HERA allows exceptions for the maximum conforming loan limits for “high cost areas.”

Arch Chief Economist DeFranco says despite lower sales, it’s still a seller’s market in most cities…

Making sure the MBS issued by the two GSEs perform identically, within narrow limits, is key to convincing traders…

A huge chunk of the fall-off in Fannie/Freddie MBS holdings occurred at Wells Fargo, which reduced its investment in these securities by $7.31 billion.

The implication is that banks – which seems to have excess capacity on their balance sheets – could simply hold conventional loans in portfolio…

Cowen believes Mnuchin will survive the turbulence but notes the situation still poses a risk to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the big banks…

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced plans for uniform servicing data standards in 2012 but stopped the project the following year due to concerns from servicers already dealing with elevated delinquencies.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say they support the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s proposal to include a leverage ratio on their future capital requirements.

Moelis & Co. last week released an updated version of its “Blueprint for Restoring Safety and Soundness to the GSEs” that calls for recapitalizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac immediately.

Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s loan-loss reserves could be substantially impacted by a new accounting standard that requires companies to immediately book potential losses.