But the rule change that has generated the most confusion is one that limits acquisitions of loans secured by investment properties or second homes. One bugaboo: the start date.

As a result, the four board members appointed by Fannie and Freddie are now outnumbered by the five named by the FHFA.

The record $114.44 billion total for Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie represented a 33.7% gain from the third quarter.

In the first quarter, 52% of lenders said they believe their margins will decrease...

Fannie was quick to point out that borrowers harmed by the pandemic receive temporary payment forbearance, which is different from principal forbearance.

According to FHFA’s own performance and accountability reports, the number of employees at the agency grew from 609 in 2019 to 635 in 2020. More tellingly, FHFA has budgeted for an additional 113 employees in 2021.

Treasury, which administers the capital magnet fund, uses the money to provide competitive grants to community development financial institutions and nonprofit housing organizations.

The amended preferred stock purchase agreement between the FHFA and Treasury includes limitations on acquisitions of mortgages for investment properties, second homes and products with “high risk” characteristics...

New clarifications in Fannie's selling guide may cause some second homes and investment properties to be miscategorized as short-term rentals.

The industry veteran joins a growing list of highly regarded members of GSE leadership who have recently decamped for greener pastures in private enterprise.