Surprise Announcement from FHFA Just Made your Refi More Expensive
Didier Malagies • August 13, 2020
Surprise Announcement From FHFA Just Made Your Refi Much More Expensive
Surprise Announcement From FHFA Just Made Your Refi Much More Expensive
By: Matthew Graham
In what can only be described as a cash grab, Fannie and Freddie's regulator just announced a new tax on refinances. Granted, it's not technically a tax, and it wasn't probably even intended to hit the pocketbooks of the American homeowner, but that's unfortunately exactly what it will do. Let's break it down...
What was announced?
The FHFA, Fannie and Freddie's regulator, is implementing a new price adjustment for all refinance transactions of 0.5% of the loan amount (i.e. $1500 on a $300k loan). This applies to loans delivered to Fannie/Freddie in September and thereafter, which is almost all of them that aren't already well underway.
Why?!
They are saying it is due to economic and market uncertainty. Some might consider that to be a load of horse shit because this fee didn't exist last week or last month, but economic and market uncertainty definitely did.
So what's the real reason?
Lender margins are wide. In other words, lenders haven't dropped rates as much as the bond market would allow them to (a decision driven by necessity due to capacity constraints amid a refi boom and unprecedented workflow hurdles created by coronavirus rather than simple greed). FHFA sees the wider margins and concludes lenders have extra profit to spare. That money would help further the FHFA's stated goal of building capital reserves of the GSEs sufficient to end the government's conservatorship of the agencies. In simpler terms, FHFA is saying to lenders "I think some of your money should be our money instead." Rest assured, this fee would never have been considered if rates were higher and lender margins were thinner. But since rates are so low, and margins are so wide, who's going to complain? Plenty for everyone, right?
So who is going to complain?
Ultimately, homeowners. The mortgage community is going to get things started though. Reason being, lenders have tons of loans that are already locked with expiration dates after September 1st. They are going to have to eat 50bps on all those loans. For big lenders, this is 10s of millions of dollars in instantly vaporized profit.
Again, FHFA's rationale is likely that lenders have excess profit anyway, so they can absorb this.
I truly hope that's not their rationale, but if it is, they're dumb. Any time regulators jack up fees for lenders, it's the consumer that ends up paying. I'm not saying that because it sounds sensational, but because there is a consistent track record of correlation. In fact, lenders are ALREADY sending out reprice notifications to raise rates for those loans still eligible to lock today. In other words, if it's not already locked, your refi just got hit for 0.5 points.
Does this affect purchases?
No. You're in luck there. FHFA's explanation, however, is further out of luck. Think about it... Why would "market and economic uncertainty" affect refinance mortgages and not purchases? I'll tell you why... Many lenders currently have higher rates for refis vs purchases due to the insanely high refi demand. Those higher rates mean the lenders have higher margins and more profit on refis (more profit that the FHFA would like to take, but again... they're actually taking it from consumers).
Does this suck as bad as it seems like it does?
Yes. It's a bitter pill to swallow, and a very low class move given the issues facing society at the moment. Granted, the FHFA likely doesn't see it that way. They likely don't think or believe they're taking money out of consumer's pockets, but years and year of past precedent prove that's exactly what's about to happen.
Is there anything I can do to avoid this or make it better?
No. They're the government. They're here to help.
Start Your Loan
with DDA todayYour local Mortgage Broker
Mortgage Broker Largo See our Reviews
Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast!
Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.
Locking in your interest rate can be a smart move under the right circumstances—especially when there's economic uncertainty, like tariffs, geopolitical tension, or volatile inflation. Here are a few key considerations to help you decide: ✅ Reasons to Lock in Now: Rising Rate Environment: If inflation is persistent and the Fed continues to signal rate hikes (or holding rates higher for longer), mortgage and loan rates might increase. Market Volatility: Tariffs and global economic uncertainty can lead to unpredictable swings in rates. Locking in now protects you from upward movement. You’re Close to Closing: If you're within 30-60 days of needing the loan (e.g., buying a house), rate locks are usually worth it. Peace of Mind: Locking gives you certainty in an uncertain time, helping you budget better and avoid surprises. ❌ Reasons to Hold Off: You Expect Rates to Drop: If there's strong indication that rates will fall due to recession fears or easing inflation, waiting could save money. You're Not Ready to Act: If your closing is still months away or you're just shopping around, locking too early may be premature (and rate locks often have time limits and fees) tune in and learn more at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
Recent research from the Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College of Financial Services highlights a significant disconnect between Americans' increasing life expectancy and their financial preparedness for retirement. As more individuals are living into their 90s and beyond, many are at risk of outliving their savings due to inadequate planning. Key Findings Longevity Risk : The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the number of Americans living to 100 will quadruple by 2054. However, only 29% of Americans express a desire to live that long, primarily due to concerns about declining health and financial insecurity. Underestimating Lifespan : A significant portion of Americans underestimate their potential lifespan. Only 27% could accurately estimate the average longevity of a 65-year-old, leading to insufficient retirement planning. Financial Literacy Gaps : The Retirement Income Literacy Study reveals that many older Americans lack knowledge in key areas such as Social Security, investments, and longevity planning, which are crucial for retirement readiness. Delayed Retirement : Economic uncertainties, including inflation and market volatility, have led 76% of surveyed individuals to consider delaying retirement to ensure financial stability. Business Recommendation To address these challenges, experts suggest: Longevity Planning : Incorporate realistic life expectancy estimates into retirement planning to ensure savings last throughout one's lifetime. Financial Education : Enhance understanding of retirement-related financial topics, including Social Security benefits and investment strategies. Guaranteed Income Streams : Consider products like annuities that provide a steady income to mitigate the risk of outliving savings. Professional Guidance : Work with financial advisors to develop comprehensive retirement plans tailored to individual needs and longevity expectations. Also look and see what a Reverse Mortgage can help with as well Didier Malagies nmls212566 DDA Mortgage nmls324329
I do Residential Mortgages in the State of Florida only, that is where I am licensed. Most of my business is from Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco County. I am doing more loans all over the State as time goes on. I love to go to my closings and will drive up to 1 hour to be there at your closing. I do Fnma/FHMC, FHA, VA, C/p, Nonqm mortgages. On the Commercial side the whole Country is open and if you are having difficulty with your lender and not going anywhere, go to www.ddamortgage.com and complete a form and I will get back with you. Technology has made it so easy to help get your mortgage processed and closed I am always available to help out and I answer your questions and teach you along the way tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
