Health Reform Bill Hits Snags in the House - Debate to Spill Over Into the Fall; Federal Reserve Board Proposes Major Changes to TILA Disclosures for Mortgages and HELOCS; Additional HVCC Guidance Released by FHFA, GSEs Called Good First Step by NAR; and more. . .

Washington Report: July 20, 2009 Edition

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:30:14 -0400

This week's headlines: House Committees Consider House Health Reform Legislation; Freddie Mac Stresses Appraisers Knowledge of Local Areas in Recent Bulletin; NAR Testifies on Green Building Incentives; The Impact of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct; and much more. . .

Washington Report: July 13, 2009 Edition

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:27:24 -0400

This week's headlines: Health Reform Update/NAR Participates in Senate Small Business Committee Health Reform Roundtable; Commercial Real Estate Industry Group Policy Statement; Joint Economic Committee Sponsores Hearing on Commercial Real Estate; Appraisal Foundation Announces Changes to USPAP for 2010-20011; and more. . .

Washington Report: July 6, 2009 Edition

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:12:07 -0400

This week's headlines: Maximum LTV for Obama Administration's Refi Program Increases to 125 Percent; Health Reform Legislative Timelines Slip/NAR Leadership Meets with Administration Health Reform Staffs; Congress Unlikely to Consider Tax Measures, Including Tax Credit, Until October; NAR Meets with NY Attorney General's Office and FHFA to Discuss HVCC; and much more. . .

Washington Report: June 29, 2009 Edition

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:43 -0400

This week's headlines: Commercial Real Estate Industry Group Policy Statement; Fannie Mae E-News for Real Estate Professionals; Houses Passes Climate Bill with Energy Labeling Exemption; and, Silence Continues on Revenue Sources for Health Reform.

Washington Report: June 22, 2009 Edition

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:26:40 -0400

This week's headlines: Obama Administration Announces Financial Regulatory Reform Plan; Fannie Mae Confirms Short Sales Commissions Policy and Establishes Appeals Process; What to Do If You Think a Servicer Isn't Following the Making Home Affordable Program Guidelines; National Health Care Reform Debate Begins in Earnest, and much more!

Washington Report: June 15, 2009 Edition

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:59:01 -0400

This week's headlines: Freddie Mac Improves Its Mortgage Refinance Program; New NAR Webpage on Short Sales Debuts; Banking Agencies Issue Red Flag FAQs on Identity Theft Rules; Senator Isakson Introduces Bill to Extend, Expand Homebuyer Tax Credit, and much more!

Washington Report: June 8, 2009 Edition

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:43:48 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Meets With New HUD General Counsel; Senate Committee Approves Legislation without Energy Labels; Guidance on How to Use the Tax Credit with FHA Loans; NAR Calls on Veterans Affairs to Monetize Tax Credit; and more. . .

Washington Report: June 1, 2009 Edition

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:09:00 -0400

This week's headlines: HUD Announces Guidance for Use of Tax Credit on FHA Loans; Homeowners' Insurance Bill Reintroduced; Bills Introduced to Extend, Expand Homebuyer Tax Credit; and, High Volume May Impact Approval Time for Rural Development Loans.

Washington Report: May 25, 2009 Edition

Mon, 25 May 2009 12:41:48 -0400

This week's headlines: Federal Reserve Announces that Legacy CMBS Will Become Eligible for TALF; NAR Supports Realistic 2009 Affordable Housing Goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; House Committee Approves Real Estate Energy Labeling; and more. . .

Washington Report: May 18, 2009 Edition

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:36:31 -0400

This week's headlines: Obama Administration Announces Financial Incentives and Uniform Process for Short Sales; Representatives Kind and Gerlach Introduce HR 2360, "The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)"; HUD Extends Waiver for Anti-Flipping Rule; and more. . .

Washington Report: May 11, 2009 Edition

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:35:22 -0400

This week's headlines: RESPA Case: Busby v. JRHBW Realty, Inc. d/b/a Realty South; TALF Loans Extended to 5 Years; REALTOR® Testifies on Foreclosure Rescue Scams; and more. . .

Washington Report: May 4, 2009 Edition

Mon, 4 May 2009 11:58:55 -0400

This week's headlines: Making Home Affordable Program Expanded to Permit Modification of Second Mortgages; House Financial Services Committee sends Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009 (H.R. 1728) to the House Floor; FHFA Proposes Relaxing GSE Affordable Housing Goals; and more. . .

Washington Report: April 27, 2009 Edition

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:06:15 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR President, Charles McMillan, Testifies Before the House Financial Services Committee on Mortgage Reform Bill H.R. 1728; Senate Finance to Review Revenue Issues Related to Health Care Reform; Bank Regulators Warn Consumers about Foreclosure Rescue Scams; and more. . .

Washington Report: April 20, 2009 Edition

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:22:39 -0400

This week's headlines: With Foreclosures on the Rise, NAR Program Providing Aid to REALTORS®; Freddie Mac Announces Guidelines for Super Conforming Mortgages in High Cost Areas; NAR asks IRS to Help States Make Credit Available at Closing; and more. . .

Washington Report: April 13, 2009 Edition

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:01:02 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR Urges Use of Local Residential and Commercial REALTORS® for the Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP); NAR Files Comments with HUD on RESPA's "Required Use" Definition; and, NAR Testifies on Need for Increased Capacity for FHA

Washington Report: April 6, 2009 Edition

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:30:25 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR Writes Government Officials on Bank Lending Issues; Mobile Spam Legislation Introduced; Fannie Mae Announces Guidelines for Loan Limits in High Cost Areas; and more. . .

Washington Report: March 30, 2009 Edition

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:58:03 -0400

This week's headlines: Treasury Department Announces Public-Private Investment Program; NAR Opposes Omnibus Lands Bill; Funds Available for USDA's Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program; and, more. . .

Washington Report: March 23, 2009 Edition

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:52:21 -0400

This week's headlines: NAR President Charles McMillan Meets with the CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; Obama Administration Unveils New Website: Making Home Affordable Program; IRS Provides Filing Guidance on First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit; and much more. . .

Washington Report: March 16, 2009 Edition

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:54:30 -0400

This week's headlines: HUD Warns Housing Counseling Agencies Not Take a Fee Split from Real Estate Brokers/Agents; HUD Delays "Required Use" RESPA Rule; GSEs Issue Guidance on Home Affordable Modification Program; and more. . .

Washington Report: March 9, 2009 Edition

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 11:26:54 -0400

This week's headlines: The Obama Housing Plan: Making Home Affordable; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Release Refinancing Guidelines; FTC Publishes Notice of Proposed Changes to Guides for Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising; and more. . .

Washington Report: March 2, 2009 Edition

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:53:14 -0500

This week's headlines: Fannie Instructs Its Servicers Not to Cut Commissions on Short Sales; Administration Budget Proposal Targets Mortgage Interest Deduction; and, New FHA Loan Limits Released.

Washington Report: February 23 , 2009 Edition

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:53:01 -0500

This week's headlines: President Obama Announces Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan; Stimulus Package Includes $7.2 Billion in Broadband Spending; and, Home Energy Investments in Stimulus.

Washington Report: February 16, 2009 Edition

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:08:38 -0500

This week's headlines: President Signs Stimulus bill; Obama Administration Announces Financial Stability Plan; NAR Submits Comments on Proposed TILA Rule; and Congress Improves Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Washington Report: February 9, 2009 Edition

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 11:31:38 -0500

This week's headlines: Obama Administration to Announce Financial Stability Plan, H-2B Visa Legislation Introduced, and Senate Modifies Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Washington Report: February 2, 2009 Edition

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 09:16:06 -0500

This week's headlines: FHA and GSE loan limit increases in House economic stimulus bill; HUD delays RESPA required use change in response to homebuilder lawsuit, and much more.

Washington Report: January 26, 2009 Edition

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:24:18 -0500

This week's headlines: House Commerce approves 2.8 billion broadband grant program; Fannie Mae announces national REO rental policy; Tax credit repayment likely to be eliminated; and much more.

Washington Report: January 19, 2009 Edition

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:32:32 -0500

This week's headlines: Senate approves release of the remaining TARP funds; NAR surveys members on Homebuyer Tax Credit; and tax credit repayment likely to be eliminated.

Washington Report: January 12, 2009 Edition

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:32:56 -0500

This week's headlines: The TARP Reform and Accountability Act of 2009; Senators discuss Homebuyer Tax Credit changes; and NAR speaks to Capacity and Risk Management of FHA; and much more.

Washington Report: January 5, 2009 Edition

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:33:06 -0500

This week's headlines: NAR challenges Fannie Mae fee increases.