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The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced it has published An Update on Implementation of the Single Security Initiative and the Common Securitization Platform. detailing progress toward further implementation of the Common Securitization Platform (CSP) and launch of a single, common security called the Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security (UMBS).

HUD and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) have announced the launch of a public awareness campaign to inform owners of homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey that help is available to avoid foreclosure and to finance repairs. Over one-quarter of home loans in Texas are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency within HUD, which offers a range of payment and other relief options for borrowers living in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PDMDAs). Borrowers who are having trouble making mortgage payments can contact their servicers to discuss available resources. In addition, HUD-approved housing counselors can assist in connecting impacted homeowners with the right options for relief. HUD also offers help for borrowers and loan servicers through its FHA Resource Center.

The NMLS has posted the working agenda for the 2018 NMLS Annual Conference and Training, February 6–9, 2018, in New Orleans.

The FDIC announced yesterday it has issued the lists of institutions scheduled for a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination during the first and second quarters of 2018.

The Federal Reserve Board has posted:

• the November 29, 2017, issue of the Beige Book, the summary of commentary on current economic conditions by Federal Reserve District
• the September 2017 G.20 report of owned and managed receivables outstanding and auto loans: terms of credit
• updates to the FRB/US model packages

The FHFA index indicates mortgage rates decreased in October 2017. Nationally, interest rates on conventional purchase-money mortgages decreased from September to October, according to several indices of new mortgage contracts.

• The National Average Contract Mortgage Rate for the Purchase of Previously Occupied Homes by Combined Lenders Index was 3.98 percent for loans closed in late October, down 2 basis points from 4.00 percent in September.
• The average interest rate on all mortgage loans was 3.97 percent, down 2 basis points from 3.99 in September.
• The average interest rate on conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages of $424,100 or less was 4.11 percent, down 3 basis points from 4.14 in September.
• The effective interest rate on all mortgage loans was 4.01 percent in October, down 7 basis points from 4.08 in September.

The average loan amount for all loans was $307,500 in October, up $8,000 from $299,500 in September.

Registration for the 2018 NMLS Annual Conference and Training to be held in New Orleans on February 6-9, 2018, is now open. A schedule and registration information are posted on the conference website.

The OCC has released its schedule of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) evaluations to be conducted in the first and second quarters of 2018. The schedule is sorted by state.

The Federal Reserve Board has announced it issued a Consent Order against Peoples Bank, Lawrence, Kansas, for deceptive residential mortgage origination practices. The bank was ordered to return approximately $2.8 million to affected mortgage borrowers. For additional information, see our Penalty page on the Fed's order.

That FHFA has announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2018. In most of the U.S., the 2018 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $453,100, an increase from $424,100 in 2017.