Overview
- Trump floated the longer-term loan over the weekend, and FHFA Director Bill Pulte said the agency is “working on” the concept and called it a “complete game changer.”
- Trump defended the idea on Fox News, calling it “not even a big deal” that could lower monthly payments by stretching them over more years.
- CBS News reported some officials were unhappy the idea was publicized before full vetting, reflecting internal confusion over timing and the president’s level of commitment.
- Analyses show potential monthly savings of a few hundred dollars but sharply higher lifetime interest and slower equity building, with examples estimating interest costs 80% higher or more than a 30-year loan.
- The Dodd-Frank framework caps qualified-mortgage terms at 30 years, potentially requiring new rules or legislation, while economists and several Republicans argue the core problem is limited housing supply rather than loan terms.