The National Association of Home Buyers (NAHB), testifying before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, urged lawmakers to move cautiously in reforming the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) because the tight lending standards are already preventing qualified home-buyers from obtaining mortgages, as MHProNews has learned. NAHB First Vice Chairman Kevin Kelly stressed the important role the government has played in this recovery because the private sector has “been unable or unwilling to meet housing capital needs,” especially for first-time home buyers, minorities, and those with limited down payment capabilities. “Changes to FHA’s programs cannot be separated from the larger discussion of reforming the complex housing finance system, including future reforms to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Housing has led America out of every economic downturn and can do so again if the future policies regarding housing finance reforms are addressed in a manner that provides liquidity for the entire housing sector,” he added.
