Housing Market Roundup

Here’s a quick-hit summary of several housing and housing finance reports released over the past several days:

Industry Briefs Jan. 15, 2021

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend several loan origination flexibilities until February 28. The changes are to ensure continued support for borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency. The flexibilities were set to expire on January 31.

Millennials Rush to Refinance Amid Record Low Rates

Ellie Mae, Pleasanton, Calif., said refinance activity climbed to 45% of all loans closed by millennial borrowers in November, up three percentage points from October to the highest percentage since May.

Industry Briefs Nov. 25, 2020

The Federal Housing Finance Agency released its annual Performance and Accountability Report, which details FHFA’s activities as regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and as regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during fiscal year 2020.

Ellie Mae: Low Rates Sustain Refi Surge

Ellie Mae, Pleasanton, Calif, said interest rates below 3 percent pushed the share of refinances of closed loans to a record 60 percent in October.

Industry Briefs Nov. 17, 2020

The Federal Housing Finance Agency released its annual Performance and Accountability Report, which details FHFA’s activities as regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and as regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during fiscal year 2020.