FHA on Track for Busiest Year as it Backs 23 Percent of Mortgages

Almost a year after the federal government launched its rescue of the housing market, nearly one in four new mortgages is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Eighty percent of the FHA mortgages for purchasing homes went to first-time buyers drawn to the FHA's low-down payment requirements.

Have you seen a surge in FHA loans?  I personally have seen more USDA loans in the past 6 months as I have for the past 5 years.  The draw for 1st time buyers is no money down and taking advantage of the 1st time home buyer tax credit.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-09-01-fha-new-mortgages_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip