The agency moved to limit the volume of mortgages with buydowns flowing into its MBS program. The restrictions apply only to temporary buydowns, which are less concerning to investors than mortgages with a permanent buydown.

With specified pools accounting for half of GSE single-family MBS issued in the first quarter, the most popular option was MBS with high social-mission scores. (Includes data table.)

While the bureau seems to be stepping away from an enforcement focus within the ABS market, industry attorneys note that a Third Circuit decision is still binding.

Redwood Trust is seeing a surge in sales of seasoned mortgages by banks.

Fitch Ratings analysts seek feedback on a framework for interpolating climate change risk into bond ratings.

In a shift, losses on home improvement ABS are outpacing losses on solar ABS.

Prices for mortgage servicing rights remain strong as the supply of servicing for sale is declining and investors are hungry for more. MSRs tied to both low interest rates and high interest rates are being met with sustained demand.

The FHFA director suggested the decision on whether to release Fannie and Freddie from conservatorship depends mostly on President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

United Wholesale Mortgage plans to continue to grow organically, making investments in technology. The nonbank took a large loss in the first quarter as values of mortgage servicing rights declined.

The budget for 2026 proposes cuts to HUD, and handing over responsibility for affordable housing and rental assistance programs to states.