Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac saw a noticeable decline in HARP activity during the final months of 2012, according to a new Inside MBS & ABS analysis.

A large and potentially lucrative RFP issued several months ago by FHFA regarding its strategic plan for taking the GSEs to the next stage in their evolution has yet to be awarded.

Underwater homeowners who have remained current on their payments will be able to relinquish their houses and cancel their debt under the terms of a new GSE policy change to take effect in March.

The CFPB soon will offer a hotline for lenders to call with questions about the ability-to-repay and “qualified mortgage” rules.

The recent court ruling which called into question the legitimacy of certain recess appointments – including that of CFPB director Richard Cordray – also means the agency may not have any regulatory oversight over nonbanks.

It appears the “ability-to-repay” rule is good news for mortgage servicers.

Residential production increased modestly during the fourth quarter of 2012, according to a new Inside Mortgage Finance ranking and analysis.

An Obama administration official stressed that the White House is working to craft a comprehensive plan for housing finance reform but wants input from industry participants.tasked with crafting a plan to reform the government-sponsored enterprises provided a strong response yesterday to criticism of the White House’s lack of progress on GSE reform.

Fannie Mae appears to be getter faster in approving seller/servicer approvals.

FHA chief warns against false advertising.