Some $13.26 billion of high-balance mortgages were included in agency MBS issued during the third quarter of 2025. Nine months into the year, agency high-balance sales were down somewhat on an annual basis, with the decline concentrated in sales to the GSEs. (Includes three data tables.)

While government-insured mortgages are assumable, few assumptions are completed due to various obstacles. GSE mortgages were also assumable until the 1980s, when legal issues prompted a change.

The GSE investor said part of his plan can be accomplished immediately, but ending the conservatorship may take three years.

FHFA Director Bill Pulte touted possibility of a 50-year fixed-rate mortgage. Also under consideration: transferable and portable mortgages.

The Trump administration continues to tease a 2025 capital raise for the GSEs but industry experts remain skeptical this can be done in a safe, sound manner.

A reduction in loan-level pricing adjustments for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is being discussed.

While most mortgage industry participants believe the tri-merge limits competition among the three credit reporting companies, some say it’s a critical tool to maintain the credit quality of mortgages.

Agency refinance business slowed significantly in the third quarter, and the market seemed to turn in September as purchase-mortgage volume also declined. (Includes two data tables.)

The Trump administration is ramping up discussions regarding reforms to the government-sponsored enterprises but it’s still not clear what the result will be. Whether Congress will take action is also an open question.

Mortgage lenders and their partners are working to figure out how to implement both Classic FICO and VantageScore 4.0 credit scores.