Closings Go High and Low
Title companies are pulling out all the stops to get deals closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they say the best way to close – not just during the outbreak, but moving forward – is electronically.
Fannie Mae: We’ll Buy Mortgages in Forbearance
Amid concerns new homeowners might suddenly find themselves in dire financial straits as the coronavirus-caused economic disruption rolls on, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they are changing policy and will buy mortgages in forbearance.
Fannie Doesn’t Shift on Appraiser Rules for Refis
New guidance from federal bank regulators and Fannie Mae includes no changes on a key issue bedeviling the state’s real estate appraisers and mortgage lenders.
Trump Looks to Hike G-Fees
Do you know anything about G-fees? You should, because if the White House has its way, homebuyers could soon be paying a few thousand more Gs for financing.
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.
30-Year Mortgage Rate Drops to Record Low
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has reached its lowest level since Freddie Mac began tracking rates back to 1971.
Ludlow Couple Sentenced for Defrauding Freddie Mac
A Ludlow couple was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a bid-rigging and kickback scheme that defrauded Freddie Mac.
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.
Newly Retired Freddie Mac CEO to Become Senior Fellow at Harvard
The recently retired CEO of Freddie Mac is headed back to his alma mater for the next step in his career.
