did they raise the conforming limits or not? And mortgage rates continue to worsen

As part of the economic stimulus package, an increase in the conforming limit could now be a reality, at least for

a brief period. Congress and President Bush agreed, but have not voted yet, on a 1-yr increase in the

conforming loan limit to $730K. There is not a lot of detail yet (there is confusion as to whether the $730K, or

$725, is for high cost housing areas, or everywhere, and just what high cost areas are?). Just when mortgage

originators everywhere were breaking out the Cold Duck, OFHEO's director James Lockhart (Office of Federal

Housing Enterprise Oversight, who oversees FNMA & FHLMC) issued a statement saying "We are very

disappointed in the proposal to increase the conforming loan limit as we believe it is a mistake to do so in the

absence of comprehensive GSE regulatory reform.  To restore confidence in the markets we must ensure that the

GSEs' regulator has all the necessary safety and soundness tools. Yesterday Chairman Dodd talked about

moving a GSE reform bill early this year.  We are ready to work with him and the Senate Banking Committee. 

We will also be working with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that any increase in the conforming loan limit

moves through their rigorous new product approval process quickly and has appropriate risk management

policies and capital in place."