GTG Weekly Guideline Alert 2026-10-12

• Freddie Bulletin 2026-13: ACE appraisal waivers now on investment property refis (effective immediately). ACE and ACE+ PDR appraisal waivers are now possible on investment property refis — previously ineligible. Also in the bulletin: solar panels with a UCC-1 filing — a solar endorsement on the title policy can now satisfy the requirement instead of subordinating or releasing the UCC-1 (CA-relevant). Plus Freddie condo flood master-coverage rules take effect Dec 6, 2026. LO action: check ACE/ACE+ eligibility on investor refis before ordering an appraisal; loop in title early on any financed-solar deal. (appraisals library)
• UWM drops minimum credit scores across agency products. The automated approval (DU/LPA) now decides — published minimums are gone. Also: UWM FHA/VA LLPA changes. LO action: run the AUS and price per the findings; reprice UWM FHA/VA files under the new LLPAs. (credit scores library)
• FHA: when the new credit scores land Jan 1, 2027, the LOWEST score controls (ML 2026-11 / INFO 2026-24). The MDCS methodology applies — no picking the best score. LO action: underwrite FHA files to the low score. (credit scores library)
• Also this week: Fannie SEL-2026-09 adds verbal VOE flexibility. UAD 3.6 DELAYED — Fannie/Freddie are granting waivers to sellers who can’t hit Nov 2, extending the mandate to May 2027. Nov 2 technically stands — no waiver means noncompliant. Some lenders are implementing now anyway. LO action: confirm the lender’s accepted format BEFORE ordering. (DU/AUS library)
• CA Law Watch: AB 801 (DFPI fair lending exams) and AB 2050 (HOA reserve funding) — both effective Jan 1, 2027.
• Lender notes: SpringEQ promos run through Oct 31; PRMG/Kind Columbus Day schedules in effect (Oct 12); NDM departing-residence guidance updated.

Watch dates: Oct 12 Columbus Day (no rescission/funding) · Oct 15 CA FAIR Plan +29.1% · Oct 22 UWM owner-occ refis CD out / Oct 26 close · Oct 27 UWM purchases and NOO refis CD out · Nov 2 UAD 3.6 (technically stands; waivers to May 2027) · Nov 30 DU older enhanced Findings reports sunset · Dec 1 Fannie rental income rules · Dec 6 Freddie condo flood master-coverage rules · Jan 1, 2027 FHA takes VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T; AB 801 + AB 2050 effective · Feb 3, 2027 Freddie asset income formula required · Nov 2026 ballot: $11.25B Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act.

Topics: appraisals, credit scores, DU/AUS

Full topic references: LO Library · Alert archive