The government shutdown is affecting home buyers in several different ways:
-Some lenders require IRS tax return transcripts as part of their processing, and these can't be obtained. Be sure to ask your lender if this is going to be a problem, and if it could delay your closing.
-Social security number verification cannot be obtained.
-Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, mortgage interest rates could decline further. See the 3 month chart below.
