📅 2026 Update: Changes in Mortgage and Property Regulations

Since the original article was published, several important changes have occurred in mortgage and property regulations. These changes impact how property ownership, lending, and compliance are managed in the U.S. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on these topics.

🏦 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Final Rule

On October 24, 2026, regulatory agencies released the CRA final rule. This rule, effective April 1, 2024, aims to improve lending practices for low- and moderate-income communities. It includes updates to four performance tests that evaluate how well financial institutions meet the credit needs of these communities.

  • 📊 Compliance Dates: The rule has staggered compliance dates on January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027.

💲 FHA Loan Limits and Mortgage Insurance Premiums

In June 2026, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) made significant updates. They raised loan limits, which helps more borrowers qualify for FHA-insured mortgages. They also lowered mortgage insurance premiums, making these loans more affordable.

  • 📉 Student Loans and ADU Income: Changes were made on how student loans and income from Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) affect qualifying options.

📜 Truth in Lending Act Adjustments

On December 18, 2024, the Truth in Lending Act saw an important update. The asset-size exemption threshold for certain first-lien higher-priced mortgage loans increased to $2.717 billion. This change is important for loans that were finalized in 2025.

📈 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guarantee Fees

In 2024, the average guarantee fee for single-family loans was 65 basis points (0.65% of the loan amount per year). This fee affects borrowers who are looking to use Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for their home financing needs.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🏦 CRA final rule effective April 1, 2024, improving lending for low-income communities.
  • 💲 FHA updated loan limits and lowered premiums in June 2026.
  • 📜 Truth in Lending Act raised exemption threshold to $2.717 billion in December 2024.
  • 📈 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's average guarantee fee was 0.65% in 2024.

💡 Tips for Navigating Mortgage Regulations

Review the details of your specific situation with your attorney.

🏠 Understand Loan Types

Different loans have different requirements and benefits. Familiarize yourself with options such as FHA loans, which are aimed at borrowers with lower credit scores.

📅 Keep Track of Compliance Dates

Stay informed about important dates related to the Community Reinvestment Act. Compliance starts on April 1, 2024, with key deadlines in 2026 and 2027.

📊 Monitor Changes in Fees

Be aware of changing fees, such as the average guarantee fees from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Knowing these costs helps you budget effectively.

📉 Review Insurance Premiums

If you're considering FHA loans, keep an eye on updates regarding mortgage insurance premiums. The recent decrease can make these loans more attractive.

📜 Utilize Consumer Resources

Take advantage of free resources provided by organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. They can help clarify mortgage costs and regulations.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section features mortgage service providers ranked by user reviews, reflecting their performance in the mortgage market. These rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and while star ratings offer insight, they only partially reflect customer experiences.

🥇 1. NewDay USA

NewDay USA has been rated 4.5 stars. This company is known for its VA loans and strong customer service. However, some customers report longer processing times, which can vary based on individual circumstances.

🥈 2. West Capital Lending

West Capital Lending holds a 4.6 star rating. This company is recognized for offering competitive financing options and expert guidance. However, it has a limited variety of loan products, which may not suit every borrower.

🥉 3. Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage has a Trustpilot score of 4.4. It is well-known for its fully online mortgage process and quick pre-approvals. Nonetheless, some users have experienced processing delays and paperwork errors.

4️⃣ loanDepot

loanDepot averages 4.0 stars. This lender is known for its online mortgage applications and digital technology. However, some customers have noted issues with customer service responsiveness.

5️⃣ AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation

AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. It is recognized for offering affordable rates and a wide variety of loan options. Customer service responsiveness, however, has been a noted concern among some reviewers.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Resources

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides free resources to help borrowers understand mortgage costs and requirements. The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) also offers advocacy and research on lending practices, particularly for low- and moderate-income borrowers.

🔎 Comparing Mortgage Services

  • 🏦 Compare interest rates and fees.
  • 📄 Review the variety of loan products available.
  • ⏳ Check processing times and customer service responsiveness.
  • 📊 Look into the company's reputation based on user reviews.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Community Reinvestment Act?

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages financial institutions to meet the credit needs of low- and moderate-income communities. Recent updates to this act aim to enhance compliance and performance evaluations.

💰 How do FHA loan limits affect me?

FHA loan limits determine the maximum amount you can borrow for an FHA-insured mortgage. These limits were recently updated, making it easier for more borrowers to qualify.

📝 What fees should I expect when closing on a mortgage?

Buyers typically pay between 2% and 5% of the loan amount in closing costs. This can vary based on the property price and the lender's fees.

📈 How do guarantee fees impact my mortgage?

Guarantee fees are costs associated with securing a mortgage through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These fees can affect your overall loan cost and monthly payments.

📅 What are the recent changes to the Truth in Lending Act?

The Truth in Lending Act recently raised the asset-size exemption threshold for certain higher-priced mortgage loans. This affects loans consummated in 2025.

🔍 How can I find more information on mortgage regulations?

Resources such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) provide valuable information regarding mortgage regulations and consumer rights.

⚖️ Recent Cases in Property Law

Recent court rulings have influenced property law, particularly in areas related to lending and compliance. These rulings connect to broader discussions on property ownership and mortgage regulations.

Explore more rulings on the news page to stay updated on recent developments in property law.

End of October 2026 Update





What is SunTrust Mortgage?

SunTrust Mortgage is the eight largest servicer of residential mortgages in the United States managing over 950,000 residential mortgage loans with total assets of $172.2 billion as of June 30, 2011.  As of 2009, SunTrust employs 28,001 employees and maintains corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando Florida.   The flagship company is SunTrust Bank of Atlanta and maintains a total of 1,661 branches primarily in several southern US states.  The modern day Sun Trust bank is a merger of the Trust Company of Georgia and SunBanks Inc of Florida.  The current CEO is William H. Rogers Jr.

What is the corporate structure of SunTrust?

The current Board of Directors consists of sixteen members sitting on five committees.  These committees are:

  • Audit
  • Compensation
  • Executive
  • Governance and Nomination
  • Risk

SunTrust Mortgage

What services does SunTrust provide?

SunTrust operates like most banks offering personal finance, investment, retirement and loan services.  

How did SunTrust fare in the recent financial crisis?

SunTrust’s stock value plummeted in 2007 from $90.61 per share to $9.06 in 2009.  They participated in the Troubled Asset Relief Program to prevent its collapse in the face of soaring foreclosures.  SunTrust would eventually sell of its shares in The Coca Cola Company to raise capital.

According to the Federal Reserve, SunTrust initiated 41,543 foreclosure actions during a two year period, January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010.  In response to these numbers, the Federal Reserve issued a cease and desist order and accused this lender of improperly assessing the amount of principal, interest, fees and expenses owned by the borrower without proper review of oversight.  Many documents presented in court were not notarized which the bank blamed on a lack of staff available to deal with the unprecedented rise in foreclosures coinciding with the economic turmoil.  The Fed charged that SunTrust was guilty of unsafe and unsound banking practices as they did not provide sufficient oversight and adequate resources to the accelerated pace of foreclosed properties.

As a result of these findings, the Federal Reserve proceeded to order SunTrust to develop a plan for greater oversight of risk management, auditing and compliance of foreclosure activities especially in relation to the use of independent contractors involved in the process.  Additionally, SunTrust was to ensure that they had adequate funding, offices and staff to carry out mortgage loan servicing to prevent similar mistakes from 2009-2010 such as un-notarized documents and the lack of research in regards to individual mortgage claims.


Sources: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/enforcement/enf20110413a8.pdf