Here's how the federal government shutdown affects homebuyers

The federal government shutdown is expected to slow the mortgage process for homebuyers and could stall sales.

“There are some impacts. A lot of it will be delays but there will be some disappointments along the way,” said Jim Wood , a research analyst at the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute .

That includes, he said, home shoppers deciding to step back amid the ongoing standoff between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over funding the federal government that resulted in the government running out of money to operate.

It comes down to the perception of potential buyers, Wood said, adding he believes some might postpone making a deal until they see how the shutdown plays out because they “just are a little bit more reluctant.”

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