The U.S. Rural Housing Service is in the last stages of perfecting an automated underwriting system that should be available to all lenders in January 2007.The guaranteed underwriting system can provide approvals on RHS-guaranteed single-family loans in 30 seconds, according to RHS Administrator Russell Davis. After a lender submits the application data, GUS pulls a credit report and runs it through the scorecard. GUS also has unique features to make sure borrowers meet RHS income limits and the property is located in a rural area. GUS uses geographic information system mapping software to pinpoint the location of the property. Since Aug. 1, eight lenders have originated 133 RHS loans using GUS, and more lenders are being added to the pilot program. "GUS is a premier, high-quality system," Mr. Davis said. "It will be much easier for borrowers to shop, and we believe we have a very attractive product."
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After home equity surged in 2023, average gains slowed last year before falling into negative territory over the past 12 months, Cotality said.
December 12 -
For 2026, the mortgage industry operating environment will improve, while nonbank financial metrics should be within Fitch's rating criteria sensitivities.
December 12 -
Rohit Chopra is named senior advisor to the Democratic Attorneys General Association's working group on consumer protection and affordability; Flagstar Bank adds additional wealth-planning capabilities to its private banking division; Chime promotes three members of its executive leadership team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
December 12 -
The executive order described state legislation on artificial intelligence as a cumbersome patchwork, and pledged to develop a national framework.
December 12 -
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the FHA-insured loan caps for low- and high-cost areas, which are set based on conforming loan limits.
December 12 -
Kansas City Federal Reserve President Jeffrey Schmid and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said in statements Friday that their dissents from this week's interest rate decision were spurred by inflation concerns and a lack of sufficient economic data.
December 12





