ICBA urges delay in GSE product restrictions

ICBA and other groups called on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and FHFA Director Mark Calabria to delay product and program restrictions for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Background: The restrictions are included in a recent amendment to the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements between Treasury and the government-sponsored enterprises. They include a volume cap on sales through the GSE cash window and purchase restrictions on loans on second homes, on investment properties, and with certain higher-risk characteristics.

Impact: As the groups noted in their joint letter, the changes would disrupt the housing market and limit access to affordable mortgage credit, particularly for low- and moderate-income or minority borrowers.

ICBA Position: The groups urged the agencies to delay implementation of these restrictions and remove them from the PSPAs. They also called for increased transparency and a detailed analysis on how PSPA changes would affect market liquidity and LMI borrowers.