Market update: FHFA eliminates Adverse Market Refinance Fee

By Craig Wales on 7/16/2021

FHFA removes Adverse Market Refinance Fee, potentially saving borrowers money

In a great move for homeowners looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Friday eliminated the Adverse Market Refinance Fee. This 50-basis point fee had been put in place on December 1, 2020, with the goal of reducing the risk that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were taking on with the surge in refinances during the pandemic last year.

Adverse Market refinance fee comes to an end

Lenders will no longer be charged the fee when they deliver refinanced mortgages to Fannie and Freddie starting in August 2021. The hope is that the elimination of the fee will help families take advantage of the current low mortgage rates and save money each month.

Said FHFA Acting Director Sandra Thompson, “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,” referring to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Here’s why it matters

Removing this fee makes it less expensive for lenders, like Rate, to help you refinance your home loan. That’s good news for anyone who might be considering a refinance, especially considering that national average rates on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage just dropped to 2.88% last week according to Freddie Mac.*

This decision also is one of the first actions taken by President Biden’s administration after removing the previous head of the FHFA, Trump-appointed Director Mark Calabria. It hints at an approach to housing policy focused on helping families save money.

Here’s how we can help

Now is still a great time to refinance your loan, and Rate can help you take advantage of today’s historically low rates. Reach out to one of our loan officers or start your refinance application online to lock in your rate, before closing your refinance in August after the fee has been officially phased out.

*National average rates are not advertised rates. Contact Rate for up-to-date rates and more information.

Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Rate for current rates and for more information.