October 31, Newsletter
Key Cases, Regulatory Changes & Land Use Developments Affecting Real Estate Professionals
This issue highlights key developments affecting real estate professionals, from federal efforts to lower mortgage costs to major affordable housing investments in New Jersey and rising foreclosure activity nationwide. Here’s what realtors, lenders, investors, and property owners should know.
Quick Highlights
- Mortgage Cost Relief: A new federal executive order directs agencies to explore ways to reduce mortgage insurance and refinancing expenses.
- $77M Affordable Housing Investment: New Jersey approves tax credits to support the construction and rehabilitation of 274 affordable housing units in Newark.
- Foreclosure Auctions Surge: Completed foreclosure auctions rise 25% nationwide, reaching their highest level since early 2020.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Decreasing Housing Costs for the American People,” directing federal housing agencies to pursue measures aimed at lowering mortgage and homeownership expenses. The order directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to explore proactive mortgage insurance cancellations and expanded title insurance waiver options to reduce refinancing costs. It also calls for lower interest rates on certain USDA and VA direct loans and establishes a task force to streamline manufactured housing requirements.
Real Takeaways:
- Realtors: Monitor potential mortgage insurance and refinancing cost reductions that could improve housing affordability and benefit homebuyers.
- Loan Officers: Stay informed about proposed mortgage insurance cancellations, title insurance waivers, and government loan rate changes to better advise borrowers.
- Real Estate Investors: Watch for manufactured housing reforms that could reduce regulatory barriers and create new housing development opportunities.
New Jersey Awards More Than $77 Million in Tax Credits for Newark Affordable Housing
October 26, 2026
- Realtors: Monitor affordable housing developments and redevelopment projects that could expand housing options and strengthen local communities.
- Loan Officers: Explore how Aspire tax credits, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and Section 8 assistance can support financing for affordable housing projects.
- Real Estate Investors: Evaluate state tax incentives and redevelopment opportunities that can help close financing gaps and make affordable housing investments more feasible.
Foreclosure Auctions Rise 25% and Reach a Post-Pandemic High
October 23, 2026
Completed foreclosure auctions increased 25% nationwide in the third quarter of 2026, reaching their highest quarterly level since early 2020, according to Auction.com. FHA-insured foreclosure auctions drove much of the increase, rising 73% year over year and accounting for 43% of total auction volume. Mortgages originated in 2022 or later represented 46% of foreclosure auction activity, while scheduled fourth-quarter auctions suggest further increases.
Real Takeaways:
- Realtors: Monitor local foreclosure trends as rising auction activity may create additional distressed-property listings and opportunities for buyers.
- Loan Officers: Watch for signs of financial stress among borrowers, particularly those with FHA-insured and recently originated mortgages.
- Real Estate Investors: Evaluate foreclosure auction opportunities carefully, considering property conditions, title risks, and potential acquisition costs before bidding.
Social Spotlight
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