Over the last couple of weeks, the Federal Reserve has slowly tapered its MBS purchases. But even with healthy MBS prices, mortgage rates remain higher than formula dictates.

An FHFA spokesperson said that, while Director Mark Calabria hasn’t issued a specific directive on providing credit, he has made it very clear that Fannie and Freddie must prioritize their own safety and soundness.

Analysts estimate that GSE forbearance programs will ultimately cost servicers between $80 billion and $150 billion in advances and escrow payments, bolstering the theory that only the Federal Reserve has the wherewithal to provide interim financing.

Former Freddie Mae CEO Don Layton suggests short- and long-term solutions for the liquidity problems faced by nonbank mortgage servicers.

If the coronavirus crisis goes on for more than six to eight weeks, FHFA Director Mark Calabria sees mortgage servicers under “a lot of stress.”

The GSEs have extended their forbearance programs to include multifamily borrowers and renters experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.

Borrowers are entitled to forbearance if unable to make their monthly mortgage payment due to the virus, the FHFA has reminded servicers.

Freddie promotes Donna Corley as EVP of single-family business.

The liquid assets required of nonbank seller/servicers will rise from 3.5 basis points to 4.0 bps for the unpaid principal balance of their enterprise servicing.

Most of the decline in bank GSE servicing was recorded at Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America. Big nonbank gainers included NewRez, Quick-en, Matrix Financial and PennyMac. (Includes two data charts.)