Podcast: Biden Administration Is Making it Harder to Finance Homes

Housing Finance
Published
Contact: Reaganne Hansford
[email protected]
AVP, Leadership Strategy
202-266-8450

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) was busy last week, publishing two new determinations that increase the requirements for borrowers to use federal mortgage programs when purchasing new homes.

On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome to the program Jessica Lynch, VP of Housing Finance, to discuss the new rules.

First, Lynch explains the new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard from HUD that will require a complicated, three-tiered process for determining the extent of the floodplain, with a preference for a climate-informed science approach, for owners of new homes to qualify for FHA mortgage insurance.

Lynch then discusses the recent move by HUD to require all new homes purchased under certain mortgage program to be built to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), regardless of whether a state or jurisdiction has adopted that version of the IECC.

Watch the full episode below and subscribe to Housing Development through your favorite podcast provider or watch all the episodes on YouTube.

Housing Developments Podcast Sponsored by LG Pro Builder

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Membership
Nov 04, 2026
NAHB Leadership Academy Prepares Next Generation of Member Leaders

In just three years, the NAHB Leadership Academy has grown into one of NAHB’s most impactful leadership development programs. The academy is now preparing to welcome its fourth cohort in 2027. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 16, 2026.

Advocacy
Nov 04, 2026
NAHB Poised to Advance Housing Priorities After Midterms

NAHB Chief Advocacy Officer Ken Wingert provides an election analysis.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Nov 03, 2026
Mortgage Rates Climb in October Amid Accelerating Inflation

Mortgage rates rose sharply again in October as the U.S. treasury yields surged. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.33% in October, up 47 basis points (bps) from September. The rate reached 7.40% in early October, its highest level since 2023, before easing toward the end of the month.

Economics
Nov 03, 2026
Construction Job Openings Rise in September

The number of open positions in the construction sector increased in September per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.

Economics
Nov 02, 2026
Private Residential Construction Slips as Remodeling Weakens

Private residential construction spending decreased in September 2026 driven by a steep decline in improvement (remodeling) spending. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $848.8 billion in September, down 5.5% from the revised August estimates and lower by 8.9% from last year.