FHFA Issues Final Rule on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Duty to Serve Underserved Markets

On December 13, 2016, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued a final rule implementing the Duty to Serve provisions mandated by the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).  The statute established a duty for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to serve three underserved markets: manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation and rural housing.  The intent of the provisions is to increase the liquidity of mortgage investments and improve distribution of investment capital available for mortgage financing for very low-, low- and moderate-income families in the manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation and rural housing markets. Press Release. Final Rule.