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FHFA to allow alternative appraisal methods on purchases up to 97% LTV 

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has expanded the eligibility for alternative appraisal methods on purchase loans by increasing the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) requirement. The announcement was made on Monday during the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Annual Convention & Expo in Denver, Colorado. The maximum LTV ratio will increase from 80% to 90% for appraisal waivers…

FHLBank of New York expands credit access for underserved borrowers

In a significant move designed to expand homeownership access, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) announced the adoption of an alternative credit scoring model to boost mortgage credit availability. The wholesale bank will now allow members to pledge mortgage collateral using the VantageScore 4.0 system. FHLBNY will partner with 330 lenders across…

Are you prepared to respond as borrower demand shifts?

Fluctuating interest rates and a fast-changing market  Last month, we saw the Federal Reserve deliver their long-awaited decision to lower interest rates with a 50 basis points cut, and 30-year mortgage rates reached as low as 6.08% according to ICE’s 30-year fixed conforming rate index. This increased refinance incentive, and mortgage applications reached their highest…