When Washington pauses, so does the housing market.
But this week, the gears started turning again — and that’s good news for everyone planning to buy or sell a home in El Paso, Texas.
After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Congress has passed a bipartisan funding deal that officially reopens federal housing programs that were stalled for weeks.
For buyers and sellers waiting on FHA, VA, or USDA loans, and for those renewing flood insurance policies (NFIP), this agreement means movement — and momentum.
What’s Back in Action
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, programs essential to home transactions — like FHA, VA, and USDA loans — are now fully operational again.
That includes:
- ✅ Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for first-time buyers
- ✅ Veterans Affairs (VA) loans for military families and service members
- ✅ USDA rural housing loans
- ✅ National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy renewals and underwriting
These programs support millions of Americans, and their pause had a ripple effect across local economies — including right here in El Paso.
Expect Some Catch-Up Delays
NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn warns that while programs are live again, there’s a six-week backlog to clear.
That means some loan approvals, closings, and flood insurance renewals may take a little longer than usual to process.
This isn’t a red flag — it’s simply the system catching up. The key is staying proactive and communicating with your lender and REALTOR® (that’s where I come in).
How NAR Helped Move the Needle
Behind the scenes, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) went full throttle.
Their advocacy team reached all 535 members of Congress, met with leadership from both parties, and worked directly with HUD, FHA, VA, and the White House to push for a resolution.
Because housing isn’t just about walls and roofs — it’s nearly 20% of the U.S. economy. Every stalled deal affects jobs, families, and communities.
What It Means for You — Locally
Here in El Paso, the restart means:
- Buyers using VA or FHA loans can move forward again.
- Sellers waiting on delayed closings can expect action.
- Flood insurance renewals in areas like the Upper Valley, Mission Ridge, and Socorro will resume.
- Market confidence should rise — especially among military families PCSing to Fort Bliss or first-time buyers comparing rent vs. buy options.
If you were in “wait mode,” now’s the time to get back in motion. – Check out this other article for those looking to buy or sell a home for the first time in El Paso Texas.
My Take as a REALTOR® in El Paso
When national uncertainty hits, local clarity matters.
That’s why I stay on top of these updates — so you don’t have to.
If you’re selling, this is the time to stay visible. Buyer confidence improves as lending programs reopen, and listings that maintain momentum now tend to sell faster once buyer traffic rebounds.
If you’re buying, now’s the time to get pre-approved and secure your spot in line — before the backlog clears and competition spikes.