Since 2016, when the duty-to-serve rule compelled the GSEs to make it easier to buy homes in rural census tracts, home prices have remained mostly stable and rents have declined.

Servicers will now have some leeway in how they execute flex loan modifications.

The move will increase the size of eligible loans and the number of units allowed, but stiffer qualification requirements may alienate smaller landlords.

Trump budget ignores GSE reform; Morningstar DBRS affirms AAA ratings on GSEs; Vice Capital an early adopter of new low loan balance payment categories; Fannie to simplify income eligibility calculations for some LLPA waivers.

Experts at the bond giant criticized the random MBS purchases, GSE public offering plans and guarantee-fee reductions.

Officials at Fannie and Freddie say mortgage fraud remains rare but is growing more sophisticated.

The GSEs have yet to change their guidelines related to borrowers’ holdings of cryptocurrency.

Fannie recently overhauled its quality control requirements, while Freddie made minor changes to underwriting rules.

Conservative critics of the housing-finance system say preserving the status quo is more likely than a release from conservatorship or a government monopoly.

Don Layton said the recent executive order promoting better access to mortgage credit should be the stepping off point for a revamping of the GSEs’ overly conservative capital requirements.