Podcast: Biden Administration Is Making it Harder to Finance Homes
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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
May 07, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Holds Steady in First QuarterThe Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB produced mixed results for the first quarter of 2026. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, unchanged year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, down 13 points year-over-year.
Advocacy | Spring Leadership Meeting
May 06, 2026
Prepare for NAHB’s Legislative Conference on June 10NAHB’s signature lobbying event will take place on Wednesday, June 10, in conjunction with the four-day Spring Leadership Meeting in Washington, D.C. To help members prepare, NAHB will be hosting a webinar on May 20 and two events during the Spring Leadership Meeting.
Latest Economic News
Economics
May 07, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Holds Steady in First QuarterThe Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, unchanged year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, dropping 13 points year-over-year.
Economics
May 06, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: March 2026State labor market conditions showed modest improvement in March, with job gains concentrated in several large states and the construction sector continuing to expand. However, employment declines across a number of states and mixed unemployment rate trends point to uneven momentum across regional economies.
Economics
May 06, 2026
Slight Rise for Open Construction Jobs in MarchThe number of open positions in the construction sector edged higher in March, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.