HUD Gives Nod to Homebuyers Insurance

The Department of Housing and Urban Development on Monday approved Fannie Mae's controversial program to insure mortgages against the homeowner's death, disability, and involuntary unemployment.

Under the plan, Fannie Mae, formally the Federal National Mortgage Association, would buy the insurance for first-time homebuyers, earn interest on the premiums, and receive a portion of the benefit if the homeowner dies.

The plan must overcome another hurdle, however. Both the Senate and the House are proposing to eliminate the tax benefit that makes the plan profitable for Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae spokesman David Jeffers said his agency continues "to evaluate how we might proceed." He added that HUD's analysis had confirmed the plan "would provide important benefits to homebuyers."

Two months ago, House Banking Committee Chairman Jim Leach, R-Iowa, blasted Fannie for the initiative, and asked HUD to investigate if the mortgage agency was overstepping its charter.

On Wednesday, Rep. Leach's spokesman, David Runkel, said "the (House Banking) Committee is not surprised at this decision, and we will review the analysis which HUD has forwarded to us."

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