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Freddie Mac launches pilot program on loan repurchase alternatives
On January 1, Freddie Mac is launching a pilot program intended to improve the quality of performing loans for sellers. This pilot program, titled “Fee-Based Repurchase Alternative for Performing Loans,” is the fourth initiative from Freddie Mac’s Pilot Transparency programs, which included pilot programs on appraisal modernization, shared equity conversion, and asset and income modeler for direct deposits. This fee-based repurchase alternative pilot program for 2024 focuses on replacing Freddie Mac’s current repurchase policy for defective performing loans. “[L]enders will not be subject to repurchases on most performing loans and will instead be subject to a fee-based structure based on non-acceptable quality (NAQ) rates.” According to Freddie Mac, the fee-based structure will be more efficient and transparent and rewards lenders that deliver high-quality loans. Freddie Mac also notes that loans that are non-performing in 36 months or have life of loan defects could be repurchased. The pilot program is active; accordingly, the fee structure will begin rolling out in early 2024 to targeted lenders.