Blogs
The Marriage of Security and Privacy
In 2026, the integration of security and privacy is no longer optional. Explore how NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 unifies controls, eliminates silos, and helps organizations streamline GDPR, CCPA, and cyber resilience efforts for stronger data protection and compliance.
Appraisal Modernization: Speeding Up the Pipeline: Blog 4 of 4
Trump's March 2026 Executive Order on Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit modernizes appraisals with AI valuation tools, desktop and hybrid appraisals, and streamlined processes for low-risk loans. This final installment in The Commonwealth Group's series breaks down how these changes cut weeks off closings, reduce costs, distinguish habitability from cosmetic repairs for FHA/VA loans, and boost efficiency for buyers, sellers, lenders, and builders amid the 2026 housing affordability push. Industry leaders from the Appraisal Institute, MBA, and NAR applaud the tech-driven reforms.
The Digital Shift: Streamlining the Closing Table: Blog 3 of 4
Discover how President Trump’s March 2026 Executive Order on Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit drives digital mortgage modernization. Part Three explores eliminating wet signatures, standardizing remote online notarization (RON), e-signatures, e-notes, and streamlining the right to rescission - making closings faster, cheaper, and fully digital for borrowers, lenders, and community banks in 2026.
Deep Dive: Capital and Liquidity Alignment for Smaller Banks: Blog 2 of 4
Explore how President Trump's March 2026 Executive Order on Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit unlocks capital and liquidity for community banks and smaller lenders. Dive into tailored risk weights for portfolio mortgages, MSR adjustments, FHLB-Fed integration, and targeted programs boosting entry-level housing and first-time homebuyers amid 2026 mortgage market trends.
Underwriting the "Vacation" Reality: Spotting Occupancy Red Flags
Discover key red flags in occupancy fraud for second homes vs investment properties in 2026. Learn how expert contract underwriting spots proximity issues, financial inconsistencies, and insurance tells to prevent mortgage fraud and ensure Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac compliance amid rising risks.
The Predictive Edge: Why Cybersecurity is the Next Frontier for Mortgage Risk Managers
Discover how mortgage risk managers can leverage predictive analytics and regression models to master cybersecurity risk in 2026. Treat network security as a "digital credit score" for proactive breach prevention, optimized resource allocation, and cyber resilience in lending.
Breaking Down the New "Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit" Executive Order: Blog 1 of 4
Discover how President Trump's March 2026 Executive Order "Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit" slashes Dodd-Frank burdens, boosts community bank lending, modernizes appraisals with AI, and enhances mortgage affordability for homebuyers, lenders, and builders in today's evolving housing market.
Non-Occupant Co-Borrowers: Fannie Mae vs. Freddie Mac
Explore 2026 Fannie Mae vs Freddie Mac non-occupant co-borrower guidelines: Compare LTV limits up to 95%, DTI blending via DU, Home Possible program perks, and how family co-signers boost qualification in today's housing market with rising "Bank of Mom and Dad" support.
Defense in Depth: Redundancy is your Friend
Discover why defense-in-depth is essential for robust cybersecurity. Layered redundancies turn single points of failure into resilient barriers, protecting your business from phishing, malware, and breaches—even when one layer fails.
Unlocking Equity: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Cash-Out Refinance Requirements
Navigate 2026 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cash-out refinance rules, including 12-month seasoning and max LTV limits (80% primary, 75% second/investment). Discover how The Commonwealth Group's expert contract underwriting and processing help lenders close compliant loans faster.
Navigating the Differences Between Condos and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) Lending
Explore key differences between condominiums and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) in ownership, HOA rules, and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac lending guidelines. Learn how these impact mortgage eligibility, project reviews, and financing options for buyers and lenders.
Power of Attorney Requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgages
Discover Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Power of Attorney requirements for mortgage closings: eligibility, notarization, restrictions, hardship exceptions & compliance tips.
Yes, Virginia, There IS A Link Between Cybersecurity and Fair Lending Compliance
Discover how cybersecurity directly impacts fair lending compliance in mortgages. From data integrity to vendor risks and system availability, protect against disparate impact violations under ECOA and FHA.
Unlocking Affordable Homeownership: Manufactured Housing Lending with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Learn how Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac make manufactured housing more affordable with MH Advantage®, CHOICEHome®, up to 97% LTV, 3% down payments, and Duty to Serve programs. Guide for lenders on real-estate-titled loans.
Freddie Mac Information Security Requirements
Explore Freddie Mac's information security requirements categorized into administrative, technical, and operational controls for defense-in-depth. Expert insights from CISSP Kevin Robinson on building a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for Seller/Servicers.
Fannie Mae Information Security Requirements
Explore Fannie Mae's 14 key information security domains in the Business Resiliency Supplement. Learn how administrative, technical, and operational controls protect sensitive borrower data for lenders and servicers.
Matters of Trust: Mortgage Lending and Properties Held in a Trust
Can a trust hold title to a mortgaged home? In 2026, revocable living trusts are widely accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA & VA. Explore rules, docs needed & how The Commonwealth Group helps lenders.
The Economic Edge: Why Contract Mortgage Processing Beats Traditional In-House Methods
Discover why contract mortgage processing outperforms in-house methods in 2026: up to 40%+ cost savings, effortless scalability, expert efficiency, and reduced risks. See how The Commonwealth Group delivers onshore, flexible solutions.
Navigating Mortgage Approval: Job Stability vs. Income Stability
Explore the key differences between job stability and income stability in mortgage approval. Learn how lenders evaluate them and how The Commonwealth Group helps streamline underwriting for reliable outcomes.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are Serious about Cybersecurity Regs
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now enforcing strict cybersecurity and information security requirements on all seller/servicers. Learn the deadlines, what’s required, and how The Commonwealth Group helps mortgage companies comply- before it’s too late.