On July 9, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the extension of several loan origination flexibilities put in place to assist borrowers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, FHFA has extended until August 31, the following provisions: “(i) alternative appraisals on purchase and rate term refinance loans; (ii) alternative methods for documenting income and verifying employment before loan closing; and (iii) expanding the use of power of attorney and remote online notarizations to assist with loan closings.” The extensions are reflected in updates to Fannie Mae Lender Letters LL-2020-03 and LL 2020-04 and Freddie Mac Guide Bulletin 2020-27.