Strong Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Top Priority for NAHB

With investor confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continuing to erode, NAHB leaders this week said that one of the highest priorities of the association is ensuring support for the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) as a source of mortgage capital for the nation’s home buyers.

Combined, the two institutions account for about 70% of the mortgage finance market in the U.S., and they provide the foundation for the nation’s secondary mortgage market. ...

50+ Home Buyers in Prime Spot to Lead Housing Recovery

Post-World War II baby boomers are in the prime position to lead housing out of its current cyclical downturn, according to panelists participating in an Aug. 12 audio seminar from the NAHB University of Housing, “Get Hesitant Boomers to Buy Now!”

The recent enactment of housing stimulus legislation should convince a significant number of baby boomers that now is the prime time to get off the fence, they added.

“This group is determined to move on with the next phase of their life,” said Chuck Covell, president of Covell Communities in Gaithersburg, Md. “As a result, this segment of buyer is out there looking to make that change and is willing to overlook market obstacles in the way and some of the downtrodden feeling that may be out there,” he said. ...

Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published Sept. 1

Nation's Building News will not be published on Sept. 1. Regular weekly publication will resume Sept. 8.