Housing

While the designation of retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development appears like an unusual choice, lenders are hoping he can bring a fresh perspective to the industry.

Mortgage credit availability expanded for the third consecutive month in November, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

PlainsCapital Corp. subsidiary PrimeLending is expanding its closing cost assistance program to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Ben Carson accepted Donald Trump's offer to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to a statement from the president-elect's transition office Monday.

NAHREP Consulting Services, a consulting firm that specializes in housing and the Latino market, has created a new program to help lenders looking to ramp up their market efforts in diverse communities.

The mortgage interest deduction will be limited in reforms designed to provide tax cuts for middle-class borrowers, but not those with higher incomes, according to Treasury Secretary-designate Steve Mnuchin.

The debate over housing finance reform appears to have new life as both Democrats and the next administration appear ready to take up the issue.

Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin's plan to remove Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from government control could mean increased competition for lenders' loans. But it could also prompt a rise in mortgage rates.

Even before taking office, Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin has said he wants to return Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the private sector, a radically different vision of housing finance reform than that pushed by other Republicans.

President-elect Donald Trump has named Quicken Loans Executive Vice President Shawn Krause to the team that will direct the transition at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.