An article in the Sunday paper of the Contra Costa Times, written by Kenneth Harney (Nation’s Housing), writes about a loophole in the new lending regulations, allowing them to not give a good faith estimate upon a new loan application. http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_14193760?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com
He suggests that loan brokers are taking advantage of this “mistake” in the new regulations, to not disclose fees. However, it appears that this is another example of the unintended consequence of new laws, once again turning out to be counter-productive. Read the rest of this entry »
Question: How do you guarantee borrowers will not default on their loans?
Answer: Don’t loan them money! Is this where we’re going?
It seems that government regulators have decided that the activities of real estate practitioners have contributed to the economic downturn. Many changes to the industry can be expected as a result. Read the rest of this entry »
On July 30, 2009, a new law is being implemented by loan regulators, which has increased disclosure requirements for lenders. It is called the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act. (MDIA) The intent of this bill is to tighten up lender disclosures (from application to closing), so there will be no surprises while signing the closing loan documents. While the goals of this rule seem laudable, it may have some unforeseen consequences. Read the rest of this entry »
For as long as I’ve been in the real estate business (23 years), conventional mortgage loans were seen as the best (purchase) financing available, by sellers and listing agents for predictability and odds to close. Government loans (FHA / VA) were view as slower, more cumbersome, and costly to the seller, as compared to conventional loans. Could this have suddenly changed? Read the rest of this entry »
Update regarding $8000 Tax Credit (See Below) – “This seemed to good to be true”. Read the rest of this entry »
For weeks, the subject of HUD allowing buyers to use the $8000 Federal tax credit for FHA money down and closing costs, was bandied about, with no real expectation it would actually become a reality. Read the rest of this entry »
