But the stratagem comes with costs. According to FHFA estimates, Fannie and Freddie will face between $1.1 billion and $1.7 billion in additional charges due to the extension. That’s on top of the estimated $6 billion the two have already incurred.
Ginnie Mae single-family MBS issuance fell slightly from October but remained at near record levels. All told, the three agencies pumped out nearly $355 billion last month, a 5% gain from October.
MBA's Mike Fratantoni: “For the second week in a row, the share of loans in forbearance has increased, driven by a rise in new forbearance requests..."
The trade groups argue that the GSEs are key providers of liquidity to the housing market, especially in these troubled times and any mistakes will damage the nation’s mortgage finance system.
Michael Bright: “SFA reiterates our support for the ultimate goal of releasing the GSEs from conservatorship and to increase the role of private capital in our nation’s housing finance system in a responsible manner"...