FHA clarifies deadlines for legal matters related to COVID-19 forbearance; FHA updates on Catalyst transition; Rural Housing Service hikes appraisal fee.

Ginnie Mae’s cash holdings increased in fiscal year 2021, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. The agency, which is largely operated by contractors, said it has adequate capital to withstand a downturn in the housing market.

Mortgage industry stakeholders want FHA to re-examine proposed updates to the servicing defects taxonomy. They want the taxonomy to include concrete examples of the types of errors that rise to the level of defect.

In its fiscal 2021 annual report, Ginnie Mae updated investors on moving its staff to work from home during the pandemic and how it can mitigate future risks through its environmental, social and governance efforts.

A common pleas court has ruled that Ohio’s Servicemembers Civil Relief Act does not protect active servicemembers from home loan interest rates above 6%, according to attorneys representing the defendant.

Through its Loan Guaranty Service, the Veterans Benefits Administration is making fiscal 2022 funding grants available to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for adapted housing.

Ginnie announces 18-month transition for single-family home and manufactured housing program issuers to its new single-family pool delivery module; Ginnie streamlines documentation requirements for servicers helping borrowers through advanced loan modifications.

Julia Gordon, President Biden’s nominee for FHA commissioner, received a tie vote this week in the Senate Banking Committee. She was renominated for the position earlier this month.

The House last week passed the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act, which would raise fees for VA home loans to help fund expanded educational assistance for servicemembers.

Steven Abrahams of Amherst Pierpont Securities believes FHA might use surplus MMI funds to subsidize first-time homebuyers and other traditionally underserved communities.