Sharp staff cuts at FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae could lead to major problems for mortgage lenders and borrowers, according to analysts. But for now it appears to be business as usual for originations and servicing.

Delinquencies on FHA mortgages are rising much more quickly than delinquencies on conventional mortgages, though large FHA servicers don’t appear to be too concerned. Meanwhile, VA foreclosures resumed in January after a moratorium ended.

The requirements for new construction were established in a final rule issued in April 2024. The temporary waiver was prompted by executive orders from President Trump.

The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate VA mortgage declined from 6.417% on Feb. 20 to 6.094% on Feb. 28.

The correspondent lender has removed certain overlays on streamlined refinance programs at FHA and VA. Newrez, meanwhile, added some overlays.

According to researchers at the Urban Institute, refi programs at FHA and VA are detrimental to both borrowers and investors.

FHA extends foreclosure moratorium tied to LA wildfires; HUD rescinds Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule; CSBS seeks Ginnie servicing reforms; RHS delays servicing changes; Rate offers complimentary, temporary insurance for first responders; bill in Senate would speed mortgage processing at Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The FHA wasn’t spared from the Trump administration’s workforce reduction plan. Some industry observers fear the layoffs will slow underwriting times and delay closings.

Some $202.78 billion of loans were removed from Ginnie Mae MBS last year, with about 88% of them representing borrower payoffs. (Includes two data tables.)

Attorneys at the Bradley law firm suggested lender/servicers update their policies and procedures, such as internal audit and quality control, to preempt potential origination or servicing defects.