Of course, early this spring, the FHFA, in trying to aid consumers economically impacted by the pandemic, requested that servicers provide forbearance.

In an industry update, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods predicts it may still take some time before the establishment of an emergency funding facility for residential servicers with MBS payments coming due.

The $13 million Milbank contract, which follows the agency’s February selection of Houlihan Lokey as its capital markets advisor, suggests the FHFA remains committed to recap-and-release.

The new “flexibilities” cover both originations and appraisals. On the origination front, Fannie and Freddie will reduce the acceptable age of income documentation on most loans to 60 days from 120...

Calabria’s remarks were part of a broader outline summarizing the impact the crisis has had on mortgage markets and the actions the FHFA has taken in response.

“In fact,” said GSE regulator Mark Calabria, “if this goes on for more than two months, we’re going to be looking at stress for Fannie and Freddie"...

FHFA’s move regarding appraisals was somewhat expected...

Calabria suggested the new version of the capital rule might not look so different from the version proposed under the previous director, Mel Watt.

Fannie and Freddie said residential borrowers are expected to contact their servicer to set up forbearance plan.