Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been charged with exploring options to update their current FICO credit scoring model and make a decision this year as to whether to make the switch in 2019.
The agency – which still doesn’t have a permanent president – issued $443.2 billion of MBS backed by forward single-family mortgages in 2017, a 10.8 percent decline from the previous year.
Non-agency MBS issuance had its best quarter of 2017 during the final three months of the year, boosting annual production 30.2 percent higher than in 2016, according to a new ranking and analysis by Inside MBS & ABS.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Ginnie Mae are ramping up efforts in 2018 to curb serial refinancing, including long-term solutions, increased portfolio monitoring and protection for veterans against predatory lending practices.
Angel Oak Capital Advisors saw stronger than expected demand from investors for a fund that focuses on non-qualified mortgages. AOCA announced last week that the private fund closed to new investors after raising $291 million, exceeding the initial goal of $250 million.
Ginnie Mae is redefining the term “defective mortgage” to remind issuers of their obligations when confronted by a home loan that does not have federal insurance or a guarantee. The action also clarifies options issuers may consider in dealing with defective mortgages.