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.
The new Uniform Appraisal Dataset dramatically improves the ability of appraisers to communicate details about a property’s location and views, along with how they impact its valuation.
Analysts are increasingly skeptical that the Trump administration will follow through on plans to recapitalize and release the GSEs. Some seek broader reform.
Although neither housing EO released last week by President Trump mentions them by name, it’s clear Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have a hand in implementing the proposed policy changes.
FHFA greenlights the use of actual cash value insurance to cover the roofs of condos; all other elements of the project will still require replacement value policies, though.
An OIG audit of legal services payments at FHFA found that the agency spent $15.6 million on outside counsel over the 12 months ending March 2025. FHFA will follow recommendations from the OIG to improve practices involving legal services.
Plaintiffs in Fairholme Funds v. FHFA, a landmark case in which a jury awarded GSE shareholders $612 million for damages resulting from the net worth sweep, seek more restitution on appeal.