05/05/2020
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) extended several loan origination flexibilities currently offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (The Enterprises) designed to help borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency. Those flexibilities are extended until at least June 30th and include:
- Alternative appraisals on purchase and rate term refinance loans;
- Alternative methods for verifying employment before loan closing;
- Flexibility for borrowers to provide documentation (rather than requiring an inspection) to allow renovation disbursements (draws); and
- Expanding the use of power of attorney and remote online notarizations to assist with loan closings.
“These loan origination flexibilities will continue to facilitate loan closings and go a long way to keeping the market functioning effectively during this national emergency,” said FHFA Director Mark Calabria. “Today’s actions also keep homebuyers, sellers, and appraisers safe.”
Raffi Williams