The Trump administration and Republican leadership in both houses of Congress will likely lead to the reversal of many Biden-era fair lending and equitable finance rules and guidelines, but affordable housing is still a bipartisan issue.
FHFA and CFPB insiders expect the new administration to make quick changes in agency leadership, a process made easier by Republicans gaining control of the Senate.
The FHFA announced an expansion of Freddie Mac’s pilot program that uses a fee-based structure as an alternative to repurchases of defective but performing loans.
Purchase mortgages and refis increased across the board in the agency MBS market in the third quarter, with the strongest growth seen in refis that carried primary mortgage insurance. (Includes three data tables.)
Deputy Secretary of Treasury Wally Adeyemo hinted that the government might reduce its support of the FHLBanks if they don’t put more funds toward affordable housing.
It’s possible that some large lenders are offering 2025 conforming loan limits that are higher than where FHFA will set the limits. If that’s the case, there could be complications but no major concerns.