The COVID-19 virus has created a level of uncertainty in our country not seen since the financial crisis of 2008. Moreover, recent orders by state governments to shelter in place or executive proclamations closing non-essential businesses have made it exceedingly difficult for our industry to serve consumers and complete real estate financial transactions.

Harry Gardner is Executive Vice President of eStrategies with Docutech Corp. While at the Mortgage Bankers Association he helped lead and grow the efforts of MISMO and the eMortgage Workgroup for more eight years.

Regina M. Lowrie, CMB, is President and CEO of Dytrix, a fintech company that enables secure financial transactions for institutions through the Dytrix Platform, which includes wire/ACH transfer validation and closing agent management. In 2005, she became the first woman Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association and continues to serve on many MBA committees.

The MBA Opens Doors Foundation, which helps families around the country stay in their homes while a child is being treated for a critical illness or injury, is seeing an increase in grant applications from families in need. Here's how you can help.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced the Borrower Protection Program, a joint initiative that enables CFPB and FHFA to share servicing information to protect borrowers during the coronavirus national emergency.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on Wednesday provided guidance to the Mortgage Bankers Association, addressing conflicts between a recent Federal Emergency Management Agency memo and banking agency flood insurance rules.