Fannie Mae

Both refinancings and purchases will be stronger than what Fannie Mae had previously forecast.

Interest rates jumped from a new record low, while Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were widely panned for imposing a refinance fee.

The FHFA director’s move this week to impose an “adverse market fee” of 0.5% on most refinanced mortgages will shift billions out of the hands of American consumers and into the hands of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — and their private shareholders.

The new “adverse market fee” for refinanced mortgages resembles steps the companies took to combat the 2008 mortgage crisis. But critics charge it isn’t necessary and will hurt borrowers’ ability to tap into low rates.

A survey conducted throughout the second quarter found knowledge gaps based on race and income.

In a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Mortgage Bankers Association recommended adding six more months to the latest GSE patch proposal.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance was down for the eighth consecutive week, as the growth rate fell 23 basis points between July 27 and August 2, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Earnings reports out this week beat pessimistic expectations, but strained coronavirus relief negotiations in Congress cloud the outlook for what's ahead.

With infections resurging, consumer confidence in the housing market hit a snag in July, but sellers are feeling better about their prospects, according to Fannie Mae.

The agency said property owners can enter into new or modified forbearance plans if they have a hardship due to the coronavirus, but the landlords must agree not to kick out renters solely for nonpayment of rent.

For years, there has been an expectation that markets and governments would figure out how to provide enough incentives for homeowners to make energy efficiency upgrades and environmental improvements. It hasn't happened yet.

Rates are forecasted to remain at the current low levels for the rest of 2020, driving steady refinance volume.

The mortgage servicing rights package going up for bid adds to signs that the market for large offerings is becoming more active.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance fell for the seventh straight week, but the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts the rate will increase if the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise.

The mortgage giants will have to meet benchmarks for covering cash flow needs during stressed periods. The FHFA views the requirements as a prerequisite to the companies exiting conservatorship.

The government-sponsored enterprise reported net earnings of $2.55 billion, up from $461 million in the first quarter.

The key word is "temporary" with the FHA's quality control waiver expiring and not likely to be renewed.

After receiving a third-party stamp of approval, Fannie Mae announced July 27 completing the latest two issuances of a single-family green mortgage backed security as part of an ongoing program that started in April and expands its long-time multi-family green MBS program.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance dropped for the sixth consecutive week, as the growth rate fell 6 basis points between July 13 and July 19, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed heavy price adjustments for loans that were granted relief under the pandemic relief law enacted in March.