Fannie and Freddie hope to repeat their success with green multifamily MBS on the single-family side of the business. They’re also expanding their ESG offerings into social and sustainable bonds.
Release of the transcripts from FHFA’s listening session on the GSEs’ housing goals was delayed for weeks, but the comments from affordable housing advocates remain fresh.
The January amendments to the PSPA require the GSEs to follow the new QM rule, even though CFPB may not enforce the rule until October 2022. That means Fannie and Freddie will no longer purchase GSE patch loans after July 1.
Mortgage industry observers increasingly argue that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be regulated as utilities. But conservative critics say, “Not so fast.”
Fannie Mae CEO Hugh Frater violated conflict of interest rules not once but at least three times, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of Inspector General.
Veteran stock analyst Richard Bove upgraded the common shares of Fannie and Freddie to “hold” from “sell.” Last week, analyst Bose George had downgraded the stocks to “underperform.”
Independent mortgage bankers continue to argue that GSE caps on risk-layering and limits on mortgages for second homes and investment properties will harm borrowers and lenders alike.