Some see Freddie Mac’s proposal to acquire second liens as a way to boost originations of the products. Others suggest that GSE involvement in the sector will have minimal impact as demand from borrowers appears to be limited.

A proposal from the Urban Institute calls for a revamp of the refi process to make it more equitable for lower-income borrowers and borrowers of color.

The guidelines lay out the process lenders must develop for borrowers to request an appraisal reassessment when they believe a valuation was inaccurate or biased.

Changes in loan characteristics for new acquisitions and new capital requirements combined to reduce the “profitability gap” for GSE business in 2022.

Even though the mortgage market continued to struggle, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac generated healthy profits in the first quarter of 2023 thanks to their business models.

Lenders argue that dramatic price hikes by FICO have inflated their credit score costs by as much as 500% since 2022.

The current loss-mitigation waterfall has dramatically reduced foreclosure liquidations, suggesting lenders could make more loans to riskier borrowers without increasing expected losses.

As Fannie Mae’s CEO approaches the first anniversary of her tenure, she talks about climate change, affordable housing and the homeownership gap.

Lenders say any information sharing should respect the confidentiality of nonbanks and their customers.

Critics argue the new second mortgage program is another attempt by Freddie Mac to expand its footprint. But GSE insiders say it’s already allowed under its charter.