WASHINGTON — USMI issued the following statement on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) announcements to further adjust the government-sponsored enterprises’ (GSEs or Enterprises), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, upfront fees for certain loan purposes and risk attributes:

“Overall, FHFA’s review of upfront pricing in the conventional mortgage market will have a positive impact and result in savings and cost reductions for many low down payment borrowers served by private MI. USMI applauds the FHFA and Director Thompson for taking a measured and prudent approach to identifying areas where upfront costs could be adjusted, and for many reduced, while maintaining a commitment to strong risk management.

“The private MI industry has a 65-year history of facilitating affordable access to low down payment lending. USMI has long advocated for recognition of the strength of the first loss benefit that private MI provides and appreciates FHFA’s thoughtful approach to strategically reduce the redundant costs to borrowers of loan level price adjustments. USMI looks forward to continuing to work with FHFA, the GSEs, and other industry stakeholders in support of clear, consistent, and coordinated housing finance policies that best serve all home-ready consumers and protect taxpayers from undue credit risk.”

USMI has previously called for FHFA to reexamine and reform g-fees, particularly loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs), in numerous letters and columns. In October, USMI commended FHFA on its ongoing review of GSE pricing.

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U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI) is dedicated to a housing finance system backed by private capital that enables access to affordable and sustainable housing finance for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Mortgage insurance offers an effective way to make mortgage credit available to more people. USMI is ready to help build the future of homeownership. Learn more at www.usmi.org.