The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices.

Four corporate landlords, including Dallas-based Invitation Homes, tried to evict thousands of tenants during a federal ban on evictions, according to an investigation by a congressional subcommittee.

Investors are buying up mobile home parks across the country, leading to significant rent increases and complaints of neglect from residents.

MINNEAPOLIS – James A. Johnson, a former Democratic campaign operative who was CEO of housing lender Fannie Mae in the 1990s and served as chairman of Walter Mondale's presidential bid, died Sunday at his home in Washington. David O. Maxwell, former head of Fannie Mae, hired Johnson as vice chairman in 1990, after Johnson had helped the company hold off privatization efforts by the Reagan administration. Johnson immediately set his sights on maintaining Fannie Mae’s lucrative government privileges and ensuring that new regulations were not overly burdensome. Bush that aimed to reduce the chance of an expensive taxpayer bailout if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had bad loans on their books. After retiring from Fannie Mae at the end of 1998, Johnson served on the boards of several companies, including UnitedHealth Group, KB Home and Target, and was vice chairman of the Washington private-equity firm Perseus.

That’s why we went straight to the experts to find out what you need to know if you’re thinking about refinancing. You could find extra cash by refinancing your mortgage. The cost of so-called “free” refinancing will be added on to your interest rate. Let’s say you need to refinance $250,000 with a 3.5% interest rate, you will save more than $1,100 a month (assuming your current interest rate is 5%). But before you call a lender, it’s important to know why you’re refinancing.

HOUSTON – Many homeowners that are having a hard time paying their mortgage during this pandemic can ask their mortgage company for help. But Consumer Reports researchers said many mortgage companies were giving homeowners who called inaccurate information. There are four options homeowners and mortgage companies can choose to repay those skipped payments back when the homeowner gets back on their feet. You can find out if you have a federally-backed mortgage, by using Fannie Mae’s look-up tool or calling 800-232-6643. If your mortgage is federally backed, and you need help, call your mortgage company back and ask for it.

HOUSTON – As the coronavirus pandemic has caused a great economical crisis, many workers have been laid-off or are not receiving pay during business closures. If you’re worried about missing a mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately. Numerous banks have said they are willing to work with distressed borrowers, including potentially suspending or reducing mortgage payments for a stretch. TAA advises renters to communicate with their property manager if they find themselves unable to pay rent. According to the association, they have encouraged rental property owners to waive late fees and set up a payment plan for residents impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.