It looks like FHA will be lowering the allowable seller paid closing cost assistance from 6% down to 3%. This is expected to lower the trend of agents pushing sellers to raise prices to cover the increased expenses. Also in the works...ten percent down payment for borrowers with very low credit scores. One change they aren't talking about that would ACTUALLY make sense...bring back the old rotational assignment system. It worked. No BS HVCC like concerns. No AMCs getting up to 75% of the appraisal fee. More honest appraisals and lower cost to consumers. Management companies ARE NOT REQUIRED to comply with HUD rules. There are options for small companies such as the Mercury Network and Appraisal Port. Both of these allow you to continue to work with the professionals you have business relationships at a very minimal fee. One client told me last week that an ACM that he wanted me to sign up with charges him $600 for an FHA appraisal. That's nearly $200 MORE than the market here of $400-450. Want to guess what the ACM wants to pay me? $150! Their main concern is who will work the cheapest. Is that who you want doing your appraisals? When experience matters call us. Just say NO to AMCs. They are unlicensed, unregulated and despite what they try to tell you, they are not needed to comply. Email me and I can give you more information on how to comply without being ripped off by AMCs. RLC@RLCarmichael.com