UI researchers explore whether the GSEs, by accepting new loan products, can help alleviate the lock-in effect and improve affordability for homebuyers.

Rural lawmakers protest GSE guidelines that require borrowers to have replacement cost value homeowners insurance if their mortgage is purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Refis totaled $22.84 billion in October, the highest volume since June 2022 and 31.7% of all GSE deliveries for the month. (Includes two data tables.)

The changes impact mortgages on manufactured homes, the treatment of rental income, undisclosed liabilities and single-closing construction-to-permanent loans.

According to an analysis by a former FHFA economist, GSE market share ranges from 14.5% in Eagle Pass, TX, to 67.0% in Boulder, CO. Except for Puerto Rico, these disparities are widest in the South and Southwest.

While market share of small- and mid-sized nonbank lenders grew, there was some leakage at the large nonbank lenders. Large mortgage companies’ market share fell sequentially to 53.8% from 56.1%. (Includes two data tables.)

Fannie modifies how it treats income from ADUs; Freddie requires large servicers to undergo annual AICPA security examinations.

Freddie board member jumps to Fannie board; a week of CAS and STACR tender offers; and seller/servicer guidance for the shutdown.

Regulatory approval of the merged company creates the second-largest GSE seller and by far the largest GSE servicer.

Critics claim the volatility of cryptocurrency valuations and exposure to fraud would undermine the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.