Trump budget ignores GSE reform; Morningstar DBRS affirms AAA ratings on GSEs; Vice Capital an early adopter of new low loan balance payment categories; Fannie to simplify income eligibility calculations for some LLPA waivers.

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.

The GSEs have yet to change their guidelines related to borrowers’ holdings of cryptocurrency.

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.

GSEs delay UCD timeline; updates on Pulte’s legal battles with Trump opponents; Fed’s MBS holdings continue to dwindle; Opendoor to partner with Fannie’s Title Acceptance Program.

Profits declined at 10 of the 11 FHLBanks in the fourth quarter. Only FHLB Atlanta increased net income during the period. (Includes three data tables.)