Appraisals Fail Many Sellers
The real estate community has long complained about appraisals that lagged the market, but the report from the FHFA documents that their gripes are valid: Undervaluations spiked to 15 percent in 2021.
FHFA’s Federal Rent Control Proposal Would Be a Disaster
In its attempt to address the dire housing crisis, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is considering a policy that would surely make it worse and reduce the use of federal housing dollars.
The Loan Pricing Fracas, Explained
Everyone from members of Congress to federal housing officials to industry leaders to ordinary Realtors and mortgage brokers see different sides of the story.
FHFA Nixes Controversial DTI Fees
After industry opposition to a fee that would have levied an upfront fee on borrowers with debt-to-income ratios greater than 40 percent, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced it’s dropping the plan.
FHFA Head: ‘Misconceptions’ Rife About Mortgage Pricing Changes
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson is pushing back against claims recent changes to how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages are priced will lead to buyers with better credit paying more than buyers with worse credit.
Mortgage Lenders Welcome Loan Limit Increases
While surging inflation and mortgage rates stymied the residential mortgage market this year, the industry has greeted the recent increase to next year’s conforming loan limits with optimism.
Greater Boston Conforming Loan Limit Raised to $828K
The maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase by 12 percent in 2023, with the limit for two Massachusetts counties exceeding $1 million.
FHFA Moves to Help Beleaguered Buyers
Two moves announced by Federal Housing Finance Agency officials Monday could give a boost to first-time buyers, minority buyers and others with less resources who’ve been unceremoniously shoved out of the housing market by rising prices and interest rates this year.
Feds Target Bias in Home Appraisals
The real estate appraisal industry could be in for some significant changes as the Biden administration looks to make good on a campaign pledge to root out racial discrimination in the housing industry.
FHFA Increases Fees on High Balance, Second Home Loans
Some high balance loans and mortgages on second homes sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac could soon face higher upfront fees.
Thompson Nominated to Permanently Lead FHFA
After holding the job as acting director since June, Sandra L. Thompson has been nominated to become the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s permanent director.
Greater Boston Conforming Loan Limit Raised to $770K
The maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase by 18 percent in 2022, with the limit for two Massachusetts counties approaching $1 million.
FHFA Makes Desktop Appraisals Permanent
The desktop appraisal process that was temporarily implemented at the start of the pandemic will become permanent, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said yesterday.
FHFA Wants Input on Fannie, Freddie Equity Plans
Federal housing regulators want input from industry and community groups on how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will measure their own efforts to reduce racial inequality in the mortgage market.
FHFA Seeks to Up GSE Minority Homebuying Targets
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has proposed new housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that would increase the share of mortgages purchased by the government-sponsored enterprises in minority and low-income neighborhoods.
Fannie Mae to Add Rental Payment History to Lending Platform
Mortgage lenders using Fannie Mae’s systems will soon be able to consider rental payment history when deciding whether to approve a loan, a change that could help increase Black homeownership.
New Regulator Signals Biden’s Emphasis on Housing Equality
Biden’s nominations for top roles at the CFPB and FHFA reflects President Joe Biden’s continuing effort to appoint diverse financial regulators with an eye toward firmer regulation and a commitment to economic equity and increased access.
FHFA Nixes Adverse Market Fee
The Federal Housing Finance Agency is offering a weekend present to loan originators looking for refinance business and homeowners looking to refinance this summer by announcing the end to its Adverse Market Fee.
FHFA Prohibits Most Foreclosures Before CFPB Rules Take Effect
Despite a one-month gap between the end of the foreclosure moratorium and the start of new regulations to protect homeowners, mortgage servicers will not be able to begin foreclosure proceedings this year for most borrowers with loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said in a statement Tuesday.
Supreme Court: FHFA Structure Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the structure of the agency that oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac violates separation of powers principles in the Constitution.
