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
Mar 20, 2026
NAHB HBCU Event Cultivates Workforce PipelineNAHB’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student Leadership program hosted the third annual Black Builder and Mentor Mixer at the 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando. The event welcomed 160 students and mentors, including students from 10 HBCUs who participated in the leadership program’s third cohort.
Mar 19, 2026
Fed Holding Pattern ContinuesThe 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.
Latest Economic News
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.
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.
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.