Home Appraisal Rules Could Slow Refi Boom
COVID-19 fears among appraisers and homeowners are threatening to partially derail a surge in refinancings in Massachusetts at a time when many residents may be looking for ways to save.
Mass. Mortgage Bankers Blast FHFA: ‘Consumers Are Paying the Price’
The trade group representing Massachusetts’ mortgage industry fired a broadside at one of the top federal housing regulators.
MBA CEO: Calabria Comments on Servicer Liquidity ‘Troubling’
The Mortgage Bankers Association responded to media comments by the Federal Housing Finance Agency director by renewing its call for a liquidity facility to support mortgage servicers during the coronavirus crisis.
Industry: Feds Must Act ‘Quickly’ to Give Mortgage Servicers Liquidity
Facing an unknown but undoubtedly large number of homeowners and commercial mortgage borrowers needing forbearance thanks to the coronavirus-caused economic crisis, the housing industry is asking the federal government for help.
FHFA Offers Mortgage Forbearance to Protect Renters
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer mortgage forbearance to multifamily property owners in an attempt to keep renters in their homes and to support these property owners during the coronavirus national emergency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Monday.
Fannie, Freddie OK Exterior-Only, Desktop Appraisals
Appraisers worried about being exposed to COVID-19 while evaluating a house received some welcome news from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac this morning.
Appraisers Struggle with Safety Concerns Amid Outbreak
Massachusetts’ housing appraisers are concerned inaction by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is leaving them – and homebuyers – vulnerable to the coronavirus.
FHFA Suspends Foreclosures and Evictions for GSE-Backed Mortgages
Homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac won’t have to worry about foreclosures or evictions during the coronavirus crisis.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Online mortgage applications tend to have a higher fallout rate when compared to other omnichannel methods. What are some ways lenders can improve the digital mortgage experience?
Consumer Confidence in Housing in February Was Near All-Time High
A new survey from Fannie Mae has found that, despite the coronavius outbreak in countries around the world, a majority of Americans in February thought it was still a good time to buy a house.
Fannie Mae Reports Positive Outlook from Lenders
Strong consumer demand, particularly among purchase mortgages, continued to buoy lenders’ overall expected profitability, according to Fannie Mae’s Q4 2019 Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey, even as lenders expect refinance demand to soften amid a more stable interest rate environment.
Conforming Loan Limit in Greater Boston Will Hit $690K in 2020
The maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase in 2020.
Mnuchin: Gov’t. Support Still Needed to Keep Mortgage Rates Low
Trump administration officials on Tuesday defended their plan to Congress for ending government control of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, clashing with Democratic senators on whether the change would raise home borrowing costs and neglect lower-income homeowners.
Officials to Defend Plan to End Gov’t. Control of Fannie, Freddie
Trump administration officials are going before Congress to defend their plan for ending government control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Treasury Unveils Plan to Privatize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
The Trump administration has unveiled its plan for ending government control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two giant mortgage finance companies that nearly collapsed in the financial crisis 11 years ago and were bailed out at a total cost to taxpayers of $187 billion.
Competitors Apply Pressure to FHA and VA Loan Origination
While many financial institutions have seen success originating loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Federal Housing Administration, the products face competition and challenges from rising home values and similar products created by other entities.
‘The Nation’s Housing’ Columnist Kenneth Harney Dies at 75
Kenneth R. Harney, the author for four decades of the syndicated real estate column “The Nation’s Housing,” which explored issues faced by homeowners and home buyers, died May 23 at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was 75.
Trump’s GSE Reform Plan Threatens Affordability, Risks New Bailout
The Trump plan is a big wet kiss for Wall Street, which can’t wait to recapitalize the two mortgage giants, but not so much for taxpayers who, whatever promises are made, will surely end up on the hook again someday should things go south.
New Standards Expected to Depress FHA Mortgage Activity Among Small Lenders
New underwriting standards at the Federal Housing Administration fueled by worries over declining loan quality are threatening to restrict access to FHA loans for riskier borrowers across the country. Local lenders say new products from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may have contributed to the situation.
New Financial Tools Offer a Boost to Credit Ratings
Here’s some good news for anyone whose credit scores aren’t quite as high as they’d like them to be: Three new financial tools have come to market – or soon will be available – that could give your scores a shot of adrenaline when you need it most.
