Most of the concerns about the new regulation hinge on how much profit the GSEs can make under the bumped-up capital levels. Most industry observers appear to be on the side of “not enough.”
The move suggests the GSEs’ public offerings — estimated by some to be worth as much as $200 billion — may take place in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Borrowers now have the option of simply deferring any forborne payments to the end of their mortgage. In effect, this would work like an interest-free second mortgage, and would become due when the house is sold or the loan is refinanced.
Mortgage servicers’ liquidity issues could ease if non-agency lending is acceptable collateral under the TALF programs, according to Urban Institute’s Jim Parrott.
The GSEs’ showing in the first quarter only reflects one full month of the impact of the coronavirus crisis. As potentially millions more homeowners stop paying their mortgages, the enterprises face the prospect of an even more challenging second quarter. (Includes data chart.)
CFPB COO Kate Fulton will take charge as FHFA COO at the end of May. The agency’s acting COO, Lawrence Stauffer, will return to his previous role as special advisor in the Division of Resolutions.