Blog
Loan Limits Increase in 2020 for the Washington Metro Area
December 2, 2019
On November 26, 2019, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) published the 2020 conforming loan limits for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The baseline (national) limit will increase to $510,400 from $484,350 in 2019. In high cost areas, including the Washington Metro area, the limit will go up to $765,600 (from $726,525). The loan limits […]
Do Your Clients Understand Their Mortgage Disclosure Documents?
November 22, 2019
You can help improve how this critical information is presented to homebuyers by giving the National Association of Realtors® your feedback! The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is reviewing the mortgage disclosure rule, known as the TRID rule. This rule drastically changed the mortgage disclosure process to improve transparency for consumers (i.e. creation of the […]
Flood Insurance Extended Through December 20th
November 22, 2019
Yesterday, November 21, 2019, Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Dec. 20, avoiding a lapse in the program. The President signed the bill into law. The NFIP is being extended as part of the Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating while Congress works on 2020 appropriations measures over the next […]
FHA: No Conflict of Interest for Brokers Receiving Commissions on HUD REO Homes
November 18, 2019
The National Association of REALTORS® says the FHA’s response to its recent advocacy efforts is a big win for members who have an ownership interest in HUD real estate-owned homes. Adopting NAR’s interpretation, the FHA has revisited its policy and will now permit brokers to receive commissions on sales of HUD REO homes in which […]
Census 2020
November 18, 2019
Key Census Messages – Fall 2019 The Census can be complicated. During the Education phase, we are focused on simple messages that emphasize impact, confidentiality, and a general timeline. Census Day is April 1, 2020. – Watch for a postcard that will arrive in the mail in mid-March. – You can respond to the Census […]
Use Your Voice and Cast Your Vote in the 11/5 Elections
October 25, 2019
Did you know that almost 70% of REALTORS® in Loudoun County voted in the 2018 elections? Imagine the impact in Loudoun County if 100% of REALTORS® voted in the November 5th elections. Use Your Voice and Cast Your Vote! The General Election will be held in Loudoun County on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. On the […]
County Launches Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan Process with Oct. 30 Open House
October 17, 2019
Loudoun County will host an open house to kick off the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan process. The open house will be held at the Eastern Loudoun Service Center, 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. In addition to learning about the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan, those […]
Are You Election Ready? Absentee Voting Began 9/20
October 7, 2019
The General Election will be held in Loudoun County on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. On the ballot will be candidates for the Virginia General Assembly, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, School Board, Constitutional Officers, Soil and Water Conservation District, and bond questions. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November […]
Regulators Increase Appraisal Threshold
October 3, 2019
On September 27, 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively “the Agencies”) adopted a final rule increasing the threshold for requiring an appraisal in residential real estate transactions from $250,000 to $400,000. Federally related transactions under $400,000 […]
Flood Insurance Available Through November 21st
September 30, 2019
On Friday, September 27, 2019, President Trump signed into law an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program’s funding authority. This temporary measure also funds other government operations and averts a government shutdown through November 21, 2019. National Association of Realtors® President John Smaby issued the following statement: “With this CR temporarily ending the threat […]