The Single-Family Team, Freddie Mac

Liars will go to great lengths to deny wrongdoing. So what do you do when someone claims innocence, yet your suspicions remain? That's what one Freddie Mac Single-Family Fraud Risk (SFFR) investigator experienced in a case in which the denials were so convincing, the perpetrator got away with the crime. But not for long. Read the summary report to find out more.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are taking the main stage as a solution to add affordable housing units to the market. In fact, The White House recently convened a panel aimed at identifying strategies to make ADU construction easier, including streamlining the permitting and construction processes and making financing more accessible. Learn more about expanded policies for properties with ADUs, providing additional eligibility opportunities to responsibly finance ADU purchases and renovations.

Helping first-time homebuyers is an increasing conundrum in a housing landscape fraught with frustration. One way some have approached homebuying is to pool financial resources and purchase a house with a group of friends or family members. Mortgage professionals working with buyers considering this scenario should be mindful of sharing both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of this creative arrangement. Learn more.

Sad to say, fraudsters are creative and energetic. If you’re in the mortgage industry, you need to stay on top of what they’re up to – and what they’re planning next. What if the person applying for a loan isn’t who they say they are? Upon receiving some interesting tips, Freddie Mac Single-Family Fraud Risk (SFFR) investigated and identified a new twist on misrepresentation. Read the report summary to find out more.

Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics may be a ray of hope for current housing challenges, including inventory, affordability and materials and labor shortages, while promoting sustainability and equity. This article reviews the potential benefits and barriers of 3D-printed homes, and what needs to happen for them to become a viable option in the housing ecosystem.

Manufactured housing has been on the decline since its peak in 1996. While several factors are driving this downtrend trend, a portion of the fall-off is related to local, state and homeowner association regulations. This article looks at how the greater acceptance of manufactured homes could result in a bevy of benefits, from chipping away at the housing deficit to shrinking the affordability gap. Read More.

Ready or not? An important question when it comes to mortgage lending, as a successful loan agreement means both the lender and the homebuyer are confident the buyer is ready for the financial responsibilities of homeownership. This article sheds light on what it means to be mortgage ready – and provides a look at strategies that can help lenders find more qualified buyers. Read More.

While rural homeowners appreciate proximity to trees, mountains, water and an abundance of natural light, they also have concerns about outdated, lacking or non-functioning features inside their homes that could impact their physical health and stress levels. This article lists tangible ways to identify and address health-related home concerns so rural residents can live more comfortably and age in place.

The typical U.S. family could save quite a bit of cash by using reliable information to help them make smart home improvement decisions. This article illustrates how to conduct home energy assessments that provide energy-saving home improvement recommendations that can help homeowners lower their utility bills, increase home value and enhance marketability. Learn More.

Manufactured houses, also referred to as “prefab,” “modular” or “factory-built,” are a popular choice in Japan – thanks to their attractive design, advanced technology and trendy branding. This article looks at how some U.S. manufactured housing companies are evolving and improving manufactured home features in hopes of making this housing option all-the-rage in the States too. Read More.