FHFA Refinance Report – August 2018

Source: FHFA

August 2018 Highlights

  • Total refinance volume increased in August 2018 as mortgage rates in July fell, continuing a trend also observed in June. Mortgage rates increased in August: the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 4.55 percent from 4.53 percent in July.

In August 2018:

  • Borrowers completed 651 refinances through HARP, bringing total refinances from the inception of the program to 3,492,487 .
  • HARP volume represented 1 percent of total refinance volume.
  • Five percent of the loans refinanced through HARP had a loan‐to‐value ratio greater than 125 percent.

Year to date through August 2018:

  • Borrowers with loan‐to‐value ratios greater than 105 percent accounted for 16 percent of the volume of HARP loans.
  • Thirty-three percent of HARP refinances for underwater borrowers were for shorter-term 15- and 20‐year mortgages, which build equity faster than traditional 30‐year mortgages.
  • HARP refinances represented 3 percent of total refinances in Illinois compared to 1 percent of total refinances nationwide over the same period.
  • Borrowers who refinanced through HARP had a lower delinquency rate compared to borrowers eligible for HARP who did not refinance through the program.
  • Ten states accounted for over 70 percent of the nation’s HARP eligible loans with a refinance incentive as of March 31, 2017.

Attachments:

Refinance Report – August 2018

FEMA Declared Disaster Florida

FEMA Alert Update
November 15, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael from October 7-19, 2018. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Okaloosa
  • Walton

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Florida

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Florida


FEMA Alert Update

October 19, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing. The action closes the incident period on October 19, 2018.

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Florida


FEMA Alert Update

October 16, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing. The following county is eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Leon

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Florida

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Florida

MapAlert Disaster Viewer


FEMA Alert Update
October 13, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Individual/Public Assistance

  • Holmes
  • Washington

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Florida

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Florida


FEMA Alert Update
October 12, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Calhoun
  • Gadsen
  • Jackson
  • Liberty

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Florida

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Florida

MapAlert Disaster Viewer


FEMA Alert
October 11, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning on October 7, 2018 and continuing. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Bay
  • Franklin
  • Gulf
  • Taylor
  • Wakulla

Public Assistance

  • Bay
  • Calhoun
  • Franklin
  • Gadsden
  • Gulf
  • Hamilton
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Leon
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Suwannee
  • Taylor
  • Wakulla

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Florida

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Florida

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties All Client Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae: Expanding Support for Disaster-Affected Homeowners

Updated Servicer Self-Assessment can help you improve processes

We’ve updated the Servicer Self-Assessment to help you effectively manage the Fannie Mae loans you service and ensure that you meet our requirements. Two new sections, “Master Servicer Oversight” and “Shared Processes,” will provide additional guidance. Visit the STAR Program pageto find more resources, and contact your Fannie Mae account team if you have questions.

Mortgage Translations: New resource supports borrowers who have limited English proficiency

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) joined forces to create a new online resource to assist the millions of mortgage-ready borrowers in the U.S. who have limited English proficiency. Check out FHFA.gov/MortgageTranslations to find a suite of Spanish-translated documents and an industry-standard glossary of mortgage terms.

Expanding our support for disaster-affected homeowners

We’re launching a new Disaster Response Network to assist Fannie Mae borrowers in FEMA-declared zones, regardless of whether the damage was to their home, business, or place of employment. It offers a comprehensive post-disaster case assessment and action plan, plus can assist in filing FEMA, insurance, and Small Business Administration claims, and more. These resources can help borrowers get back on their feet faster and resume mortgage payments sooner. Learn more.

Join us at these upcoming events:

Oct. 18-20 | AREAA National Convention | Las Vegas
Oct. 28-31 | 24th Annual CUNA Lending Council Conference | Anaheim, CA
Nov. 2-5 | NAR Annual Conference | Boston

View more events.

Recent Tweets

There are approximately 16,350,000 Spanish-speaking U.S. residents. Learn how to help them navigate the home buying process in Spanish by visiting our newly launched mortgage translation Clearinghouse https://t.co/Bj2J9LdmNu #MBAAnnual18

Oct. 17

Tune in tomorrow (10/18) to learn about HomeReady #Mortgage, which offers innovative income flexibilities and as low as 3% down payment, helping you serve more borrowers and grow your business. http://bit.ly/2RYtQVE

Oct. 17

FEMA Declared Disaster Wisconsin

FEMA Alert Update
November 1, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Wisconsin affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides from August 17 to September 14,  2018. The following county is eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Marquette

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Wisconsin

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Wisconsin


FEMA Alert

October 18, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Wisconsin affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides from August 17 to September 14,  2018. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Individual Assistance

  • Crawford
  • Dane
  • Juneau
  • La Crosse
  • Monroe
  • Richland
  • Sauk
  • Vernon

Public Assistance

  • Adams
  • Crawford
  • Dane
  • Fond du Lac
  • Green Lake
  • Iron
  • Juneau
  • La Crosse
  • Marquette
  • Monroe
  • Ozaukee
  • Richland
  • Sauk
  • Vernon

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Wisconsin

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Wisconsin

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Declared Disaster Virginia

FEMA Alert Update
November 15, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent cities are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Botetourt
  • Bristol (City)
  • Chesterfield
  • Danville (City)
  • Franklin (City)
  • Lunenburg
  • Martinsville (City)
  • Matthews
  • Mecklenburg
  • Nottoway
  • Pulaski
  • Roanoke

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia


FEMA Alert Update

November 14, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent city are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Craig
  • Floyd
  • Grayson
  • Hampton (City)
  • Isle of Wright

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

FEMA Alert
October 18, 2018

FEMA issued an update to a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent city are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Charles (City)
  • Franklin
  • Halifax
  • King William
  • Northumberland

FEMA Release: FEMA Declared Disaster Amendment for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

 

FEMA Alert
October 15, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Virginia affected by Hurricane Florence from September 8-21, 2018. The following counties and independent cities are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Henry
  • King and Queen
  • Lancaster
  • Nelson
  • Newport News (City)
  • Patrick
  • Pittsylvania
  • Richmond (City)
  • Russell
  • Williamsburg (City)

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Virginia

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Virginia

MapAlert Disaster Viewer

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties All Client Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

FEMA Declared Disaster Kansas

FEMA Alert
October 19, 2018

FEMA issued a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for areas in Kansas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding from September 1-8, 2018. The following counties are eligible for assistance:

Public Assistance

  • Barber
  • Clay
  • Kingman
  • Kiowa
  • Marshall
  • Pratt
  • Rice
  • Riley

FEMA Release: Declared Disaster for Kansas

ZIP Code List for FEMA Declared Disaster for Kansas

 

Additional Resources

FEMA’s web site

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process

Safeguard Properties Industry Alerts

HUD Moratorium on Foreclosure

VA’s Policy Regarding Natural Disasters

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae’s Natural Disaster Relief Policies

Fannie Mae: Loan Servicing Data Utility (LSDU) is Live

Source: Fannie Mae (LSDU page)

Introducing LSDU, a self-service tool offering servicers solutions for simplifying investor reporting and data exceptions. With near-real time data and improved accuracy, LSDU will save servicers time and transform business workflows. Get registered and learn more at LSDU for additional resources.

MHA: HAMP Update: Upcoming Changes to HMPadmin.com

In an effort to simplify accessibility of reporting documents on the Making Home Affordable Program Website (HMPadmin.com), the secure login access for participating servicers will be retired in January 2019. In preparation for this change, the following guides/forms have been moved to the Programs tab on the main page of the site under Loan Reporting Documents/Data Reporting Resources:

  • Reporting Guidance for Active GSE HAMP Loans in a NPL or RPL Sale
  • Servicer Loan Number Change Request Process
  • Request for Servicer Loan Number Change Template
  • MHA Loan State Change Request Process
  • MHA Request for Loan State Change Template
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Process
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Request Template
  • MHA LPI Date Correction Reporting Guidance
  • 2018 Operational Reporting Calendar
  • MHA Incentive Inquiry Request Process
  • MHA Incentive Inquiry Request Form

Over the next few months, the link to the HAMP Reporting Tool as well as interface and reporting file formats will also be moved to the main page of the site. All other documentation and links will be retired upon retirement of secure-side of the site.

Major flooding on Llano River Triggers Bridge Collapse Near Kingsland, Texas

Link to proclamation

Link to associated county ZIP Code list

All Client Alert
October 17, 2018

Source: AccuWeather

Additional Resources:

Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (Governor Greg Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For 18 Texas Counties In Response To Severe Weather And Flooding)

Associated county ZIP Code list

Approximate areas containing flooded homes:

Texas
Kingsland (Llano County, 78639)
Llano (Llano County, 78643)
Marble Falls (Burnet County, 78654)

NOTE: This has not yet been declared a FEMA Disaster.

A dangerous flooding situation unfolded in south-central Texas Tuesday morning near the town of Llano, as heavy rain exacerbated ongoing river flooding, prompting evacuations and a bridge collapse.

A state disaster declaration has been issued for 18 Texas counties impacted by severe weather and flooding.

“Anyone living within one-quarter mile of the river should evacuate immediately to higher ground. The [Farm to Market] bridge at 2900 will be topped soon,” officials with the Llano County Office of Emergency Management said shortly after 8 a.m. local time.

CBS Austin reported that FM 2900 bridge had collapsed near Kingsland and pieces of the bridge were seen floating down the river.

At least two people have died due to the flooding.

One fatality has been confirmed after a body was found in Burnet County along the Colorado River between Kingsland and Granite Shoals, according to Rep. Terry Wilson.

Llano County officials said a second body was recovered near a low water crossing, CBS Austin reported.

The river crested at 39.91 feet Tuesday morning, just below the all-time record of 41.5 feet.

Llano is located about 90 minutes to the northwest of Austin.

Some parts of Texas have received months’ worth of rain in several days.

Parts of central Texas have already received 4-8 inches of rain from Friday to Tuesday morning. This is the equivalent of an entire month’s worth of rain for October.

Shelters are being set up at First Baptist Church and Inman’s Kitchen in the City of Llano and the Kingsland Community Center, officials said.

Llano city officials said that the city is currently unable to treat water and residents are being asked to conserve water at this time.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott said the Texas State Operations Center has elevated its readiness level as severe weather and flooding impact the state.

“Please closely monitor changing weather conditions and heeding warnings from local officials,” he tweeted.

Earlier Tuesday, the National Weather Service in San Angelo, Texas, reported that water rescues were ongoing in Segovia and water was flowing over Interstate 10 at Johnson Fork Creek in Kimble County. A flash flood emergency was in effect until 7 a.m.

Freddie Mac: Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy Added to Loan Coverage Advisor

Loan Coverage Advisor® has been updated to include the Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy for selling reps and warranties. Now you can track reporting events and Alternative Payment Plan (APP) information for disaster-impacted loans after August 25, 2017 that meet the policy requirements defined in Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (Guide) Chapter 1301.11, for greater insight into your rep and warranty relief on those loans.

The Disaster-Related Forbearance Policy (refer to Guide Bulletin 2017-28 [pdf]) was created due to client-related concerns for borrowers’ mortgage payments and payment history. It allowed borrowers affected by natural disasters to get assistance with their mortgage payments through APPs with contingency on proper reporting by servicers. In these cases, originators could retain eligibility for early selling rep and warranty relief.

To provide insight into this information, the recent Loan Coverage Advisor release [pdf] enhances several functions:

Search

  • Improved Selling R&W Relief Reason identifications, decreasing the number of loans sorted into the Other category for greater insight
  • New search results columns, including Alternative Payment Plan Status
  • New Event Types and Sub Event Types add to the Event Search
  • One 30-day and Two 30-day At-Risk delinquency searches updated

Loan Risk Details

  • Alternative Payment Plan Status and Alternative Payment Plan Period reflect impacts and duration in Current Coverage section
  • Event History updated to reflect all default remedy event impacts back to the start of the policy on August 25, 2017
  • News Event Detail icons added to the Event Details table
  • Additional Conversion updates for loans under disaster relief prior to this deployment will be applied in the month of October

Reports

  • Improved Selling R&W Relief Reason identifications, decreasing the number of loans sorted into the Other category for greater insight
  • Selling R&W Relief Summary and Relief Date Reports updated to include new reason “Acceptable Pay History (Alternative Payment Plan)”
  • Trend Report PDF updated to include all default remedy event impacts, including those due to an APP
  • Feature level help added

For More Information