Lenders Tighten Rules

Charleston Post and Courier (08/20/08); Zibel, Alan
The turmoil surrounding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's decline has had four consequences for borrowers: limited loan choices, steeper interest rates, larger down payments and more fees and closing costs. Lenders that must satisfy the increasingly tighter requirements of the two government-sponsored enterprises are now demanding everything from bank statements to large cash reserves to second appraisals before approving a loan to refinance a house. Borrowers are paying higher rates and fees because both GSEs are attempting to boost revenue and stem losses. Earlier this month, for instance, Fannie Mae vowed to double the fee it charges lenders and brokers to 0.5 percent from 0.25 percent, starting on Oct. 1.