The GSEs reportedly are in the hunt to hire special servicers to handle COVID-19-related forbearance claims. The reason: Some nonbanks may be living on borrowed time.
Mortgage bankers have been clamoring for liquidity help from the FHFA. This week, the agency delivered on the issue of the GSEs buying COVID-19-related forbearance loans, but then lenders read the fine print.
Regulators have acknowledged that the lack of legal clarity and the speedy implementation of the new forbearance requirements may set the stage for exploitation by unscrupulous or ill-informed servicers.
Temporary prohibitions imposed by Pennsylvania could shutdown mortgage originations, the MBA warned. Meanwhile, the trade group noted that servicing standards set by Washington, DC, differ from federal ones.
Banks have received two-year relief from the full impact of the new current expected credit losses accounting standard as they cope with broader impact of the coronavirus. Nonbanks are seeking similar relief.