FHFA

Home retention actions for loans owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac declined in the fourth quarter and that trend is likely to continue given the strong economy.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency in recent years has required Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to contribute to the funds every March, but has yet to make a 2019 request. Housing groups see the delay as a troubling sign.

With a second defendant pleading guilty to conspiracy, it was learned that a Watertown, N.Y., apartment complex is among dozens of rental properties in that state and several others that allegedly received $500 million in fraudulent bank loans.

Starting March 26, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo will hold two days of hearings on his plan for returning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to private ownership.

David Brickman will take the helm of the mortgage giant at a time of transformation in the mortgage market and housing finance policy.

Mark Calabria has notably criticized the government’s role in housing, but some groups have taken him at his word when he told senators that he supported affordable housing initiatives.

A report from the Government Accountability Office found that while the Federal Home Loan banks have taken steps to improve diversity among boards of directors, members are still largely male and nonminorities.

As debate over the future of the mortgage finance system heats up, policymakers must ensure that small banks and credit unions maintain equitable access to the secondary market.

American Banker and National Mortgage News are offering an exclusive discussion of how policymakers may revamp Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and what that will mean for mortgage lenders of all sizes.

Mark Calabria, who could be confirmed as early as this month, is expected to focus on changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s conservatorships to let the mortgage giants keep more of their profits.