Fannie Mae’s (FNMA) stock has endured a turbulent stretch, falling nearly 15% over the past month after soaring earlier in the year. While year‑to‑date gains still look strong, the recent pullback has captured investor attention and reignited questions about how the company’s equity should be valued going forward.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is casting a shadow over the housing market, particularly in flood-prone areas where federally backed flood insurance is essential for mortgage approvals. Without legislative action to renew funding, thousands of home sales could stall each day, costing the real estate market billions in lost transactions.
Mortgage rates edged lower this week, but the moves were modest, offering only a sliver of relief for would‑be homebuyers and refinance seekers. Analysts warn that meaningful rate declines are still tied to broader economic shifts — not just a few basis points here and there.
A little‑publicized policy update could reshape the dynamics of mortgage lending: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now accept VantageScore 4.0 in place of—or alongside—traditional FICO scoring. The change, delivered via social media and internal guidance, finally gives formal approval to a credit model that has long been positioned as an alternative to FICO.
The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to lower its benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter point to a range of 4.00%–4.25% marks its first rate cut since December—an effort to stimulate economic activity amid a cooling job market and fading inflationary pressures.
As of January 10, 2014 the Qualified Mortgage (QM) rules become effective and HUD is no different. They too must have QM loans. On December 11, 2013 HUD released their definition of a QM mortgage. All FHA case numbers issued on or after January 10, 2014 will be issued with the understanding that the borrower(s) will fit under the QM rules and regulations.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
The mortgage industry has been through quite a few ups and downs since 2007. We have experienced layoffs, sweeping regulatory changes and fluctuations in business. The press and public opinion on the mortgage industry has largely been negative due to mortgage fraud and the bursting of the housing bubble.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Most borrowers and lenders have heard of the acronym APR but most do not know what goes into the calculated APR. So many folks understand that the APR is a cost but most do not know enough about the acronym called APR.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
As of January 12, 2014 Freddie Mac Loan Prospector will issue new recommendations in response to the final CFPB’s Ability to Repay and Qualified Mortgage rules. The feedback messages will address the following loan types:
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
If you lie on your mortgage application it’s mortgage fraud. Even though some lies and omissions constitute mortgage fraud. Many borrower’s hedge a little there, often because they did not know any better or worse. Sometimes borrowers are counseled by their mortgage loan officer and/or real estate broker to sell and close on that house.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Typically the mortgage industry slows down after we move out of the holiday season and into the first few months of the year. Business may not start to pick up until mid-spring or early summer. We can utilize this time to clean house and sharpen our skills in preparation for the next busy season.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
In the forty (40) years that I have been in the mortgage industry the self – employed borrower has always been the borrower with the most difficulty in obtaining mortgage financing.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
2013 brought major changes to mortgage lending with the introduction of new regulations, the end of the mini-refinance boom, and an intensified focus on quality. As we prepare to conduct business in the new year, we can reflect on how those changes will impact us as mortgage processors and underwriters.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
The conventional mortgage market is changing as of November 16, 2013. Federal National Mortgage Association also known as Fannie Mae has announced that as of November 16, 2013 they will no longer purchase any mortgage with a loan to value higher than 95%.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Over the last few years while rates were historically low, virtually everyone that could refinance their mortgage, did refinance. Now some of the major center banks have announced layoffs due to minimal refinance activity.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.
Written By: Stacey Sprain
As an FHA originator, processor or underwriter, it’s likely that in the ongoing foreclosure market you’ll run across a HUD REO loan at some point. The purpose of this multi-part article is to provide you with some useful information to help in your endeavors.