Will the Government Shutdown Effect Your Sale?

Unfortunately, the quick answer for Costa Mesa real estate circles is yes, probably. For those of you in escrow on a Costa Mesa real estate property or about to enter an escrow, most lenders will be affected by the government shutdown. Lenders will need to take risks to avoid the shutdown issues to process loans for Costa Mesa real estate buyers, and most won’t take the risks. Here’s a quick rundown on who is affected, by the department:

 

HUD’s Contingency Plan states that FHA will endorse new loans in the Single Family Mortgage Loan Program, but it will not make new commitments in the Multi-family Program during the shutdown. FHA will maintain operational activities including paying claims and collecting premiums. Management & Marketing (M&M) Contractors managing the REO portfolio can continue to operate. You can expect some delays with FHA processing, especially for credit and social security number verification.

 

Lenders will continue to process and guarantee mortgages through the Loan Guaranty program in the event of a government shutdown. Expect some delays during the shutdown.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will not be impacted by a government shutdown, since NFIP is funded by premiums and not tax dollars. Changes to the flood insurance program scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1 will be implemented as scheduled.

 

 

For the U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, essential personnel working during a shutdown do not include field office staff who typically issue conditional commitments, loan note guarantees, and modification approvals. Thus, lenders will not receive approvals during the shutdown. If the lender has already received a conditional commitment from the Rural Development office, then the lender may proceed to close those loans during the shutdown. A conditional commitment, which is good for 90 days, is given to a lender once a USDA Underwriter approves the loan. If a commitment was already issued, the funds were already set aside and the lender may close the loan at its leisure. If Rural Development has not issued a conditional commitment, the lender must wait until funding legislation is enacted before closing a loan.

 

It is important to note that the traditional definition of “rural” for qualifying communities for assistance will be continued in effect during the shutdown. We expect that language to continue the current definition will be included in whatever funding measure is eventually enacted. Will the Government Shutdown Affect Your Sales?

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will continue operating normally, as will their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, since they are not reliant on appropriated funds.

 

Treasury

The Making Home Affordable program, including HAMP and HAFA, will not be affected as the program is funded through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act which is mandatory spending not discretionary.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

 

The good news is that the shutdown won’t last forever, and you will be able to get back to your happy Costa Mesa real estate purchases and sales soon!

 

Need help in Costa Mesa?

 

Feel free to call Colin at (714) 743-9882 or email me.