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The Next Mortgage Lender Bailout: The FHA

Critics think fallback agency will need a rescue in next couple of years

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2009 8:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – Another mortgage lender specializing in low income borrowers is in trouble: the Federal Housing Administration. The agency which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could soon share their fate, as borrowers default on the low-downpayment mortgages it insures, critics told a House subcommittee yesterday. “It appears destined for a taxpayer bailout in the next 24 to 36 months,” said an ex-Fannie Mae executive.

The agency’s commissioner insisted that isn’t the case, saying the agency is managing its risks well, but he did acknowledge that roughly 20% of its loans went belly-up last year. The issue has split Congress; with Republicans want to rein in the agency, but with private lending virtually non-existent, Democrats say the FHA is too vital. “Let’s be clear,” said Maxine Waters, “Without the FHA, there would be no mortgage market right now.”

In this photo made April 24, 2009, Lorrin Montag, 65, and his wife, Dianna, 61 pose for a picture at their home in Corona, Calif. The unemployed Montags are hoping for FHA loan modification help.
In this photo made April 24, 2009, Lorrin Montag, 65, and his wife, Dianna, 61 pose for a picture at their home in Corona, Calif. The unemployed Montags are hoping for FHA loan modification help.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
In this March 15, 2008 file photo, a realtor's sign is seen on the lawn of a foreclosed home in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
In this March 15, 2008 file photo, a realtor's sign is seen on the lawn of a foreclosed home in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Bubblebee
Oct 9, 2009 3:18 AM CDT
Why not give taxpayers a bailout and they can pay on their homes and not have to loose them. Since it is their money, it is almost like they are paying twice, correct me if I am wrong.
godawgs
Oct 9, 2009 2:36 AM CDT
Well this is bound to happen with the amount of the market that the FHA controls. I think that it is close to 90% of the mortgages given out in the country come from either here, Fannie or Freddie. so they have a greater risk of haivng people default.

More Newser Stories

$26B Mortgage Settlement a 'Modest' Help: Experts

Freddie Mac Bet Billions Against Homeowners

SEC Sues Ex- Fannie, Freddie CEOs

FHA May Soon Need Its First-Ever Bailout

Fannie Mae Needs Another $7.8B


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