Daily Dose

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued a Request for Input (RFI) Thursday for problems qualified Limited English Proficiency (LEP) borrowers face during the mortgage lifecycle. Per FHFA’s 2017 Scorecard for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Common Securitization Solutions, the GSEs must identify major challenges for LEP borrowers in accessing mortgage credit, analyzing potential solutions, and developing a multiyear plan appropriate for the Enterprises to support improved access. By better understanding the experience of LEP borrowers and those that serve them, the FHFA can successfully expand their statutory mandate.

Thursday, a fast-track foreclosure law expediting the foreclosure process was signed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. With the intent to reduce community blight, this bill was signed in the footsteps of a similar bill in Ohio. Industry experts provide commentary on the impact this bill may have, including being the push for other states to move forward with their own fast track foreclosure bills.

The FHFA’s Q1 House Price Index Report was released Wednesday showing house prices up for the 23rd time in a row. Additionally, they were also up for the 21st time in a row year-over-year. Though this seems positive, Q1’s rate of growth nationally was minimal compared to the quarterly growth rates in years past.

According to a new report, first-time homebuyers now make up 60 percent of all home purchases. On GSE loans, first-time buyers comprise 47 percent of loans, while on FHA loans, they account for 82 percent. The uptick is likely due to an improved economy, lower unemployment, rising income, and more new home construction

According to a new report, FDIC-insured banks saw a jump in income over the first quarter. The institutions reports a 12.7 percent rise in revenues over the year. Total loan balances at FDIC banks are slowing down.

Buying might still be cheaper than renting in major U.S. metros, but rising prices and stalling rents could soon flip that dynamic. A new report by Trulia shows how the most expensive U.S. markets could see a rise in rentals. A lot depends on federal policy over the next couple years.

The highly anticipated hearing for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and PHH Corporation took place Wednesday in front of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Court of Appeals agreed to revisit their October decision ...

The total national loan delinquency rate (loans 30 or more days past due, but not in foreclosure), spiked 13 percent from in April from March putting a little over 2 million properties past due. However, according to experts, there is no need for alarm. The rise is primarily due to the calendar with April ending on a Sunday.

The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), spoke about the FHFA and the FHLBanks at the 2017 Federal Home Loan Bank Directors’ Conference Tuesday. Mel Watt began with positive news about FHLBank performance and lead into the four main regulatory issues he would like to focus on. He stressed that the FHFA will carry out all work in a transparent manner.

According to its latest summary report, Freddie Mac’s mortgage portfolio has increased 0.5 percent over the year. In April, the government-sponsored enterprise completed more than $28 billion in mortgage purchases and issuances, and 4,500 single-family loan modifications. Its mortgage-related securities portfolio also increased year-over-year.