The GSEs say the spike in repurchase requests simply reflects the historic volume in 2020 and 2021. Lenders argue there should be something short of a repurchase request for performing loans with minor defects.
Former FHFA Acting Director Ed DeMarco and the American Bankers Association have endorsed releasing the GSEs from conservatorship. Industry observers aren’t optimistic about any moves in the near term.
FHFA’s proposed revisions to the enterprise regulatory capital framework prompted feedback from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The GSEs support various aspects of the proposal while seeking some changes.
The rescinded fee would have added $1,250 in cost to the purchase of a $300,000 home. Or, borrowers could have elected to pay an extra $24.75 per month on their mortgage.
The ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee has demanded that the FHFA director meet with committee staff to prove the GSEs’ new pricing grids don’t amount to more cross-subsidy.
Fannie and Freddie modified their policies to support lower-income borrowers by allowing greater use of downpayment assistance and equity-sharing programs.