FHFA

The Federal Housing Administration, the agency that oversees government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the VA extended additional relief to those living in single-family rental, real-estate owned properties.

Two large government-sponsored enterprises added a notification period for tenants in collateral properties on Wednesday while a trade group and public agencies stepped up efforts to connect renters with aid.

Ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan banks is the core responsibility of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. That shouldn't change now that the president has the authority to fire the FHFA's director at will.

The adverse market fee change could contribute to an increase in refinance volume, adds Mortgage Bankers Association economist Mike Fratantoni.

The agency’s new chief said eliminating the “adverse market fee” — in place since December — will make it easier for families to refinance while mortgage rates are still low.

“One” is the first in a series of non-agency mortgages the wholesaler plans to introduce this year.

The return of more normalized numbers for two key players in the home loan market could be the lead-up to a wave that’s been anticipated since the coronavirus arrived.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently became the third agency along with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau without a Senate-confirmed leader. But analysts say the appointment of interim chiefs gives the administration even more control over regulatory initiatives.

The White House's firing of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria sparked immediate speculation about who will run the agency and help chart the future of the two mortgage giants. Potential nominees include ex-Obama administration officials, congressional staffers and members of the Biden transition team.

It is only a modest positive for new publicly-traded mortgage companies if acting Federal Housing Finance Agency head Sandra Thompson rolled back the caps put in place by the agreement with the Treasury.