FHFA’s bid to reduce the GSEs’ low- and very-low-income benchmarks was praised by some lender groups, but disparaged by affordable housing advocates.

The changes impact mortgages on manufactured homes, the treatment of rental income, undisclosed liabilities and single-closing construction-to-permanent loans.

According to an analysis by a former FHFA economist, GSE market share ranges from 14.5% in Eagle Pass, TX, to 67.0% in Boulder, CO. Except for Puerto Rico, these disparities are widest in the South and Southwest.

Some economists argue that allowing originators to pick between VantageScore 4.0 and Classic FICO will lead to score inflation and lower revenue for the GSEs.

The administration’s firing of FHFA’s acting inspector general comes on the heels of the departure of several GSE executives and news that most of the ethics and internal investigations team at Fannie have been laid off.

Fannie and Freddie see the sun set on the CARES Act; Freddie executes EXPO transaction.

Amid pressure from some lender trade groups, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increased their investments in agency MBS during the third quarter. The move can drive down mortgage rates and goose GSE profits. (Includes data table.)

The prospects of a year-end stock offering didn’t prevent the wholesale reshuffle in Fannie Mae leadership.

Fannie Mae Chief Operating Officer Peter Akwaboah will serve as acting CEO, pending a search for Priscilla Almodovar’s successor. EVPs Brandon Hamara and John Roscoe will serve as co-presidents.

Mortgage industry stakeholders pump the breaks on GSE reform while the administration still seems to have its foot on the gas.