FHA and the government-sponsored enterprises could do more to expand consumer access to mortgage credit if they collaborate, according to the Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center.

Investing mortgagees, companies that can buy FHA loans but can’t originate them, would face somewhat tougher standards under the proposed changes.

The proposed rule would expand the methods of communication servicers can use to reach borrowers in default in order to comply with HUD’s face-to-face meeting requirements.

The Urban Institute wants Fannie and Freddie to view FHA as a partner and share their data and underwriting models to assist in FHA’s mission.

Delinquencies were largely up across the board in the agency MBS market in the second quarter. Only 120-plus-day delinquencies declined compared to the end of March. (Includes data chart.)

The Community Home Lenders of America is pushing for Congress to create a cash window for deliveries to Ginnie Mae. Former Ginnie President Ted Tozer noted the agency’s charter doesn’t allow it to operate a cash window.

During the annual conference of the National Fair Housing Alliance this week, stakeholders outlined appraisal reform efforts.

Federal regulators are expected to propose new capital requirements for big banks; DOJ and FTC propose new guidance on mergers.

After falling below $100 billion in each of the previous two periods, Ginnie Mae issuance turned a corner in the second quarter. But volume is still far off the numbers for most of the past four years. (Includes four data charts.)

The proposed program could be improved by simplifying communications with borrowers and making changes that expand the number of borrowers who can be helped, industry and consumer groups said.