News from 2021

“This new procedure will utilize information already available to lenders without adding any burden to homebuyers. By analyzing bank statements that have already been submitted, Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter automated underwriting system will be able to confirm that past rent payments were made on time. When Fannie Mae tested the system on past applicants that were not approved, 17% would have qualified using the new policy. This will have a material impact on mortgage applicants who are qualified but have been left out of homeownership.” – David M. Dworkin

“It’s a recipe for chaos. And that’s what we’ve got.” – David M. Dworkin

“Power Players: David Dworkin: Dworkin is the president and CEO of the National Housing Conference, an affordable housing advocacy group that successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a $10 billion Homeowner Assistance Fund in the March 2021 Covid relief package. The fund is meant to provide help to homeowners struggling with monthly payments.”

“This country will never be a great nation with people living on the street…We have to address (the needs of) more people who can’t afford to rent on their own.”Too many people get up in the morning, exit their cars, wash up in someone’s public bathroom and go to work everyday. That’s just unacceptable.” – David M. Dworkin

“The two dozen groups which signed onto a letter opposing the g-fee increase included trade groups such as the Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association and the Housing Policy Council; affordable housing advocates such as the National Housing Conference, as well as the National Association of Realtors, which represents real estate brokers.”

“My biggest concern is the dynamic of potentially tens of thousands of sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement officials executing evictions around the country at the same time in the hottest month of the year.” – David M. Dworkin

“We need to recognize the interest of landlords and tenants are unusually aligned. As tenants want to be able to pay rent and landlords want to be paid. Paying the rent is the ultimate answer.”

“Certainly the repair of government-built public housing is an obvious case to be defined as traditional infrastructure. It’s physical, the government built it, it needs to be repaired. The question I have is, how is that not infrastructure?” – David M. Dworkin

“How is housing not infrastructure? It’s a physical asset that is part of a community that is supported by the government, deteriorates over time, and has a direct impact on the quality of life and economy of an area.” – David M. Dworkin

“This is having its worst impact on first-time homebuyers, who generally are more dependent on mortgage financing and have limited budgets. It’s hurting millennials… it’s also hurting people of color who are trying to become homeowners.” – David M. Dworkin