InfoBytes Blog
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Provide Additional Information Regarding QM Requirements
On July 2, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provided lenders additional information about eligibility criteria for mortgages with application dates on or after January 10, 2014. Recently, the FHFA directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to limit future mortgage acquisitions to loans that meet the requirements for qualified mortgages under the CFPB’s ability-to-repay/qualified mortgage rule. The letters state that, effective January 10, 2014, mortgages will be eligible for sale to either entity only if they (i) are fully amortizing, (ii) have terms no longer than 30 years, and (iii) have points and fees of 3% or less of the total loan amount. In addition, both entities will continue to purchase mortgage loans that are exempt from the ability-to-repay rule. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac anticipate updating policies regarding representations and warranties, as well as certain policies related to loan eligibility in August 2013, and plan to provide information about how they will test for compliance with the new eligibility criteria in September 2013.