Andrew Foster: Case-By-Case–Commercial Mortgage Forbearance Consideration Begins

While the hope remains that the recession will be short-lived with a strong recovery in the second half of 2020, commercial real estate typically lags the broader economy. Any quick relief for the commercial mortgage industry will be due in part to government relief efforts. It will take patience from market participants before a clear picture of various outcomes emerges, in part because so much of the CRE finance market impacted by COVID-19 is entering into forbearance agreements.

FHFA: GSEs Will Purchase Qualified Loans in Forbearance

The Federal Housing Finance Agency said it would approve purchase of certain single-family mortgages in forbearance that meet specific eligibility criteria by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Jennifer Henry: In an Uncertain Market, Servicers Are Leveraging Data, Technology to Drive Efficiency

While the falling home loan rates mean a booming business for the mortgage industry and a sign the housing market may help the U.S. economy avoid a true recession, it could also pose a challenge for those trying to process the influx of applications and requests. The digital mortgage servicing journey must focus on streamlining the process through technology and data-enabled solutions.

MBA Asks Small Business Administration to Relax Eligibility Rules for PPP Loans

The Mortgage Bankers Association, in a letter last week to the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration, asked SBA to relax a part of its eligibility rule so that small independent mortgage banks can qualify for loans under Section 7(a) of the recently approved Paycheck Protection Program.