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
Economics
Mar 19, 2026
New Home Sales Down in January on Weather DisruptionsEconomic uncertainty, severe winter weather and housing affordability concerns acted as headwinds on the market in January.
Sponsored Content
Mar 18, 2026
How Builders Can Protect Capital from Zoning Deal-KillersWhen teams have access to land data that goes beyond basic zoning compliance, the site evaluation process accelerates. With Acres Intelligence, these teams can navigate land-use decisions more confidently and efficiently.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 19, 2026
New Home Sales Decline in January on Weather DisruptionsNew home sales declined in January, reflecting typical monthly volatility as well as weather-related disruptions.
Economics
Mar 19, 2026
Fourth Quarter 2025 Multifamily Construction DataAccording to NAHB analysis of quarterly Census data, the count of multifamily, for-rent housing starts increased year-over-year during the fourth quarter of 2025.
Economics
Mar 18, 2026
Holding Pattern Continues for the FedThe Fed continued its current pause for rate reductions at the conclusion of the March meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank’s monetary policy body.