Ginnie Mae launches 'last resort' coronavirus-related liquidity aid

Ginnie Mae will begin taking requests for assistance from issuers who, having exhausted all other options, are having trouble advancing borrowers' principal-and-interest payments to investors amid the pandemic.

Ginnie Mae revealed some details Friday of a promised program aimed at assisting issuers having trouble with their obligations due to the pandemic.

"This is an extraordinary and last resort option for issuers in these unprecedented times, that will enable them to continue to serve homeowners and renters in America who rely on the government mortgage programs financed by Ginnie Mae," Seth Appleton, Ginnie Mae principal executive vice president, said in the press release.

"As important, this program underscores Ginnie Mae's commitment to ensure timely payment of scheduled principal and interest to investors."

Issuers that need assistance with remittances due April 20 will need to apply by noon in the Eastern time zone on Monday.

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT: ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Five litre bottles of 70% hand sanitizing gels sit on the production line at Cleenol Group Ltd.'s factory in Banbury, U.K., on Friday, March 6, 2020. The stockpiling crisis that has hit supermarkets across Asia has spread to Europe as consumers start hoarding groceries and hygiene products amid fears of a coronavirus pandemic. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
Daniel Hood
May 12, 2020 9:00 AM

MACPA offers a guide to keeping staff safe and healthy when the time comes for them to return to the office.

1 Min Read
PSO50720LovellMinnickcorrectedtwo
John Adams
May 12, 2020 12:01 AM

Coronavirus has taken a massive toll on suppliers, and emerging invoice methods are getting thrust into the mainstream to rescue cash-strapped businesses.

4 Min Read
PwC building on Park Avenue in New York
PwC
Michael Cohn
May 11, 2020 5:52 PM

Employees are worried about whether they can return to work safely.

6 Min Read

As anticipated, Ginnie will offer relief through a new version of the Pass-Through Assistance Program it uses to support issuers during natural disasters. An unspecified fixed rate of interest will apply to a given month’s pass-through assistance to all issuers.

Smaller mortgage lenders were heartened by the initial details released about the program.

Advertisement

"The Community Home Lenders Association commends Ginnie Mae for its continued progress in putting in place its PTAP advance program, to provide a liquidity backstop to deal with the significant increase in advance demands resulting from COVID-19 and the new federal forbearance option," Scott Olson, executive director of the Community Home Lenders Association, said in a press release.

"We are particularly appreciative that there will be a fixed, uniform interest rate, so smaller lenders will be treated equally, as well the treatment in which servicers can participate without being held in default."

Ginnie plans to post the rate for financing obtained under the program online on the second business day of each month and can still declare issuers in default if they don't fulfill other responsibilities under their contracts.