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
Jan 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Loses Ground at Start of 2026Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 37 in January, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.
Housing Affordability
Jan 15, 2026
NAHB Participates in Capitol Hill Housing ForumNAHB Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson participated in a Housing Affordability Roundtable hosted by the New Democrat Coalition. Lawmakers and housing stakeholders discussed ways to address affordability challenges and enact federal housing finance reforms.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jan 16, 2026
December Mortgage Activity Softens Even as Rates EaseMortgage application activity declined in December despite a modest easing in mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, fell 5.3% from November on a seasonally adjusted basis, though it remained 47.1% higher than a year ago.
Economics
Jan 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Loses Ground at Start of 2026Builder confidence moved lower to start the year as affordability concerns continue to weigh heavily with buyers, and builders continue to contend with rising construction costs.
Economics
Jan 15, 2026
Remodeling Market Sentiment Strengthens in Fourth Quarter of 2025In the third quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 64, increasing four points compared to the previous quarter.