Appraisers frequently use free-form text fields in their valuation reports to describe neighborhoods in ways that appear to violate fair lending regulations.

Only 16 examiners have completed the agency’s examiner commissioning program since it was founded in 2013.

The agency believes enforcing fair housing laws is central to its role as regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Under a proposed rule, Fannie and Freddie will have to describe their sources of capital over a five-year planning horizon.

In 2022, the GSEs will be able to purchase loans nearing $1 million, cutting into what has typically been the non-agency jumbo market.

SASB creates industry-specific standards that provide investors comparable data on companies’ ESG-related activities.

While Fannie and Freddie look to be reclaiming lost investor-property loan business, seller execution tactics haven’t changed much in recent months. Volume fell 14% from October. (Includes two data charts.)

Critics argue that the mechanical method for determining the loan limits distorts the market and makes it harder for the GSEs to meet their affordable housing goals.

Plaintiffs in Collins v. Yellen promptly informed the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals of the former president’s recent letter to Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, possibly forestalling a decision by the court.

Sandra Thompson, the acting FHFA director, said Fannie and Freddie have responsibilities beyond the narrow affordable housing goals to ensure access to credit for borrowers in all parts of the country.