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 | Material Costs
Aug 26, 2026
Smaller Builders Report Higher Material Costs
Building material costs increased by 6.7% over the past 12 months, according to results from the survey for the July 2026 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Membership
Aug 25, 2026
NAHB Mourns the Passing of Past President Shirley McVay Wiseman
Shirley McVay Wiseman, 1989 NAHB president, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23. A pioneer in the home building industry, Wiseman was the first woman elected president of NAHB.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
Multifamily Missing Middle Falls Back
Multifamily missing middle construction declined during the second quarter of 2026.
Economics
Aug 25, 2026
Economic Uncertainty, Affordability Challenges Weigh on New Home Sales
Elevated borrowing costs, rising inflation and broad economic uncertainty continue to curb buyer demand and hold back new home sales.