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What The Government Shutdown Means For The Real Estate Market

Sulman Quaishi joined the Morning Extra to talk about how the government shutdown is effecting the real estate market. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)...

Sulman Quaishi joined the Morning Extra to talk about how the government shutdown is effecting the real estate market.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place. The information below is based on NAR staff review of agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

The IRS is closed and has suspended the processing of all forms, including tax return transcripts (Form 4506T). These transcripts are required for many kinds of loans, including FHA and VA, so delays can be expected if the shutdown is protracted.

Are there other agencies that are integral to the real estate process?

Social Security Administration (SSA):

The Social Security Administration is closed and has suspended most customer service functions. According to the SSA Contingency Plan, verifying Social Security numbers through the Consent Based SSN Verification Service will also be suspended during the shutdown, a further complication for mortgage processing.

What about the FHA and the other lenders?

Federal Housing Administration:

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.

VA Loan Guaranty Program:

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

Government Sponsored Enterprises:

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.

Engel & Völkers began in 1977 as a specialty boutique real estate agency providing high-end services to an exclusive clientele. Today, the company is a global leader in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial property and yachts.

To find out more about Engel and Volkers, go to: westhartford.evusa.com.

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