Consumers having Second Thoughts on Housing amid U.S. Shutdown

The second week of the government shutdown is giving consumers and lenders second thoughts about the housing market. Lenders last week were giving assurances that they would use “work-arounds” for tax documentation on mortgage applications, but now the future is not quite as clear.

“As the government shutdown continues, we’ll continue to evaluate the circumstances,” said Tom Goyda, a spokesman for Wells Fargo, the nation’s largest lender.

Goyda said Wells Fargo is following guidance from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which does not require IRS verification unless the borrower is financing multiple properties. If that is the case, the lender can close the deal without the verification but cannot deliver it to Fannie or Freddie without the IRS documents.

CNBC

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