Executive Order March 18, 2026 Doc #2026-05384

Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit

Economy Government Reform Civil Rights Infrastructure
Share:
Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit
💡

In Simple Terms

The President wants to make it easier for people to get home loans. This plan aims to cut rules that make it hard for small banks to give out these loans.

Summary

On March 13, 2026, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14393, titled "Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit." This order aims to enhance the availability and affordability of mortgage credit by reducing regulatory burdens, particularly for community and smaller banks. It directs several federal agencies to consider revising existing regulations and supervisory guidance to streamline mortgage lending processes, modernize appraisal standards, and promote digital mortgage practices. The order also seeks to encourage competition among lenders and improve housing finance liquidity, ultimately facilitating better access to homeownership for creditworthy borrowers, including those in rural and low- to moderate-income households.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

March 13, 2026

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

March 18, 2026

Document #2026-05384

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

  • Working families and individuals: Easier mortgage access could help more families buy homes, increasing financial stability.
  • Small business owners: Reduced compliance costs may allow community banks to offer more competitive mortgage options.
  • Students and recent graduates: Greater access to affordable mortgages might help young adults enter the housing market sooner.
  • Retirees and seniors: Streamlined refinancing options could lower monthly payments, aiding fixed-income retirees.
  • Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Rural areas may see increased mortgage availability, supporting local housing markets.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

  • Community banks benefit from reduced regulatory burdens and increased lending opportunities.
  • Low- and moderate-income households gain improved access to mortgage credit.
  • Mortgage lenders face challenges adapting to new appraisal and digital standards.
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) leads implementation of regulatory adjustments.
  • National Association of Realtors advocates for increased homebuyer access and market stability.

📈 What to Expect

  • Short-term (3–12 months):

    • Increased mortgage applications from community banks.
    • Regulatory reviews initiated by financial agencies.

  • Long-term (1–4 years):

    • Improved mortgage access for rural and low-income households.
    • Enhanced competition lowers average mortgage rates.

📚 Historical Context

  • Similar to Jimmy Carter's 1977 Community Reinvestment Act promoting fair access to credit.
  • Builds on George W. Bush's 2002 "Blueprint for the American Dream" to expand homeownership.
  • Modifies Dodd-Frank Act's stringent regulations, reducing burdens on community banks.
  • Notable for modernizing digital mortgage processes, emphasizing electronic signatures and e-notes.
  • Distinct in its focus on tailoring regulations specifically for smaller banks and community lenders.

Related Actions

Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming To Be Made in America

Mar 18, 2026

FR
Executive Order

Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming To Be Made in America

Economy Trade Government Reform Public Safety
Adjusting Certain Delegations Under the Defense Production Act

Mar 18, 2026

FR
Executive Order

Adjusting Certain Delegations Under the Defense Production Act

Defense Energy Government Reform
Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction

Mar 18, 2026

FR
Executive Order

Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction

Infrastructure Government Reform Economy Environment