Secondary

Funding for housing counseling represents a minuscule fraction of total spending on housing-related initiatives. Still, some question whether taxpayers are getting the best bang for their buck.

Mortgage credit availability increased last month, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

National MI, a private mortgage insurance company in Emeryville, Calif., has named Jay Sherwood as president.

Consumers were more optimistic about their ability to buy a home in November compared to the previous month, according to Fannie Mae.

Renters figure to stay renters, at least for the next three years, according to a new report by Freddie Mac.

Mel Watt, down payment, homeownership, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA

Fannie said it will immediately begin accepting applications for fixed-rate 97% loan-to-value financing of borrowers with FICO scores as low as 620. Freddie, meanwhile, took a more cautious approach, delaying the start of the program, requiring credit counseling, and in some cases only allowing FICO scores as low as 660.

With some proposals still outstanding, mortgage bond market participants are concerned that eminent domain attempts would spread if a municipality makes inroads with a proposal.