Fannie Mae

The mortgage giants were criticized earlier this month for a plan to charge an "adverse market fee" to protect against losses resulting from the pandemic.

There were questions about the GSEs' use of structured credit risk transfers in the single-family market given an earlier pandemic-related market disruption.

Lenders initially won't be able to pass on the cost of the Federal Housing Finance Agency's "adverse market fee" to borrowers whose rates on GSE-backed mortgages and refinances are already locked in.

The number of loans going into coronavirus-related forbearance decreased for the ninth consecutive week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The new “adverse market fee” for refinanced mortgages resembles steps the companies took to combat the 2008 mortgage crisis. But critics charge it isn’t necessary and will hurt borrowers’ ability to tap into low rates.

A survey conducted throughout the second quarter found knowledge gaps based on race and income.

In a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Mortgage Bankers Association recommended adding six more months to the latest GSE patch proposal.

The agency said property owners can enter into new or modified forbearance plans if they have a hardship due to the coronavirus, but the landlords must agree not to kick out renters solely for nonpayment of rent.

Rates are forecasted to remain at the current low levels for the rest of 2020, driving steady refinance volume.

The mortgage servicing rights package going up for bid adds to signs that the market for large offerings is becoming more active.