Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are preparing to impose stricter rules for commercial-property lenders and brokers following a crackdown on fraud. The new regulations are expected to increase due diligence and verification processes across the commercial real estate (CRE) lending industry. This move aims to root out mortgage fraud and ensure the use of reputable brokers. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is overseeing these changes, which are anticipated to have significant ripple effects throughout the industry. Notably, Meridian and Berkadia have been mentioned in the context of these new rules, which will also impact multifamily loan fraud.