The closure of nonessential businesses to contain the spread of the coronavirus has affected mortgage loan closings in counties where recording offices have shuttered.

The industry has once again written to Congress requesting that guarantee fees be used only as originally intended: as a critical risk management tool to protect against potential mortgage credit losses.

In a plan that began at least as far back as 2016, the FHLBanks actively considered buying one of the government-sponsored enterprises. Even senior staff at Treasury and FHFA were involved.

Asked what levels of capital would be necessary in order to release Fannie and Freddie from conservatorships, Treasury and FHFA said it is “premature” to comment on specific levels.

A bill was introduced in the House to allow VA financing for cooperative housing.

Mortgage service providers are seeking a clarification from the Federal Communications Commission on the definition of an “automatic telephone dialing system” in light of differing court interpretations.

Just like previous budgets proposed by President Trump, the 2021 version stands little chance of getting passed by Congress. But it does provide a win-dow into the administration’s priorities.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Congress to stop hiking VA loan-guarantee fees to offset costs of non-housing VA programs.

Mortgage lenders will now have to secure express consent from borrowers before using or sharing their tax return information.

Some trade groups urged the Supreme Court to pursue a narrow remedy if the CFPB’s structure is found unconstitutional, in order to prevent market disruption.