| Title: | Freddie Mac Announces Operational Changes For Purchasing Delinquent Loans From Mortgage PCs |
| Source: | Freddie Mac |
| Date: | 12/10/2007 |
Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) announced today that the company will generally purchase mortgages that are 120 days or more delinquent
from pools underlying Mortgage Participation Certificates ("PCs") when:
- the mortgages have been modified;
- a foreclosure sale occurs;
- the mortgages are delinquent for 24 months; ,or
- the cost of guarantee payments to security holders, including advances of interest at the security coupon rate, exceeds the
cost of holding the nonperforming loans in its mortgage portfolio.
Freddie Mac had generally purchased mortgages from PC pools shortly after they reach 120 days delinquency. From time to time,
the company reevaluates its delinquent loan purchase practices and alters them if circumstances warrant.
Freddie Mac believes that the historical practice of purchasing loans from PC pools at 120 days does not reflect the pattern
of recovery for most delinquent loans, which more often cure or prepay rather than result in foreclosure. Allowing the loans
to remain in PC pools will provide a presentation of its financial results that better reflects Freddie Mac's expectations
for future credit losses. Taking this action will also have the effect of reducing the company's capital costs. The expected
reduction in capital costs will be partially offset by, but is expected to outweigh, greater expenses associated with delinquent
loans.