President Obama Takes Steps to Increase Homeownership

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Today President Obama announced plans to help increase homeownership in America, and target first time home buyers by lowing the annual cost of the FHA mortgage insurance premiums by 50 basis points.

This announcement is now getting praise by many real estate professionals and organizations.

David H. Stevens, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association says, "The MBA applauds President Obama and his administration for continuing to look for ways to help first time home buyers, grow the housing market and strengthen the economy. Specifically, MBA is pleased about the decision to make a 50 basis point reduction on the annual FHA MIP, something MBA has called for in the past.  This is a win-win.  It's good for borrowers and good for FHA, helping the agency stabilize its market share and continue to rebuild the MMI fund.

"Additionally, we were encouraged that President Obama called for GSE reform, which hopefully will spur action on Capitol Hill.  And the coming changes to Fannie and Freddie's rep and warrant framework that he mentioned should help lessen the high level of uncertainty lenders face and allow them to use the full extent of the GSE credit box to serve more qualified borrowers."

The Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman Bill Cosgrove further added, "As an independent mortgage banker whose business includes a significant amount of FHA lending, I can attest that the 50 basis point reduction in FHA's annual premium will have a significantly positive impact for my borrowers and the housing market. Specifically, this will help first time homebuyers by making FHA loans more affordable.  Given the timing, just as we begin the spring home buying season, I think today's announcement is just what the market needs.

"MBA looks forward to working with the President, as well other policymakers in Washington, to ensure the real estate finance market continues to strengthen so that all consumers have the opportunity to enjoy the dream of homeownership."

The California Association of Realtors also chimed in on today's announcement.

"Reducing FHA mortgage insurance premiums will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of home buyers to get a mortgage and provide greater access to homeownership for historically underserved groups and credit worthy families," said C.A.R. President Chris Kutzkey. "Moreover, this shift in policy will also increase the volume of borrowers using FHA-backed loans, while continuing to contribute to the solvency of FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund and making the dream of homeownership a reality for millions more Americans."