Resources
FHFA Report to Congress 2019
On June 15, 2020, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued this report highlighting the actions the agency has taken related to the COVID-19 National Emergency. The document also provides an organizational overview of FHFA, discusses Dr. Calabria’s legislative recommendations, and reports on FHFA’s annual examinations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
NCSHA Comments on FHFA’s FHLB Housing Goals Proposed Rule
NCSHA submitted this letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency on January 31, 2019, to respond to its October 29, 2018, proposed rule to amend the affordable housing goals for the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Coalition Letter to HUD Secretary Regarding FHA Policy on Lender COVID-19 Forbearance Indemnification
On June 9, 2020, NCSHA and several other housing organizations, representing a broad cross-section of the housing and financial services industries, wrote HUD Secretary Carson to express their concern with the recently announced Federal Housing Administration (FHA) policy requiring lenders to provide 20 percent indemnification (of the original loan amount) for up to two years to borrowers in forbearance due to COVID-19-related hardship after closing and prior to FHA insuring their loans.
Mayors’ Letter to Congress Urging Enactment of Housing Credit Provisions in the Next Coronavirus Relief Legislation
On June 1, 2020, 67 mayors sent this letter to congressional leadership urging them to enact a minimum 4 percent Housing Credit rate and lower the 50 percent test in the next coronavirus relief legislation. The ACTION Campaign, co-chaired by NCSHA and Enterprise Community Partners, coordinated the letter.
IRS Notice 2020-39 Extends Deadlines, Provides Guidance on Opportunity Zone Investment in Response to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRS Notice 2020-39 extends the deadline to invest in a Qualified Opportunity Fund until December 31, 2020, for all taxpayers if the 180th day after a capital gain is recognized between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. This notice also provides guidance on the 30-month substantial improvement test, the working capital safe harbor, the 12-month reinvestment period for Opportunity Funds, and other program requirements.
HUD Update on Allocation of CARES Act Funding for Section 8 PBRA
On May 28, 2020, HUD announced it would complete funding actions to provide $800 million of CARES Act supplemental appropriations to approximately 16,500 properties with Section 8 project-based rental assistance contracts to maintain normal operations. These resources, in addition to amounts appropriated under the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations act, will help compensate owners for decreased tenant rent payments resulting from reduced tenant income. They also will accommodate increases in vacancy payment claims that may occur due to COVID-19-related delays in moving in new tenants.
Wyden Press Release on Affordable Housing Priorities for Next COVID-19 Relief Package
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) today announced that he will press to include Housing Credit enhancements in the next coronavirus relief bill, including many of NCSHA’s priorities. Senator Wyden’s priorities for the next bill include suspending Housing Credit compliance requirements and deadlines for 12 months, as NCSHA has requested of IRS; setting a minimum 4 percent rate for bond-financed properties and other changes to augment equity in those deals; closing the Qualified Contract loophole; providing resources to help Housing Credit property owners if tenants are unable to pay their rents; allowing investors to begin receiving credits on time, even if properties are struggling with lease-up; and providing additional support to properties that serve extremely low-income households, including those who are formerly homeless, to cover the costs of services.
FHFA Summary of Draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Relating to Enterprise Capital Standards
When FHFA released the draft of its lengthy notice of proposed rulemaking for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac capital requirements, it also provided this Fact Sheet summary document.
FHFA Announcement of Refinance and Home Purchase Eligibility for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Borrowers
As part of its response to the coronavirus national emergency, FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae will, temporarily, purchase loans originated to borrowers in forbearance, and that enhanced due diligence will be required to do so.
