Here are 10 government websites that cover everything about the housing industry:
http://twitter.com/HUDFHA - As of March 20, 2009, HUD is now on Twitter—not only sharing updates, but also providing links to websites! Subscribe to the RSS feed and get regular updates whenever something new has been posted by HUD.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Washington-DC/Federal-Housing-Administration-Department-of-Housing-and-Urban-Development/37437263955?ref=ts
You have to have a Facebook account to read FHA’s posts. I recently used this site to “write on the wall” and asked a question. They answered me. Lots of content with resources for you and your clients.
www.financialstability.gov - Everything you wanted to know about the Financial Stability Plan is accessed here—including Making Home Affordable guidelines, modification program info, etc. Current press releases and web casts can be accessed here as well.
www.Treas.gov - Making Home Affordable website has just been launched, which consumers can fill out a few questions to see if they qualify for a loan medication. More importantly, it contains anything and everything to do with the Treasury Department, including interest rate stats, new income tax changes (including tax forms).
www.Makinghomeaffordable.gov - So, here’s the website mentioned by the Treasury Department. It’s a consumer site where they can answer a few questions to see if they qualify for a Home Affordable refi or modification. However, the MOST IMPORTANT page on this site is where consumers can determine if they have a Fannie or Freddie loan so they can contact their servicing lender for a Fannie Refi Plus or a Freddie Refi Relief loan.
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/loan_lookup.html
www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com - Created by the National Association of Home Builders, it’s a consumer site with detailed info about the $8000 tax credit. It’s translated in both English and Spanish.
www.Hud.gov - As a lender, this is where you can find the latest HUD Mortgagee letters BUT the “At Your Service” pages contain a wealth of information for you and consumers-- How to buy a HUD home; how to avoid foreclosure; Does HUD own you an MIP refund; Find a Housing Counselor
www.VA.gov -- Everything about VA benefits, including VA field offices can be found here! However, if you offer (or want to become a VA-approved Lender) VA loans here’s the housing link http://www.homeloans.va.gov/
www.Efanniemae.com- As a conforming-loan lender, you can subscribe to Fannie Announcements but beware—you’ll get notices about EVERYTHING, including servicing, multifamily, LLPA’s etc. Check out the FAQ’s related to DO/DU Notes—good info!
www.Freddiemac.com - Same as Fannie but Freddie calls their updated “Bulletins”. Their site is easier to navigate. Both sites have “advanced” key word search functions and you can subscribe to get updates emailed to you.