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U.S. Housing Market News - Geared for Consumers
The Home Buying Institute publishes housing market news that is geared for consumers. We cover a variety of housing-related topics within the U.S., including mortgage rates, home prices, and other real estate trends. While other financial publishers write for journalists and industry insiders, we write solely for consumers. You'll find the most recent stories below.
How Long Does a Short Sale Take These Days, in 2014?
March 7, 2014
Question: “I am thinking about buying a short sale home, but I’ve heard the process can take a really long time. So I started researching this online.... [full story]
Now Available: 2014 FHA Handbook for Borrowers, Home Buyers
March 4, 2014
The Home Buying Institute has published a 60-page handbook that explains the FHA loan program to borrowers. The handbook was written specifically for home buyers... [full story]
Trend Watch: Down Payments Below 20% for Jumbo Non-Conforming Loans in 2014
February 20, 2014
In recent years, borrowers in the market for a jumbo mortgage loan would have had to put down at least 20% of the purchase price. That was the minimum down-payment... [full story]
Minimum FHA Down Payment Requirement to Remain at 3.5% in 2014
February 17, 2014
It happens every year. As the calendar turns over, the FHA rumors begin. This year, the most pervasive rumor has to do with the minimum down payment requirement... [full story]
Concerns About Mortgage Rules for Self-Employed Borrowers Are Overblown
February 14, 2014
There has been much ado lately about the new mortgage rules that took effect earlier this year, and how they might affect self-employed borrowers. Some have claimed... [full story]
Chart: Today’s Mortgage Rates Lowest Since November 21
February 10, 2014
At the end of 2013, many economist and mortgage analyst were predicting a steady rise in mortgage rates throughout 2014. That may come to pass eventually. But right... [full story]
HUD Revises FHA Underwriting Standards, Allowing More Compensating Factors
January 22, 2014
In December 2013, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revised the guidelines mortgage lenders must use when manually underwriting FHA loan applications.... [full story]
