Federal agencies want servicers of government-backed mortgages to pause foreclosure proceedings when the homeowner’s application for relief under the Homeowner Assistance Fund is pending.

While the Federal Reserve intervened in the mortgage market to lower rates, lenders did not pass along all the savings to homebuyers, the former Freddie chief said.

Lenders argue the temporary measures adopted by Fannie and Freddie to promote condo safety unnecessarily raise costs for borrowers and present liability issues for HOAs and cooperatives.

Fannie joins Freddie in accepting attorney title opinion letters instead of title insurance. Industry observers said the new option will mostly impact refinances, not purchases.

Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are animals of the secondary market, the FHFA director said they have programs that can increase the amount of housing available.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased fewer mortgages for mission-based multifamily lending in 2021. And this year their housing goals are even higher.

Mortgage professionals generally approve of the plan, but say more changes are needed to expand access to credit.

JPMorgan Chase has pledged $12 million over the next three years to help five nonprofits test how to increase homebuying and wealth building among Black, Hispanic and Latino households.

When it comes to guarantee fees, some industry participants say they don’t see much policy difference between current FHFA Acting Director Sandra Thompson and her predecessor, Mark Calabria.

Homeowners need better financing options to develop accessory dwelling units, according to mortgage industry experts.