Congress recently held hearings regarding the financial status of the FHA lending program. Now the most popular program in the nation, this lending program is essential for the health of the housing market because of the easier qualification standards that include a 3.5% down payment for purchasers. Some in Congress want to raise that requirement to 5.0% as well as increasing the costs of FHA mortgage insurance. Many believe that this may be the last chance to purchase a home with less than 5.0% down using this program. With the tax credit being extended, it is expected that 40 percent or more of first time buyers will be using this program to purchase homes in the next few months. Dave Hershman is the top author and a top speaker in the mortgage industry with seven books authored including two texts published by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.