The general consensus is that despite their conservatorship status, the GSEs are still considered private companies, even though Treasury controls their senior preferred shares.

The U.S. homeownership rate fell to 63.9 percent in 2012, according to figures compiled by the Census Bureau through its “American Community Survey.” In case you’re keeping tabs, it’s the fifth year in a row that the rate has gone south.

FHA claims it is still endorsing loans but only 2 percent of its staffers are on duty. Also, the USDA mortgage program lies dormant.

As the government shutdown continues and many federal workers go without pay checks, there’s a growing concern that these potential borrowers will see their credit scores get dinged.

According to interviews with investors in Freddie Mac’s $500 million Structured Agency Credit Risk bond, 50 different companies bought into the deal.

Sources contend that other pending jumbo deals could be reduced in size until the market improves.

A flurry of new SEC filings suggests that Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corp. may go public this week, possibly by Friday.

Is refi specialist CashCall still on the auction block? It’s hard to say since the company doesn’t return telephone calls about the matter.

FHA will continue to insure mortgages if the government closes but cautions that its commitment authority eventually will run dry. Potential homeowners "will be impacted," it warns.

The much anticipated announcement on lower GSE loan limits could be pushed back to mid-October.