Loan Think

Proponents of "recap and release" misread the political risks and the depth of interest that key lawmakers have in determining the long-term future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

A recent piece making light of GSE recapitalization is dangerously misleading.

It is not a clear-cut statement to say Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac need more capital, and it detracts from the real debate over long-term housing finance reform.

The case against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is stronger than the argument for their survival.

A district court in Texas has filed an injunction against last year's Department of Labor ruling on loan officer compensation but lenders should hold themselves to that standard as basic compliance regardless of the outcome.

A legislative proposal would expand Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's use of specially-created debt securities to share their risk with private investors, but such risk transfer deals are not a replacement for core capital.

While depository mortgage lenders should exercise some caution before welcoming trended data and alternative credit scoring into their process, they must become inclusive or face losing market share to newer industry players like SoFi.

While mortgage servicers are prohibited from early compliance with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's final servicing rule, there are a few steps they can take now ahead of the rule's effective date.

One step the government can take to strengthening housing is to create a unified office dedicated to housing finance and policy, streamlining and making more efficient existing agencies and programs.

Digital mortgages are not an idea for the future; they are here to stay, and the mortgage industry must put aside its misplaced fear of technology and change and embrace them.