Blogs

Adverse Market Refinance Fee Eliminated

Published Jul. 16, 2021

As of today, Friday July 16th, 2021, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has eliminated the Adverse Market Refinance Fee.  Homeowners still seeking to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates may now be able to save even more money through a refinance.

The Adverse Market Refinance Fee was a 50-basis point fee added to refinanced mortgages.  The purpose of the fee was to cover expected economic losses related to the coronavirus pandemic.  Acting FHFA Director, Sandra L. Thomas, said in a statement, “Eliminating the Adverse Market Refinance Fee will help families take advantage of the low-rate environment to save more money.  Today's action furthers FHFA's priority of supporting affordable housing while simultaneously protecting the safety and soundness of the Enterprises.”

A mortgage refinance could be an opportunity for many homeowners to lower their monthly mortgage payment with a lower rate or by removing mortgage insurance.  In some cases, homeowners can use a cash-out refinance to fund other investments like a home remodel or consolidate high interest debt.  With the elimination of the adverse market refinance fee, the refinance process is now an even more affordable option.

If you have any questions about a mortgage refinance and what your options are, please let us know.  

 

Sources: FHFA.gov

Resources & Insights

Related Content

Market Update: Rates Fall, NAHB Housing Market Index, Housing Starts & Building Permits, and Existing Home Sales

Last week, mortgage rates fell to some of their lowest levels in months after the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the removal of the Adverse Market Refinance Fee. As of last Friday, lenders no longer have to pay a fee amounting to 0.5% of every refinance. “Santa Claus has come early for homeowners looking to refinance their mortgages,” said Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst.

Market Update: Rates Drop Sharply, Coming Up This Week: New Home Sales, Case-Shiller Home Price Index, and the FOMC Meeting

Mortgage rates continued to drop last week in reaction to the Adverse Market Refinance Fee removal. An additional influence on the rate trend was the significant improvement in the bond market. The combination of these two factors pushed rates for the average lender to their lowest range since February. There are also several important reports scheduled for release this week that could have an impact on rates and the housing market.

Mortgage Trends That Will Define Housing During the End of 2021

Throughout real estate history, mortgage trends have commonly corresponded with the overall trends in the housing market. If mortgage rates are improving, then it’s likely that the real estate industry is doing the same. For the remainder of 2021, there are three key trends that will have an impact on the industry – inventory issues, fluctuating interest rates, and increased technological advances.

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in Retirement?

By the time you retire, your finances should be pretty consistent, which is why the thought of making a large financial move like refinancing can be intimidating to some. However, refinancing when you’re retired can bring you similar benefits to when you were still working, and can be a smart financial move for many.