A new net tangible benefit test for ensuring that a VA borrower benefits from a refinancing appears to be the obvious solution to the VA’s churning problem, according to analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). Modeled after the FHA net tangible benefit test, the test seems to be a “foregone conclusion” for VA, analysts said. A Ginnie Mae/VA task force is currently working to resolve the problem, which is causing rapid prepayments in Ginnie mortgage-backed securities and raising serious doubts as to whether aggressive refinancing truly benefits veterans and servicemembers. “There is a critical need to ensure that veteran borrowers are not harmed by repeated refinancings through VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan program,” said Mortgage Bankers Association President/CEO David Stevens during a recent appearance before the House Financial Services Committee. IRRRLs, also referred to ...
According to Wallison: “There is nothing about the way the government has managed the housing finance system for the last 50 years that would remotely recommend a continuing government role.”
Tuesday’s panel discussion has been dubbed the “think tank” hearing because it includes representatives from the Urban Institute, the Milken Institute and American Enterprise Institute…
New issuance of agency single-family MBS in October was almost even with the previous month, but there was a sharp swing of market share between the two government-sponsored enterprises, according to a new Inside MBS & ABS ranking and analysis. Total new MBS issuance by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae came to $113.99 billion last month, a modest 0.5 percent decline from September. But while Fannie production slumped 11.5 percent, Freddie ... [Includes two data charts]
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