Issuance of Ginnie Mae MBS declined again in January, though at a slower pace than the drop-off seen in the final months of 2022. PennyMac was the top issuer during the month. (Includes two data charts.)

FHA will expand its loss-mitigation options to borrowers at risk of default even if COVID-19 wasn’t the cause of their economic challenges.

The Urban Institute has called on federal housing agencies to accommodate automated valuation models as their starting points, with human appraisers checking the accuracy of the data as a back-up.

The National Consumer Law Center said FHA should reform its home equity conversion mortgage program to reduce the number of so-called preventable foreclosures.

Ginnie announces new LMI ESG disclosures; HUD seeks comments on proposal to expand housing counseling tailored to tribal communities; HUD issues RFI on learning agenda supplement; Housing and Insurance subcommittee chair named; House committee disallows changes to veterans’ ability to testify virtually; USDA updates handbook.

The National Consumer Law Center has called for flexibility in FHA’s property charge loss-mitigation policies, among other changes.

NYCB closes Flagstar’s non-bank branches; FHA offers new incentives for servicers; home prices decline again in November; MBA writes to FHFA on the cost of doing business with the GSEs; new products aimed at newly-constructed homes; MISMO offers loan limit tool.

Servicers of FHA-insured loans have until April 30 to implement the revised loss-mitigation program.

Looser pooling requirements for delivering reperforming loans to Ginnie; FHA revises policy handbook; FHA updates instructions for use of GSE model forms; FHA hiring; VA revises various forms; VA offers loan review API; CHLA calls for permanent PTAP; RHS proposes loosening loss-mitigation standards.

The delinquency rate on loans in agency MBS increased gradually between March and September, then spiked during the fourth quarter. (Includes data chart.)