As of February 1st, FHA suspended its rule prohibiting the insuring of a mortgage on a home owned by a seller for less than 90 days. The HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said “This change in policy is temporary and will have very strict conditions and guidelines to assure that predatory practices are not allowed.”

In the press release put out by HUD, they state that in today’s market, FHA research finds that acquiring, rehabilitating and the reselling these properties to prospective homeowners often takes less than 90 days. Prohibiting the use of FHA mortgage insurance for a subsequent resale within 90 days of acquisition adversely impacts the willingness of sellers to allow contracts from potential FHA buyers because they must consider holding costs and the risk of vandalism associated with allowing a property to sit vacant over a 90-day period of time.

“FHA borrowers, because of the restrictions we are now lifting, have often been shut out from buying affordable properties,” said FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens. “This action will enable our borrowers, especially first-time buyers, to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To read the entire article click here.

Here is an excerpt from the latest NAEBA press release that I found very insightful. Pay close attention to the statistics on appreciation and foreclosures.

Working with an EBA offers more than a dedicated representative. Data validates that buyers actually get better results. An EBA promises to work toward a better price and terms for buyers. A study conducted by Chandler & Chandler confirms that property purchased through an alliance with an EBA shows a 67% greater appreciation in value. Additionally, a survey conducted by the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA) found that among survey respondents, there were only 15 foreclosures out of 1,849 closings. That represents a foreclosure rate of just 0.8%, compared to the nationwide rate of 1.84% in 2008.

NAEBA views HUD’s advice to consider an exclusive buyer agent as very timely given current market conditions. Clark agrees, “We are encouraged by an increased movement among consumers to seek out Exclusive Buyer Agents. Working on behalf of buyers is extremely rewarding. Consumers who hire an Exclusive Buyer Agent find that the whole process is more enjoyable because of the incredible trust between the buyer and their agent that doesn’t always exist in the traditional buyer/agent relationship.”

To read more about NAEBA or this press release click here.

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) is a consumer protection statute that is designed to aid homebuyers during the home buying process and help them become better shoppers while protecting them at the same time. It outlaws things like “kickbacks” that would increase the overall cost in buying a home.

The revamped act will take effect Jan 1st, 2010 and is supposed to make it easier for home buyers to understand what is going on at closing. In my opinion more regulation and paperwork is not going to fix the already overcomplicated process. What is needed is for the Professionals that are involved in the transaction to take their time and make sure the consumer has a clear understanding of the process.

To read more about HUD and RESPA click here.