Economy

The Blackstone-affiliated company recently took out a cash-out refi mortgage for a 17-property portfolio, an opportunity aided by high demand for its R&D facilities for COVID-19 research.

But building permits near an almost 15-year high point to further gains in home construction in the months ahead. The data coincide with still-elevated homebuilder sentiment as the industry works to replenish lean inventory and meet housing demand.

The announcement signals an openness to creating something many GOP lawmakers have long resisted: a federal guarantee of the trillions of dollars of mortgage bonds that Fannie and Freddie issue, a rep for P.A. senator said.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is preparing to retire certain loan underwriting flexibilities after extending them one additional month to April 30.

The government-sponsored enterprise announced Wednesday it will change eligibility criteria for vacation homes and investor properties starting April 1 to fulfill a directive by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

In its final days, the Trump administration imposed limits on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s holdings of mortgages with loan-to-value ratios above 90% and certain other characteristics. Critics say the changes were unnecessary and disproportionately penalize borrowers of color.

Consumers may want to strike while the iron’s hot and apply for loans now, before rates get much higher.

Mortgage rates surged 40 basis points since the start of the year as the economy improved.

The bond issuance out of Fortress' CF Hippolyta master trust will finance 19 newly constructed or planned Amazon distribution and logistics facilities in 15 states.

As one of the few mortgage firms that finances singlewides, AFR’s decision to offer the product will lend momentum to major government-sponsored loan buyers’ efforts to expand their manufactured housing programs.