Fed researchers show that, when interest rates increase, refinances decline, but alternative forms of household borrowing increase proportionally. This borrowing substitution diminishes the value of refinances as a path for monetary policy.

With the cost of credit reports rising, many lenders have begun increasing their use of cheaper soft pulls for borderline borrowers. However, lenders say credit bureaus are raising the price for those as well.

It’s unclear whether loans that have gone into forbearance post-pandemic will be eligible for new repurchase alternatives.

Condo Project Advisor enhancements will allow lenders to determine whether a loan for a unit in a project is eligible for acquisition by Freddie within minutes.

Players in the commercial MBS market now have a better understanding about which assets are performing and which aren’t, according to Lisa Pendergast, executive director of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council.

More punitive capital treatment of commercial real estate under Basel III could prove to be a boon for CMBS issuance.

With the prospect of a Fannie Mae title insurance pilot apparently off the table, critics turn their focus to attorney opinion letters.

Faster, better analysis of credit data means Fannie Mae can reduce some of the barriers to homeownership in “missing middle” housing.

The 11 Federal Home Loan Banks reported net income of $1.74 billion for the third quarter, down 5.7% from the previous period.

After a strong run-up in earnings spanning more than a year, the Federal Home Loan Banks posted a modest decline in quarterly income in the third quarter. (Includes three data tables.)