FHFA Seeking Input on G-Fees

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it is requesting input on the guarantee fees (g-fees) that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge lenders.  In January 2014​, FHFA Director Mel Watt suspended the implementation of g-fee changes announced by the FHFA in December 2013, pending further review. FHFA’s Request for Input includes questions related to g-fee policy and implementation regarding the optimum level of g-fees required to protect taxpayers and implications for mortgage credit availability. Input must be received within 60 days or no later than August 4th, 2014 and should be submitted to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Policy Analysis and Research, 400 7th Street, SW, Ninth Floor, Washington, DC 20024 or via FHFA.gov. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge g-fees to cover costs associated with providing a credit guarantee to ensure the timely payment of principal and interest to investors in mortgage-backed securities if the borrower fails to pay.