At a time when lack of affordability is a major issue for prospective homebuyers, eliminating minimum credit score requirements in GSE automated underwriting may sound like a great idea to expand credit access. However, there’s a reason the GSEs had such requirements in place for decades. They acted as an important override against errors in the analytical […]
Easing GSE credit score requirements raises risk concerns Read More »
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Tuesday issued a final rule setting housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for 2026 through 2028, lowering benchmarks from 2025-2027 levels. The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 requires the FHFA to establish several annual housing goals for single-family and multifamily mortgages
FHFA sets 2026-2028 housing goals for GSEs Read More »
Fannie Mae revised its 2026 mortgage expectations marginally upward, with borrower interest in refinances, in particular, more likely to provide opportunities following the more muted activity of the past few years. Processing Content In its December housing outlook, the government-sponsored enterprise increased its forecasted volume for total originations next year to $2.37 trillion after a
Fannie Mae ups mortgage originations outlook Read More »
The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency says its new housing goals will help more middle class families get mortgages after being disadvantaged by Biden-era quotas. Processing Content The government-sponsored enterprises could purchase notably fewer loans in minority Census tracts over the next two years, according to the regulator’s plans unveiled Tuesday. The FHFA however anticipates
FHFA sees middle class lift in axing Biden housing goals Read More »
Three US senators opened an inquiry into insurance ratings firm Demotech and whether its assessments may be exposing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — and ultimately taxpayers — to growing risks tied to climate-driven insurer failures. Processing Content In a letter sent Tuesday to Fannie Mae acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Akwaboah and Freddie Mac CEO Kenny Smith, the
Lawmakers launch probe into key insurance rating firm in Florida Read More »
A former Fannie Mae data scientist manager says the company recently fired him shortly after he requested leave following a house fire. Processing Content William Bowser sued his former employer Sunday for violating labor laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, over his termination last month. The professional is also seeking unspecified back pay
Ex-Fannie Mae data scientist alleges wrongful termination Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have added billions of dollars of mortgage-backed securities and home loans to their balance sheets in recent months, fueling speculation that they’re trying to push down lending rates and boost their profitability ahead of a potential public offering. Processing Content The government-backed housing-finance giants increased their retained portfolios — the
Fannie, Freddie quietly add billions to mortgage-bond portfolios Read More »
Fannie Mae has announced several new policies in its latest Selling Guide update that are aimed at improving liquidity and expanding access to affordable housing. The changes include new eligibility for manufactured homes, expanded options for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and updates to adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) requirements, the government-sponsored enterprise announced on Wednesday. On the
Fannie Mae broadens ADU, manufactured home eligibility Read More »
As policymakers mull a potential stock offering that would distance Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship, speculation about the impact on various parts of the business’ ecosystem has run rife. Wall Street and big financial institutions in general, which have been in consultation with the Trump administration in regard to an offering, stand to
GSE stock move stirs fears of advantage for big banks Read More »
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have curtailed the public release of their economic and housing data, prompting questions about the potential impact to the mortgage market that relies on the data, according to reporting by Inman. Fannie Mae did not release its National Housing Survey in November, marking the first missed publication in more than 15 years. Its
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac limit public housing data releases Read More »