Advocacy

Why the Federal Shutdown Matters for Your Mortgage, and What We’re Doing About It

October 23, 2025

Photograph of the US Capitol at night with an image in the reflecting pool. Photo copyright Steve Reese.

Every year, housing policy debates unfold in Washington that directly affect the people I serve here in Shawnee and across Central Oklahoma. As a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape those conversations. In 2026, I’ll continue serving for my fourth consecutive year on this national think tank. It’s an honor to represent our local voice and bring real-world perspectives to the table.

The Current Climate: Shutdowns and Stalemates

The recent discussions in D.C. have focused heavily on the impact of the federal government shutdown. Both sides of the aisle may be caught up in political posturing, but for our industry, the consequences are very real. A shutdown disrupts everything from FHA, VA, and USDA loans to flood insurance through the NFIP, slowing transactions and creating unnecessary uncertainty for homebuyers, sellers, and communities.

The shutdown’s reach extends beyond buyers and sellers. Many renters and housing providers are caught in the middle too. Rental assistance programs are currently funded through December, but if the shutdown drags deeper into November, that safety net will start to fray. That creates uncertainty for tenants who rely on those subsidies and for property owners who depend on that income to cover mortgages, maintenance, and payroll.

Our message to lawmakers is clear: a shutdown is bad for housing, bad for the economy, and bad for everyday Americans. NAR’s advocacy teams have been in constant contact with Congress and the White House, providing data that shows how these interruptions ripple through local markets like ours.

There are some encouraging signs that lawmakers are making progress toward a funding agreement that could end the shutdown. While nothing is final yet, conversations are happening on both sides of the Capitol that may lead to a longer-term resolution. That’s a welcome shift for everyone depending on stable housing programs.

According to NAR’s recent analysis, every day the shutdown continues deepens the risk to programs buyers and sellers rely on, such as flood insurance and government-backed loans. NAR’s “State of Play” update and their open letter to Congress outline just how significant those impacts have become, especially for families waiting on closings or renewals. Even local news outlets are covering the story, like this Local News Live segment highlighting how the ripple effects are reaching communities across the country.

Housing Policy That Actually Moves the Needle

Beyond the immediate budget battles, there’s progress worth celebrating. The bipartisan Road to Housing Act, one of the most comprehensive housing packages in a decade, aims to increase housing supply, modernize outdated regulations, and make homeownership more attainable. It includes provisions to:

  • Support new home construction and modular housing
  • Fund home repair grants for aging properties
  • Improve appraisal practices and streamline inspection processes
  • Encourage participation in rental voucher programs

This is the kind of legislation that could make a tangible difference in our local market, addressing both affordability and accessibility.

Why This Work Matters in Shawnee

What happens in Washington doesn’t stay there. When federal funding lapses or housing programs get cut, it affects our buyers’ ability to close, our sellers’ timelines, and even our community’s economic momentum. That’s why I take my role seriously, not just as a REALTOR®, but as a conduit between Shawnee and Capitol Hill.

Every conversation I have with lawmakers is shaped by the stories I hear from right here in our community. When a young family can’t close on their first home because a government loan program is frozen, or a senior homeowner struggles with repair costs, those examples bring policy to life.

two hands holding up a sign that says, "SPILL THE TEA."Your Voice Matters

While national advocacy is powerful, nothing speaks louder to Congress than real stories from the people they represent. The National Association of REALTORS® is gathering stories from the front lines to show how the federal shutdown is affecting real estate transactions across the country.

If you or someone you know has been caught in the middle of a stalled sale or delayed closing because of a government program pause, such as FHA, VA, or USDA financing, or if you’ve seen flood insurance or appraisal delays throw off a timeline, I want to hear your story.

I’m helping compile these firsthand accounts to share with NAR’s Federal Advocacy Team and the Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee, where they can make a real impact. Your experience could help lawmakers understand the real-world consequences of political gridlock and push them toward solutions.

Let’s connect, virtually or in person, so we can make sure your story is heard where it matters most.

Looking Ahead

Despite the noise, housing remains one of the few truly bipartisan priorities in Congress. That gives me hope, and it’s why I’ll keep showing up, lending our community’s perspective, and pushing for smart policy that protects property rights, supports housing stability, and strengthens homeownership opportunities for all.