Summary Box: House approves bill giving Federal Housing Administration power to hike fees
FEES MAY RISE: Consumers who take out home loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration could soon pay higher fees after House lawmakers approved a bill giving the agency power to hike monthly premiums.
SHAKY FINANCES: Officials say the agency needs to do so to stabilize its finances, which have deteriorated because of the foreclosure crisis. The agency is the primary source of mortgages for first-time homebuyers.
HIT TO POCKETBOOK: Under changes being considered by FHA officials, a borrower with a mortgage of $170,000 would pay an extra $42 a month.
Copyright 2010  AP News
