FHFA Announces Two Measures to Advance Housing Affordability
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced two measures to sustainably advance the affordability of homeownership for mortgage borrowers across the nation, especially those in underserved communities.
First, over the coming months, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will expand certain eligibility requirements for their RefiNow and Refi Possible refinance programs aimed at assisting low-income borrowers. Additionally, the Enterprises will be incorporating desktop appraisals into their selling guides for new purchase loans.
When the Enterprises established their RefiNow and Refi Possible programs for low-income borrowers, area median income (AMI) requirements were limited to borrowers with current income at or below 80%. The announcement today expands the income threshold to include some moderate-income borrowers, with incomes at or below 100% percent of area median income. In addition, the Enterprises are modifying other requirements to address certain operational frictions for lenders.
Second, both Enterprises will incorporate desktop appraisals into their Selling Guides for many new purchase loans starting in early 2022. The use of desktop appraisals by the Enterprises was one of several temporary flexibilities initiated last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latest from NAHBNow
Environmental Issues | Advocacy
Sep 15, 2026
NAHB Provides Agency Official Inside Look to Inform Changes to Stormwater Permitting
NAHB members and staff provided a tour of several residential subdivisions in Northern Virginia to an official from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy. The tour offered an opportunity to show the official how NAHB members comply with construction stormwater requirements and to discuss the federal construction general permit (CGP) for stormwater discharges from active residential land development and construction sites.
Associate Members Committee | IBS
Sep 14, 2026
Associate Members Share Their Top Networking, IBS Advice
We spoke with three Associate members about their best tips on how to network with peers virtually throughout the year, and how to network in-person at key events such as the International Builders’ Show.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 11, 2026
Inflation Persisted in August
Inflation in August remained sticky as renewed tensions with Iran continued pushing up oil prices, keeping pressure on the Fed to consider a rate hike at its upcoming meeting.
Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fall despite Improved Inventory
Existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. Mortgage rates resumed an upward trend after the July ceasefire ended.
Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Energy Prices Rise Again in August
Residential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.2% in August and were up 5.1% from a year ago. Energy prices rose sharply in August, as prices for energy inputs to residential construction rose 6.6% over the month.