Which federal agency supervises programs providing insured mortgages and housing subsidies?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plays a crucial role in supervising programs that provide insured mortgages and housing subsidies. Established to support the development of urban areas and address housing issues, HUD's main functions include administering various federal housing programs, which ensure affordable housing and promote homeownership.

One of the most significant programs managed by HUD is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which insures mortgages to encourage lenders to offer loans to borrowers who may not qualify under traditional standards. HUD also oversees the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides housing assistance for low-income families, among other initiatives aimed at promoting fair and affordable housing access.

Understanding HUD's functions helps clarify the broader context of federal involvement in housing and real estate markets, particularly in how it impacts property management practices on a local level. The other options do not focus on housing programs or mortgage insurance; for example, the Department of Justice primarily deals with legal enforcement and public safety, while the Department of Agriculture focuses mainly on agricultural and rural development issues, and the Department of Energy is concerned with energy policies and regulations.