Appraisal waiver programs that rely on automated valuation models will be expanded next year to allow participation by homebuyers putting less than 20 percent down.
Category: fannie mae
Trump, Harris housing policies emerging from the rhetoric
Housing policy has gotten short shrift in the debates, with a tight focus on immigration and inflation. But the candidates’ platforms — and Project 2025 — provide more details.
Trump allies formulating plans to privatize Fannie and Freddie
A new “Wall Street Journal” report reveals that talks about privatization have been taking place since the spring and have included Trump confidants Larry Kudlow and John McEntee.
Mortgage lenders gearing up to use more inclusive credit scoring
Release of historical credit scores on tens of millions of loans will help lenders prepare for transition to VantageScore 4.0 next year. Release of FICO Score 10 T data next on deck.
BofA analysts cast doubts on prospects for 2025 sales rebound
“The U.S. housing market is stuck, and we are not convinced it will become unstuck anytime soon,” economists at Bank of America Global Research say of ongoing affordability issues.
Rates ease as inflation gauge moves in the right direction
Mortgage rates have some room to come back down in June after PCE price index shows annual inflation easing to 2.65 percent in April, and Q1 2024 GDP growth revised downward to 1.3 percent.
Consumer housing sentiment drops for first time since November
Fading hopes that mortgage rates will come down in the next 12 months are primary drag on Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index, but job and income concerns were also up in March.
Strength in home prices helped boost Fannie, Freddie 2023 profits
With a combined net worth of $125 billion after earnings this week, the mortgage giants remain on a path that could lead to eventual release from government conservatorship if political winds shift.
New credit scores from FICO, VantageScore gaining traction
Lenders won’t be required to use the more inclusive FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0 scoring models before next year, but several are already using them to expand the pool of borrowers.
Mortgage giants offering very low income homebuyers a spring break
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering a $2,500 credit that borrowers can put toward their down payment, closing costs, escrow or mortgage insurance premiums.