The new rule gives Fannie and Freddie two years to come up with a resolution plan that includes no government support in the event of a crisis. Housing finance experts say: “Good luck with that.”

The program will be rolled out to GSE borrowers with incomes at or below 80% of a geographic area’s median income. One stipulation: no more than one missed payment in the past 12 months.

The amended PSPAs require Fannie and Freddie to abide by the new QM rule, even though the rule doesn’t formally go into effect until Oct. 1, 2022.

FHFA says appraisal waivers may subside after the agency reviews comments in its outstanding RFI. However, the cash window caps may be here for a while.

Fannie and Freddie hope to repeat their success with green multifamily MBS on the single-family side of the business. They’re also expanding their ESG offerings into social and sustainable bonds.

Release of the transcripts from FHFA’s listening session on the GSEs’ housing goals was delayed for weeks, but the comments from affordable housing advocates remain fresh.

Critics argue that the goals, as currently structured, don’t offer much assistance to low- and moderate-income borrowers or mortgagors of color.

Freddie Mac’s first-quarter earnings report indicates the heady days of 2020 have continued into the new year.

With both Fannie and Freddie now issuing green single-family and multifamily MBS, the enterprises have become a favorite for investors seeking environmentally or socially responsible assets.

A delay in the QM rule compliance date has created a Catch-22 in which the CFPB says the GSE patch is still available, but the amended preferred stock purchase agreements won’t allow the GSEs to use it.