Blog
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 […]
Everyone Counts! Take Part in the 2020 Census
October 30, 2019
Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau conducts a count of everyone in our nation. The next census will begin in the spring of 2020. It is important that Loudoun County receives an accurate count of our residents because so many things that matter to this area are determined by the census. The people […]
Window to the Law: Flood Insurance & Disclosures: What You Need to Know Now
October 10, 2019
Flood-related disclosures can generate a deluge of legal and ethical questions. What needs to be disclosed? How should you advise your sellers? What should you tell buyers about flood risk and flood insurance? Check out the latest Window to the Law video from NAR Associate Counsel Deanne Rymarowicz who answers these questions and more. Click […]
IRS Improves Deduction Safe Harbor for Mixed-Use CRE
October 10, 2019
The Internal Revenue Service this week released final guidance regarding a safe harbor to help owners of real estate enterprises determine whether they qualify for the new 20% deduction for “qualified business income.” While the safe harbor is largely unchanged in most aspects, it does ease the requirements for owners of mixed-use real estate (commercial […]
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 […]
Watch the FHA Condo Rule Facebook Live: 9/26
September 20, 2019
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to release new Federal Housing Authority (FHA) condominium financing policies on October 15, 2019. The new rules should benefit your real estate clients and customers by allowing more buyers to obtain low down-payment mortgages on affordable housing options. Join the NAR FHA Condo Rule Facebook […]
GSE Reform Proposal Unveiled
September 11, 2019
On September 5, 2019, the White House released a proposal to reform the nation’s housing finance system and privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The recommendations, if implemented, will impact operations of the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While the plan involves potential administrative, regulatory, and legislative […]
New FHA Condo Rule Expected to Yield Thousands of New Homeownership Opportunities
August 14, 2019
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to release new Federal Housing Authority (FHA) condominium financing policies. The new rules should benefit your real estate clients and customers by allowing more buyers to obtain low down-payment mortgages on affordable housing options. Specifically, the rule will extend certifications from two years to three, […]
You’re Invited: Learn What Happens Inside the U.S. House of Representatives, 9/13, 9:30AM
August 6, 2019
Are you interested in understanding how federal laws impact your real estate business? Join us on Friday, September 13, 2019, for a discussion with our Northern Virginia Congressional delegation about issues such as health care reform, transportation infrastructure, and the National Flood Insurance Program. Bring your questions! The Town Hall is free but pre-registration is […]
USDA Makes Changes to its Single-Family Housing Loan Programs
July 18, 2019
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) loan programs enable people who live in rural areas and small towns to obtain safe, affordable housing. The following changes to the guaranteed and direct single-family loan programs will go into effect this summer: Revise the definition of very low-, low-, and moderate-income to allow for […]