Fannie Mae recently announced an expanded policy regarding multiple mortgages to the same borrower. To help support the recovery of the housing market, Fannie Mae is increasing its limit from four loans per borrower when the mortgage being delivered to Fannie Mae is secured by an investment property or second home, to a maximum of 10, for high-credit quality investors.

Eligibility and underwriting requirements include a minimum FICO score of 720 and 70 to75 percent maximum loan-to-value (LTV)/combined loan-to-value (CLTV)/home equity combined loan-to-value (HCLTV), depending on the transaction and type of property. The requirements apply to any investment property or second home loans being delivered to Fannie Mae, regardless of whether Fannie Mae is the investor on the borrower's other mortgages.

C.A.R. and NAR are working with Freddie Mac and are hopeful it will follow Fannie Mae by adopting the same policy changes. We will continue to keep you updated on policy changes and legislation regarding the housing market recovery.