FHFA Rejects Inspector General’s Call to Review Fannie’s, Freddie’s Rep and Warrant Framework
September 18, 2014
The Federal Housing Finance Agency is pushing back against the findings of its Inspector General that the agency rushed a mandated new representation and warranty framework “despite significant and unresolved operational risks” to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Announced in September 2012 and implemented Jan. 1, 2013, the framework relieved sellers from certain reps and warrants, including those relating to credit underwriting and eligibility of the borrower and the property that were formerly effective for the life of the loan. It allowed for repurchase relief to seller/servicers if mortgages acquired by the government-sponsored enterprises after the effective date had acceptable payment history for 36 months. And the GSEs apparently weren’t...