Large lenders increased their share in the conventional mortgage market even as their GSE volume fell. (Includes two data tables.)

Officials at Fannie and Freddie say mortgage fraud remains rare but is growing more sophisticated.

Fannie recently overhauled its quality control requirements, while Freddie made minor changes to underwriting rules.

Conservative critics of the housing-finance system say preserving the status quo is more likely than a release from conservatorship or a government monopoly.

Don Layton said the recent executive order promoting better access to mortgage credit should be the stepping off point for a revamping of the GSEs’ overly conservative capital requirements.

The new Uniform Appraisal Dataset dramatically improves the ability of appraisers to communicate details about a property’s location and views, along with how they impact its valuation.

Analysts are increasingly skeptical that the Trump administration will follow through on plans to recapitalize and release the GSEs. Some seek broader reform.

Although neither housing EO released last week by President Trump mentions them by name, it’s clear Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have a hand in implementing the proposed policy changes.

FHFA greenlights the use of actual cash value insurance to cover the roofs of condos; all other elements of the project will still require replacement value policies, though.

What the GSEs are worth to the federal government; new MBS disclosures; former Freddie VP resurfaces at the helm of nonprofit.