Affordable housing

The FHFA's Home Loan bank report is that rare thing you never see in the nation's capital anymore — a balanced plan on a complex issue that could have lasting impact on a difficult problem.

New federal standards for responsible lending should trigger a surge of new capital into underserved communities, as concerns about reputational risk are allayed.

The banks' resistance to changes being recommended by the Federal Housing Finance Agency do not bode well for their future or that of the industry.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's report on the system at 100 years old signals major shifts in both policy and structure are on the horizon.

Amplify Credit Union in Austin provided funding for the construction of 28 tiny homes to create more affordable housing in Round Rock, Texas. Several banks had previously shot down the project.

The San Antonio-based lender is introducing new products targeted at borrowers who make less than 80% of their county's median income. The loans, which will qualify for Community Reinvestment Act credit, could help expand access to the state's increasingly expensive housing market.

The Federal Housing Administration could increase the limits for loans it insures in this market, a congressional oversight agency said in a new report.

A movement is afoot to transfer the job of the Federal Home Loan banks to the Federal Reserve. This would be a disaster for small lenders.

Limiting large-bank access to the system could have an unintended negative impact on smaller banks.

Between 2004 and 2021, the share of originations under $150,000 has declined by 70%, forcing a growing number of consumers to seek alternative forms of financing instead of getting a mortgage, a Pew Charitable Trusts report found.

We have the tools to address our housing challenges through a mix of regulatory reforms, policy changes, incentives and investment. What's needed is the will and leadership to put those tools to work.

Bank of America had a 55% increase in new clients in May, and the lender is planning to bulk up staffing to keep up with demand. 

As the Federal Housing Finance Agency considers how to prepare the system for the future, it can keep member liquidity steady while still boosting affordable housing.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency head has said: "The status quo is not acceptable." She could not be more correct.

The lack of housing — particularly on the lower price range — is becoming an increasingly urgent political issue. But it's also a twisted bramble of tradeoffs that politicians are reluctant to touch.

The Federal Home Loan Banks system's primary affordable housing program has not had an in-depth review in more than 12 years, according to a new inspector general report.

The group, led by Senate Banking Chairman Sen. Sherrod Brown, said nonperforming loans sold to single family housing rental businesses or private equity firms results in the displacement of homeowners.

Fannie Mae has selected five organizations to share in a $5 million pilot program aimed at expanding and promoting affordable housing and Black homeownership.

The sleepy Federal Home Loan Bank System is under intense scrutiny as critics push for more oversight and increased affordable housing while supporters say the system works well for member banks.

The FHFA should focus on the facts as it ponders the future of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.