The US Commerce Department reported that nationwide production of new single-family homes rose 4.4 percent in December 2011, a positive outlook as this is the third consecutive increase since April 2010. On a local level, single family home sales in Naples Florida increased 5 percent in 2011 (5,162 contracts) as compared to 2010 (4,896 contracts).The economic uncertainly has many speculating that the Federal Reserve will need to shake things up in order to get the economy moving again. Earlier this month it was announced that the Fed will disclose its members’ forecasts for key federal fund rates.As the Federal Reserve moves swiftly to create clarity in the marketplace and spur on the economy, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is enacting practices that may curb the ability for buyers to purchase homes. a new rule is to be enacted to “reduce the maximum allowable seller concession from its current level to one more in line with industry norms.”The law states that a seller may contribute 6 percent towards the buyer’s closing costs to include prepaid expenses, discount points and other financing items. FHA is looking to reduce seller concessions to 3 or 4 percent of closing costs, thereby placing the burden on the buyer to bring more money to the table.