Legal and Regulatory Updates - Optimal Blue and nearly 30 originators are facing a lawsuit for alleged price collusion, with spreads reported at 2.68 basis points higher than competitors, impacting millions of borrowers [1] - The IRS is expected to furlough 50 percent of its employees, which may affect audit rates [1] Mortgage Industry Developments - The mortgage industry is evolving with a focus on mastering eNotes, highlighted by the MERS® eNote Success Webinar Series, which provides insights from industry leaders [3] - Fannie Mae will replace minimum credit score requirements with Desktop Underwriter®'s proprietary credit risk assessment starting in November [8] - Updates to the Fannie Mae Servicing Guide include changes for temporary interest rate buydown plans and revised Payment Reminder Notice requirements [9][12] Conforming Loan Limits - Rate has increased its conforming loan limit to $819,000 for select products, with Alaska and Hawaii limits raised to $1,228,500 [15] - United Wholesale Mortgage has also raised its conforming loan limit from $806,500 to $819,000, anticipating a 1.5% increase in FHFA's baseline for 2026 [17] - JMAC Lending has locked in new conforming loan limits for 2026, with $819,000 for one unit and higher limits for multi-unit properties [19] Market Insights and Trends - The U.S. Treasury experienced a weak auction for a $39 billion 10-year note reopening, with a flatter yield curve following the selloff [25] - Fed minutes from the September meeting indicated a more hawkish stance than expected, with discussions on further rate cuts [26] - Jobless claims and wholesale inventories are delayed due to the partial government shutdown, impacting the economic calendar [27]