Among several changes, Fannie rebranded its HomeStyle Energy product.

Urban Institute researchers said in a recent report that only strategies that catalyze new construction can truly address the housing affordability problem.

Former Freddie Mac CEO Don Layton said changes to the CRT program in recent years have led to the GSEs carrying more credit risk.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, said the move will not only save the taxpayers money, but it will bring jobs to his state.

Don Layton, under whose leadership Freddie rolled out the first CRT transaction in 2012, said cracks in the GSEs’ CRT programs expose them to systemic risks. The cure: a new capital rule.

Fannie alerts seller/servicers to stiffer fraud detection rules. For example, lenders have 24 hours to report any borrower if they’re found on the Department of Treasury’s foreign assets control sanctions list.

The GSE ditched its energy efficiency home improvement loan product in favor of a more generic product targeting smaller projects. The new HomeStyle Refresh product becomes available at the end of March.

UI researchers explore whether the GSEs, by accepting new loan products, can help alleviate the lock-in effect and improve affordability for homebuyers.

Underwriters should understand that neighborhood, subdivision and market area are distinct terms used in property appraisal.

Freddie Mac taps a new CEO; Waters lashes out at Pulte; DOJ denies investigation into the FHFA director.