The president’s plan to maintain the implicit guarantee of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MBS still leaves unanswered many questions that skeptics say are critical to the GSEs’ safe and sound exit from conservatorship.

Interest rates on mortgages are elevated, suppressing demand. Short periods of declines in interest rates have prompted surges in loan applications. The question remains: When will interest rates do down?

FHFA Director Bill Pulte plans to announce actions that will address the costs associated with credit scores. Mortgage trade groups are providing feedback, hoping to shape the effort.

The effort will start with new multifamily mortgages and could be expanded to single-family mortgages and to Freddie Mac.

The bank wants to be a force in warehouse finance. Last fall it hired industry veteran Donnie Martin to oversee the effort. The bank plans to finance nonbank mortgage companies by mid-summer.

Ongoing affordability issues and volatility in the financial markets combined to suppress purchase-mortgage lending in the first quarter. Meanwhile, refi volume was up nearly 50% from a year ago. (Includes four data tables.)

FHFA Director Bill Pulte sees himself as an advocate for the housing market. He said FHFA is working to increase the number of homes for sale. Details were scant on the effort and on potential GSE shifts.

MBA is largely happy with changes made so far by the Trump administration. Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the MBA, said the administration is creating certainty, clarity and stability for mortgage companies.

VA partial claims bill passes in House; nominee for FHA commissioner expected to have industry experience; Pulte touts big find at Fannie.

In the current interest rate environment, homebuilders seem to favor offering mortgage buydowns rather than reducing prices. Officials at mortgage companies fear the buydown activity is inflating home prices.