Fannie Mae

Mortgage rates crept up this week, nearly reaching the 3% mark as lenders raised prices because of a new fee, although purchase activity remained solid, according to Freddie Mac.

Fannie Mae's new chief administrative officer position focuses on diversity, inclusion and affordable housing.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance decreased for the ninth consecutive week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

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.