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
Jul 09, 2026
Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains in Positive Territory in Second QuarterNAHB released the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the second quarter, posting a reading of 61. Although the reading inched down one point from the previous quarter, it is still in positive territory and has remained in the low 60s consistently over the past year.
Sustainability and Green Building
Jul 08, 2026
Enhance Your Next Land Development Project with the NGBSThe newly released ICC 700-2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) defines the benchmark for sustainable residential construction, renovation and land development. Not only does it provide best practices for the design, planning, construction and certification of land development projects, it also evaluates community design, infrastructure and environmental preservation independent of the actual buildings constructed.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 09, 2026
Existing Home Sales Slowed in JuneAfter reaching a five-month high last month, existing home sales pulled back in June as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. This monthly volatility reflects the sensitivity of home buyer demand to mortgage rate changes.
Economics
Jul 09, 2026
Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains in Positive Territory in Second QuarterIn the second quarter of 2026, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 61, down one point compared to the previous quarter. The RMI has remained in the low 60s consistently over the past year.
Economics
Jul 08, 2026
Mortgage Activity Flat in June, ARM Share DecreasesMortgage applications stalled in June as higher mortgage rates dampened market activity. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, stayed relatively unchanged with a marginal decrease of 0.3% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis.