FHFA Further Extends Support for Borrowers
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend buying qualified loans in forbearance and several loan origination flexibilities until Oct. 31, 2020. The changes are to ensure continued support for borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency. The flexibilities were set to expire next week on Sept. 30.
Extended flexibilities include:
- Buying qualified loans in forbearance;
- Alternative appraisals on purchase and rate term refinance loans;
- Alternative methods for documenting income and verifying employment before loan closing; and
- Expanding the use of power of attorney to assist with loan closings.
Latest from NAHBNow
Dec 08, 2025
A New Chapter Set to Begin for NAHB’s Leadership Academy as Applications OpenWhat began as a simple concept two years ago has quickly become one of NAHB’s most impactful programs. The NAHB Leadership Academy is accepting applications for its 2026 cohort.
Dec 05, 2025
NAHB Members Recognized as ‘Young Guns & Legends’ by Industry’s Top MediaPro Builder magazine recently released its Class of 2025 “Young Guns & Legends” list that honors up-and-coming leaders and a collection of legends who have made career contributions to the housing industry.
Latest Economic News
Dec 08, 2025
Community Associations: A Growing Trend in 2024In 2024, 65.7% of all new single-family homes started were built within a community or homeowner’s association. This share increased from the 64.8% recorded in 2023, according to data tabulated from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Dec 05, 2025
Mortgage Rates Continue to Trend Lower in NovemberThe average mortgage rate in November continued to trend lower to its lowest level in over a year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.24% in November, 2 basis points (bps) lower than in October. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate increased 3 bps to 5.51%.
Dec 04, 2025
Number of Bathrooms in New Single-Family Homes in 2024Single-family homes started in 2024 typically had two full bathrooms, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Construction. Homes with three full bathrooms continued to have the second largest share of starts at around 23%. Meanwhile, both homes with four full bathrooms or more and homes with one bathroom or less made up under ten percent of homes started.