Friday, September 28, 2012

Father and Son Charged With Fraudulent Foreclosure Scheme


Cf44d30f55145ac0f75027bb8ff8cb8f Father and Son Charged With Fraudulent Foreclosure Scheme
Investigators say the father, of Jackson, allegedly promised to bail out homeowners from foreclosure but instead...

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

NYTimes: An Enigma in the Mortgage Market That Elevates Rates

From The New York Times:

DEALBOOK: An Enigma in the Mortgage Market That Elevates Rates

A 30-year mortgage with a 2.8 percent interest rate could already exist, but something in the banking system is holding it back. And right now, few agree on what that "something" is.

http://nyti.ms/NzJaE7

Monday, August 20, 2012

NYTimes: Cautious Moves on Foreclosures Haunting Obama

From The New York Times:

A MEASURE OF CHANGE: Cautious Moves on Foreclosures Haunting Obama

President Obama's response to the housing crisis was deliberately subdued, and some economists believe stronger action could have softened the economic impact.

http://nyti.ms/NzRZyF

Saturday, August 18, 2012

NYTimes: Consumer Bureau Seeks to Make Mortgage Fees Clearer

From The New York Times:

Consumer Bureau Seeks to Make Mortgage Fees Clearer

Under proposed rules, creditors could continue offering certain loans as long as they also provide consumers a loan option with no fees or points attached.

http://nyti.ms/SyhUDi

Thursday, August 9, 2012

NYTimes: With Rates Low, Banks Increase Mortgage Profit

From The New York Times:

DEALBOOK: With Rates Low, Banks Increase Mortgage Profit

Bundling mortgages and selling them to investors is helping banks make big profits even as they charge lower interest rates.

http://nyti.ms/NkiUuk

Sunday, July 15, 2012

NYTimes: Here Comes the Catch in Home Equity Loans

From The New York Times:

FAIR GAME: Here Comes the Catch in Home Equity Loans

The easy terms of many home equity lines of credit are about to end, as borrowers will have to start paying principal as well as interest.

http://nyti.ms/OlLBob

Thursday, June 28, 2012

NYTimes: After Years of False Hopes, Signs of a Turn in Housing

From The New York Times:

After Years of False Hopes, Signs of a Turn in Housing

Roughly six years after the housing market began its longest and deepest slide since the Great Depression, home sales and an increase in sales prices indicate that the market is recovering.

http://nyti.ms/Ozrl9b

Saturday, May 26, 2012

NYTimes: Hope and Frustration in New U.S. Effort to Help Homeowners

YOUR MONEY: Hope and Frustration in New U.S. Effort to Help Homeowners

Despite some problems with lenders, a new version of the HARP federal refinancing program offers less restrictive rules — but the success of the program remains to be seen.

http://nyti.ms/MDY4Wk

Thursday, April 12, 2012

NYTimes: Treasury Faulted in Effort to Relieve Homeowners

From The New York Times:

Treasury Faulted in Effort to Relieve Homeowners

A report by the special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program said the Hardest Hit Fund has not reached many homeowners in need of aid.

http://nyti.ms/IUik1v

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NYTimes: Lenders Again Dealing Credit to Risky Clients

From The New York Times:

Lenders Again Dealing Credit to Risky Clients

With the financial industry recovering and fee income reduced by new regulations, lenders are seeking to woo back less creditworthy borrowers.

http://nyti.ms/HynmqH

Monday, April 9, 2012

NYTimes: Locking In Peace of Mind

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Locking In Peace of Mind

A lock-in agreement freezes the terms of a loan while it is being processed; this guarantee may be especially important for those refinancing.

http://nyti.ms/Hqj1Dg

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

NYTimes: Investors Are Looking to Buy Homes by the Thousands

From The New York Times:

Investors Are Looking to Buy Homes by the Thousands

With house prices still down, some large investors are creating huge portfolios by buying thousands of homes at deep discounts and then renting them out.

http://nyti.ms/H9JYb9

Saturday, March 31, 2012

NYTimes: Marriage Maintenance When Money Is Tight

From The New York Times:

YOUR MONEY: Marriage Maintenance When Money Is Tight

Married couples facing financial problems because of joblessness or foreclosure need not let their relationships dissolve in the process.

http://nyti.ms/HqXmIy

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

NYTimes: Sales of Existing Homes Fell in February

From The New York Times:

Sales of Existing Homes Fell in February

The National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index fell short of the gain that economists expected.

http://nyti.ms/GRM42B

Saturday, March 24, 2012

NYTimes: Weak Sales In Housing; Prices Rise

From The New York Times:

Weak Sales In Housing; Prices Rise

The Commerce Department said Friday that new-home sales dropped 1.6 percent last month. Sales have fallen nearly 7 percent since December.

http://nyti.ms/GITpjz

Friday, March 16, 2012

S.E.C. Appears Poised to Win Appeal in Citigroup Settlement

 A federal appeals court dealt a stinging rebuke on Thursday to Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the Federal District Court in New York, who last year rejected a Securities and Exchange Commission fraud settlement with Citigroup because the deal had allowed the company to avoid admitting any wrongdoing.

New York Times article: http://nyti.ms/zlUsXD

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

NYTimes: S.E.C. Charges Three Former Mortgage Executives With Fraud

From The New York Times:

DEALBOOK: S.E.C. Charges Three Former Mortgage Executives With Fraud

The agency says former executives at Thornburg Mortgage, once the nation's second-largest mortgage company after Countrywide Financial, hid the company's deteriorating financial condition at the onset of the financial crisis in 2008.

http://nyti.ms/wXII62

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

NYTimes: Bank Officials Cited in Churn of Foreclosures

From The New York Times:

Bank Officials Cited in Churn of Foreclosures

An extensive federal examination of banks' foreclosure practices found that managers ignored widespread errors ahead of the 2008 housing market collapse.

http://nyti.ms/zUXF8m

Sunday, March 11, 2012

NYTimes: Paying on Time

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Paying on Time

With so many homeowners still feeling pinched financially, it is crucial to understand and adhere to mortgage payment deadlines.

http://nyti.ms/yUXlSA

Got $100,000? Have a Cookie: Banks Try Luring the Top 10%

Wine and cheese in the vault. After-hours appointments to suit busy schedules. And loads of marble and mahogany with not a teller in sight.

New York Times article: http://nyti.ms/w4ObHG

Saturday, March 10, 2012

NYTimes: Executive Pay Capped at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

From The New York Times:

BUSINESS BRIEFING | REGULATORY NEWS: Executive Pay Capped at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac slashed salaries for the chief executives of the two agencies and ruled out bonuses for many top executives.

http://nyti.ms/zNHWvQ

NYTimes: Mortgage Crisis Inspires Churches to Send Lenten Season Message to Banks

From The New York Times:

ON RELIGION: Mortgage Crisis Inspires Churches to Send Lenten Season Message to Banks

Some churches across the country are withdrawing their holdings from Bank of America and other banks implicated in the mortgage crisis and urging repentence.

http://nyti.ms/zzcGfU

Friday, March 9, 2012

NYTimes: Bank of America Reaches Deal on Housing

From The New York Times:

Bank of America Reaches Deal on Housing

The bank will provide deeper-than-anticipated principal reductions for 200,000 homeowners under newly-disclosed terms of a foreclosure settlement with authorities.

http://nyti.ms/zPmVfm

Thursday, March 8, 2012

How Good is the Housing News?

How Good is the Housing News?

NYTimes Article: http://nyti.ms/xmYUel

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

NYTimes: Refinancing Fees Are Reduced for Some F.H.A. Borrowers

From The New York Times:

BUCKS BLOG: Refinancing Fees Are Reduced for Some F.H.A. Borrowers

The Obama administration announced a new initiative that would make refinancing less expensive for certain borrowers with mortgages through the Federal Housing Administration.

http://nyti.ms/zhwzin

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

NYTimes: States of Depression

From The New York Times:

OP-ED COLUMNIST: States of Depression

Cuts at the local and state levels are hobbling the recovery.

http://nyti.ms/xKBQZf

Monday, March 5, 2012

NYTimes: ‘Rehab’ Loans to the Rescue

From The New York Times:

IN THE REGION | NEW JERSEY: 'Rehab' Loans to the Rescue

A popular F.H.A. loan program that covers not only buying a home but renovating it, too.

http://nyti.ms/zVqNyF

NYTimes: A Hidden Fee Is Set to Rise

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: A Hidden Fee Is Set to Rise

An add-on rate known as the G-fee, or guarantee fee, will increase 10 basis points this spring.

http://nyti.ms/Ang0QA

NYTimes: 0.2% Interest? You Bet We’ll Complain

From The New York Times:

FAIR GAME: 0.2% Interest? You Bet We'll Complain

Rock-bottom interest rates shore up big banks, but they punish savers — and look likely to keep doing so for quite some time.

http://nyti.ms/w4HtQx

Saturday, March 3, 2012

NYTimes: Home Prices Declined to New Lows in 2011

From The New York Times:

OFF THE CHARTS: Home Prices Declined to New Lows in 2011

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index, which seemed to show a recovery in home prices in 2009, descended to a new depths in 2011.

http://nyti.ms/zqKcXn

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

NYTimes: Credit Sesame Offers New Mortgage-Comparison Tool

From The New York Times:

BUCKS BLOG: Credit Sesame Offers New Mortgage-Comparison Tool

Does an adjustable rate make sense? What about a 15-year loan? Is refinancing worth the upfront costs? A new tool aims to help.

http://nyti.ms/y75PF8

NYTimes: House Votes to Restrict Use of Eminent Domain

From The New York Times:

NATIONAL BRIEFING | WASHINGTON: House Votes to Restrict Use of Eminent Domain

The House sought Tuesday to undercut a 2005 Supreme Court ruling that gives state and local governments eminent domain authority to seize private property for economic development projects.

http://nyti.ms/Aujj3q

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Article: Foreclosure in credit history means waiting years for a new loan | Daily Record | dailyrecord.com


Foreclosure in credit history means waiting years for a new loan | Daily Record | dailyrecord.com
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20120227/NJBIZ/302270034/1005/rss


NYTimes: Pressure Grows on Fannie and Freddie to Reduce Principal on Some Loans

From The New York Times:

Pressure Grows on Fannie and Freddie to Reduce Principal on Some Loans

Proponents of debt forgiveness note that roughly one out of five Americans owes more on a home than it is worth, and that negative equity totals almost $700 billion.

http://nyti.ms/yyNMoe

NYTimes: Buyers Face Higher Fees at F.H.A.

From The New York Times:

Buyers Face Higher Fees at F.H.A.

The Federal Housing Administration will increase two fees charged to borrowers as it tries to bolster its finances and attract private lenders back to the mortgage market.

http://nyti.ms/xTR18F

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Washington Post: Business is humming for Fannie Mae

Business is humming for Fannie Mae

http://wapo.st/zK7E8z


Article: Lawsuit Accuses Company Of Foreclosure Rescue Scam - Local News Story - KESQ Palm Springs


Lawsuit Accuses Company Of Foreclosure Rescue Scam - Local News Story - KESQ Palm Springs
http://www.kesq.com/news/30546199/detail.html


NYTimes: HSBC Profit Rises on Demand from Emerging Markets

From The New York Times:

DEALBOOK: HSBC Profit Rises on Demand from Emerging Markets

HSBC Holdings, one of Europe's biggest banks, said that its profit rose 27 percent last year, to $16.8 billion, in part because of greater demand for loans in the developing world.

http://nyti.ms/ACB93C

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Washington Post: Bank of America and mortgages

Bank of America and mortgages

http://wapo.st/wmCFSB


The Washington Post: Buffett admits being ‘dead wrong' on timing of housing recovery but remains optimistic overall

Buffett admits being 'dead wrong' on timing of housing recovery but remains optimistic overall
http://wapo.st/wVJkqj


NYTimes: Points Lose Favor

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Points Lose Favor

A trend away from points, which buy down the interest rate in exchange for an upfront fee, reflects borrower sentiment that rates are already low enough, industry experts say.

http://nyti.ms/zeNynl

Saturday, February 25, 2012

NYTimes: Small Companies Create More Jobs? Maybe Not

From The New York Times:

OFF THE CHARTS: Small Companies Create More Jobs? Maybe Not

Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that since 1990, large companies have had the most job growth, though small-company employment tends to be more stable.

http://nyti.ms/xiEb6D

NYTimes: Rents Keep Rising, Even as Housing Prices Fall

From The New York Times:

Rents Keep Rising, Even as Housing Prices Fall

With few rental buildings erected over the last few years, available units are going fast, with the nationwide vacancy rate at its lowest level in more than a decade.

http://nyti.ms/wAXtnB

Friday, February 24, 2012

NYTimes: Bank of America Breaks With Fannie Mae

From The New York Times:

Bank of America Breaks With Fannie Mae

The bank's move represents a major escalation in a protracted legal battle over how many defaulted mortgages Bank of America will have to buy back from Fannie.

http://nyti.ms/wq1Uuo

Thursday, February 23, 2012

NYTimes: Florida Weighs a Measure to Ease Way to Foreclosure

From The New York Times:

Florida Weighs a Measure to Ease Way to Foreclosure

Legislation in a state with one-fourth of the nation's foreclosures has met opposition from homeowners.

http://nyti.ms/y98JLu

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Louisville home sales up in January | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120221/BUSINESS/302210068/Louisville-home-sales-up-January

NYTimes: Consumer Inquiry Focuses on Bank Overdraft Fees

From The New York Times:

Consumer Inquiry Focuses on Bank Overdraft Fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it would look into whether banks misled customers about the fees.

http://nyti.ms/yCx41I

NYTimes: Legal Fees Mount at Fannie and Freddie

From The New York Times:

Legal Fees Mount at Fannie and Freddie

As expenses rise, there are new calls to limit the costs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and outlays for defending its former executives.

http://nyti.ms/wZsCfz

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

NYTimes: Some Doubt a Settlement Will End Mortgage Ills

From The New York Times:

Some Doubt a Settlement Will End Mortgage Ills

Housing advocates are skeptical that new rules will provide underwater borrowers with a single point of contact to help them navigate the mortgage maze.

http://nyti.ms/w7iTvT

Monday, February 20, 2012

Article: Simplified mortgage statements proposed | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com


Simplified mortgage statements proposed | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120220/BIZ01/202200310/1001/rss21


NYTimes: Loan Modifications

From The New York Times:

LETTER: Loan Modifications

Bank delays can increase the cost of modified loans, a lawyer who assists homeowners writes.

http://nyti.ms/xZdgkG

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Friday, February 17, 2012

NYTimes: What Homeowners Need Now

From The New York Times:

EDITORIAL | THE FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT: What Homeowners Need Now

Foreclosure relief should include mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which hold roughly 30 million mortgage loans.

http://nyti.ms/x90mAk

NYTimes: Collection and Credit Firms Facing Broad New Oversight

From The New York Times:

DEALBOOK: Collection and Credit Firms Facing Broad New Oversight

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule that would allow the agency to supervise two significant corners of the financial industry that until now have largely evaded federal scrutiny.

http://nyti.ms/wEDiim

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Article: Foreclosure activity edges higher in January | KING5.com Seattle


Foreclosure activity edges higher in January | KING5.com Seattle
http://www.king5.com/news/business/139416208.html


Article: FHA Lists 50 Counties With Highest Default Rates | FHA Mortgage


FHA Lists 50 Counties With Highest Default Rates | FHA Mortgage
http://fhamortgagemag.com/2012/02/fha-lists-50-counties-with-highest-default-rates/


NYTimes: Cuba Unleashes the Pent-Up Energy of Real Estate Dreams

From The New York Times:

HAVANA JOURNAL: Cuba Unleashes the Pent-Up Energy of Real Estate Dreams

Cubans are injecting money into real estate, spurred by government measures to stimulate construction and a new law that allows property trades for the first time in 50 years.

http://nyti.ms/xDlK3D

NYTimes: Audit Uncovers Extensive Flaws in Foreclosures

From The New York Times:

Audit Uncovers Extensive Flaws in Foreclosures

The findings of San Francisco county officials suggest how pervasive irregularities may be across the nation.

http://nyti.ms/w5dYNt

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Washington Post: FHA a beneficiary in mortgage settlement


FHA a beneficiary in mortgage settlement
http://wapo.st/wDwzPY


NYTimes: For California, Attorney General Insisted on Better Terms in Foreclosure Deal

From The New York Times:

For California, Attorney General Insisted on Better Terms in Foreclosure Deal

Kamala D. Harris took a hard line in negotiations with banks, but faced increasing pressure from the White House to reach a deal.

http://nyti.ms/y5PZ3E

Monday, February 13, 2012

Article: Foreclosures to climb before bank deal helps housing

NYTimes: Push to Avert Foreclosures Hits Court Logjam

From The New York Times:

Push to Avert Foreclosures Hits Court Logjam

Court hearings meant to protect New York homeowners from foreclosure are hopelessly slowed by endless paperwork and requests for additional information.

http://nyti.ms/ww59i4

NYTimes: Loan Terms Made to Order

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Loan Terms Made to Order

More borrowers are opting for fixed-rate loans with terms other than the standard 30 or 15 years, especially when it comes to refinancings.

http://nyti.ms/xcpCqn

Saturday, February 11, 2012

NYTimes: What Homeowners Need Now

From The New York Times:

EDITORIAL | THE FORECLOSURE SETTLEMENT: What Homeowners Need Now

Foreclosure relief should include mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which hold roughly 30 million mortgage loans.

http://nyti.ms/x90mAk

NYTimes: Across the Country, Looking for the Recovery

From The New York Times:

Across the Country, Looking for the Recovery

Cities across the country have shown economic improvement in recent months, but it's a joyless recovery for people still feeling the pinch.

http://nyti.ms/ygBsQq

Friday, February 10, 2012

NYTimes: Designing a Fix for Housing

From The New York Times:

OP-ED CONTRIBUTORS: Designing a Fix for Housing

Better design is precisely what suburban America needs in the housing crisis.

http://nyti.ms/AzSOCV

NYTimes: I.R.S. Offers Tool on Repayment of Home Buyer Tax Credit

From The New York Times:

BUCKS BLOG: I.R.S. Offers Tool on Repayment of Home Buyer Tax Credit

The I.R.S. is offering an online tool to help taxpayers who have to repay the home buyers' tax credit.

http://nyti.ms/wOpk8x

Thursday, February 9, 2012

NYTimes: Mortgage Plan Gives Homeowners Bulk of the Benefits

From The New York Times:

Mortgage Plan Gives Homeowners Bulk of the Benefits

Under the settlement, officials said Thursday, about $5 billion will go in cash payments to states and federal authorities, $17 billion will be earmarked for homeowner relief and roughly $3 billion will go for refinancing.

http://nyti.ms/AswFhV

NYTimes: States Negotiate $26 Billion Deal for Homeowners

From The New York Times:

States Negotiate $26 Billion Deal for Homeowners

Nearly two million Americans could benefit from mortgage relief from the nation's biggest banks, as part of a broad government settlement to be announced as early as Thursday.

http://nyti.ms/w6lFpR

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

NYTimes: Company Faces Forgery Charges in Mo. Foreclosures

From The New York Times:

Company Faces Forgery Charges in Mo. Foreclosures

The charges against DocX, which provided home foreclosure services to lenders across the nation, are one of the few criminal actions to follow reports of widespread improprieties against homeowners.

http://nyti.ms/ytQOaD

Monday, February 6, 2012

NYTimes: Deal Is Closer for a U.S. Plan on Mortgage Relief

From The New York Times:

Deal Is Closer for a U.S. Plan on Mortgage Relief

Potential support from California and New York would come in exchange for tightening provisions in order to preserve the right to investigate past misdeeds by the banks, and stepping up oversight.

http://nyti.ms/As9Yca

Sunday, February 5, 2012

NYTimes: An Easier Path to Refinancing

From The New York Times:

EDITORIAL: An Easier Path to Refinancing

President Obama's new mortgage refinancing plan could provide considerable relief for millions of homeowners shackled to high interest rates, if Congress approves it.

http://nyti.ms/xCvQ7k

NYTimes: A Mortgage Tornado Warning, Unheeded

From The New York Times:

A Mortgage Tornado Warning, Unheeded

Inspired by a personal experience, a businessman began delving into the practices of the mortgage industry, including Fannie Mae. His findings have been prescient.

http://nyti.ms/A5TfFP

Saturday, February 4, 2012

NYTimes: Shrinking the Escrow

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Shrinking the Escrow

Success in challenging property taxes means not having to put as much money aside in the escrow account.

http://nyti.ms/xXhPKW

Friday, February 3, 2012

NYTimes: Progress on Letting Big Banks Fail

From The New York Times:

ECONOMIX BLOG: Progress on Letting Big Banks Fail

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has taken some good first steps to regulating the biggest banks, and what's more, it's doing so in public, an economist writes.

http://nyti.ms/yUiR3p

NYTimes: S.E.C. Is Avoiding Tough Sanctions for Large Banks

From The New York Times:

S.E.C. Is Avoiding Tough Sanctions for Large Banks

Even as the Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its investigations of Wall Street, the agency has repeatedly allowed the biggest firms to avoid punishments.

http://nyti.ms/yjPpxT

Thursday, February 2, 2012

NYTimes: Mortgage Relief Plan Aims at Refinancing

From The New York Times:

Mortgage Relief Plan Aims at Refinancing

President Obama said a new package of legislation would make it easier for millions of homeowners to refinance at today's historically low interest rates.

http://nyti.ms/ztlIQZ

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

NYTimes: Treasury Investigates Freddie Mac Investment

From The New York Times:

Treasury Investigates Freddie Mac Investment

The Treasury Department is investigating whether Freddie Mac bet against refinancings by homeowners while at the same time, making refinancings difficult to obtain.

http://nyti.ms/xf7G4M

Monday, January 30, 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Article: Obama administration bolsters homeowner lifeline

Article: Daily Kos: Bank of America demands borrower silence in exchange for loan modification

NYTimes: Banks Taketh, but Don’t Giveth

From The New York Times:

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR: Banks Taketh, but Don't Giveth

The banks that are engaged in a Manhattan land grab seem to be in the business of taking our money but not in the business of giving it back.

http://nyti.ms/x4fKVa

Friday, January 27, 2012

Article: Rate on 30-year fixed mortgage rises to 3.98% | cleveland.com

NYTimes: On Troubleshooting

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: On Troubleshooting

As of this month borrowers have another place to vent: the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau.

http://nyti.ms/xc3L6M

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Article: California calls mortgage settlement 'inadequate' | cleveland.com

NYTimes: New Housing Task Force Will Zero In on Wall St.

From The New York Times:

New Housing Task Force Will Zero In on Wall St.

A new federal task force looking into fraud related to the housing crisis will begin by looking at big banks and investment firms on Wall Street.

http://nyti.ms/wZI6tN

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Article: Impact of mortgage relief deal on homeowners - CBS News Video


Impact of mortgage relief deal on homeowners - CBS News Video
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7396207n


NYTimes: A Way to Make People Buy Homes Again

From The New York Times:

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR: A Way to Make People Buy Homes Again

The federal government should offer a down-payment protection program to restore the confidence of potential homebuyers and lenders.

http://nyti.ms/wMqKHO

NYTimes: President to Offer Way for Easing Home Debt

From The New York Times:

President to Offer Way for Easing Home Debt

The White House plans to propose legislation that could allow a few million homeowners to reduce mortgage payments by refinancing with government-backed loans.

http://nyti.ms/xptlld

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Washington Post: Fed to disclose details of low-interest-rate plans


Fed to disclose details of low-interest-rate plans
http://wapo.st/wDU5Cq



Article: Fannie, Freddie writedowns too costly: regulator | Reuters

NYTimes: As Race Moves to Florida, Facing Political Implications of a Housing Crisis

From The New York Times:

As Race Moves to Florida, Facing Political Implications of a Housing Crisis

With the next Republican primary in a state hard hit by the collapse of the housing bubble, free-market instincts collide with voters' desperation.

http://nyti.ms/AoaPRv

NYTimes: Political Push Moves a Deal on Mortgages Inches Closer

From The New York Times:

Political Push Moves a Deal on Mortgages Inches Closer

About one million homeowners facing foreclosure could have their mortgage burden cut by about $20,000 each as part of a long-awaited deal.

http://nyti.ms/ABuFCE

Saturday, January 21, 2012

NYTimes: A Reprieve for Unemployed Borrowers

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: A Reprieve for Unemployed Borrowers

An extension of forbearance programs by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac gives short-term aid to unemployed homeowners, but housing counselors warn of drawbacks.

http://nyti.ms/yttPzk

NYTimes: Blacks Face Bias in Bankruptcy, Study Suggests

From The New York Times:

Blacks Face Bias in Bankruptcy, Study Suggests

A new survey found that lawyers were more likely to steer whites to Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code and blacks to the more expensive Chapter 13.

http://nyti.ms/AypcpV

Friday, January 20, 2012

Article: Has Obama's Housing Policy Failed? - Money News Story - KTVZ Bend


Has Obama's Housing Policy Failed? - Money News Story - KTVZ Bend
http://www.ktvz.com/money/30238276/detail.html

(Sent from Flipboard)


Sent from my iPad

Article: Study: Stimulus $$ Kept Many In Their Homes - Money News Story - KERO Bakersfield


Study: Stimulus $$ Kept Many In Their Homes - Money News Story - KERO Bakersfield
http://www.turnto23.com/money/30239580/detail.html


NYTimes: U.S. Jobless Claims Fall Sharply

From The New York Times:

U.S. Jobless Claims Fall Sharply

Weekly applications for unemployment benefits fell by 50,000, the biggest drop in more than six years, to 352,000, the Labor Department said.

http://nyti.ms/zzh36f

Thursday, January 19, 2012

NYTimes: Is Banking Bad?

From The New York Times:

OP-ED COLUMNIST: Is Banking Bad?

Will capitalists be the death of capitalism?

http://nyti.ms/wTR2FP

NYTimes: A Mess on the Ladder of Success

From The New York Times:

IT'S THE ECONOMY: A Mess on the Ladder of Success

The new divide in America is between a smaller mobile class and one that can't quite pack up and go.

http://nyti.ms/ymx7s7

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Has Obama's housing policy failed?

Has Obama's housing policy failed?
http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/18/news/economy/Obama_housing/

Foreclosure nightmares: 3 families fight for their homes

Foreclosure nightmares: 3 families fight for their homes
http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/18/real_estate/foreclosure_homes/

NYTimes: Shopping for the Best Rates

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Shopping for the Best Rates

Consumers who want to try for the lowest rates available need to consider these basic factors.

http://nyti.ms/xjrVqm

NYTimes: Few Cities Have Regained Jobs They Lost, Report Finds

From The New York Times:

Few Cities Have Regained Jobs They Lost, Report Finds

The nation's mayors, both Democrats and Republicans, are exasperated as a study shows many areas have years to go until employment recovers.

http://nyti.ms/ymXe1k

Sunday, January 15, 2012

NYTimes: Countrywide ‘V.I.P.’ Loans Linked to 2 Congressmen

From The New York Times:

Countrywide 'V.I.P.' Loans Linked to 2 Congressmen

Howard McKeon and Elton Gallegly, both Republicans from Southern California, were on a list of House members who received special loans through a Countrywide Financial program.

http://nyti.ms/yMr65C

Friday, January 13, 2012

NYTimes: Inside the Fed in 2006: A Coming Crisis, and Banter

From The New York Times:

Inside the Fed in 2006: A Coming Crisis, and Banter

Top policymakers did not seriously consider the idea that problems in the housing market would bring a recession, newly released transcripts show.

http://nyti.ms/xgbsUk

Thursday, January 12, 2012

NYTimes: Big Banks Struggle to Help Customers on Twitter

From The New York Times:

BUCKS BLOG: Big Banks Struggle to Help Customers on Twitter

Customers like the speed of sending a question to their bank by Twitter, but big banks find this form of customer service to be challenging.

http://nyti.ms/y6TFDN

NYTimes: Unemployed Mortgage Holders Get Extension on Payments

From The New York Times:

Unemployed Mortgage Holders Get Extension on Payments

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say they will extend their existing programs so that unemployed borrowers can defer part or all of their monthly payments for up to 12 months.

http://nyti.ms/AmKWuP

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

NYTimes: Top Executive Announces Plan to Leave Fannie Mae

From The New York Times:

Top Executive Announces Plan to Leave Fannie Mae

Michael Williams, who has led the company since the government took it over, said Tuesday that he would step down after a successor was found.

http://nyti.ms/wJJLz3

NYTimes: MetLife to Close Mortgage Unit

From The New York Times:

MetLife to Close Mortgage Unit

Wanting to avoid further federal oversight, MetLife will no longer originate home mortgages.

http://nyti.ms/x4GwSn

NYTimes: Big Banks Face Inquiry Over Home Insurance

From The New York Times:

Big Banks Face Inquiry Over Home Insurance

New York State is investigating whether several banks fraudulently steered homeowners into overpriced policies.

http://nyti.ms/yFfvjr

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

NYTimes: Consumer Borrowing Soared in November

From The New York Times:

Consumer Borrowing Soared in November

Americans increased their borrowing in November by the largest amount in a decade, the Federal Reserve said, a sign to some analysts of their growing confidence in the economy.

http://nyti.ms/AwONIm

Sunday, January 8, 2012

NYTimes: From East and West, Foreclosure Horror Stories

From The New York Times:

FAIR GAME: From East and West, Foreclosure Horror Stories

There is still no nationwide settlement over practices at mortgage servicing companies. But a couple of state attorneys general have been taking matters into their own hands.

http://nyti.ms/ymCeMp

NYTimes: Raskin Urges Penalties on Mortgage Servicers

From The New York Times:

Raskin Urges Penalties on Mortgage Servicers

Sarah Bloom Raskin, the Federal Reserve governor, said penalties must be imposed on banks that entered into an agreement with regulators on fixing problems in their mortgage servicing businesses.

http://nyti.ms/yMOP7R

Saturday, January 7, 2012

NYTimes: A Good Rental History Can Help Borrowers

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: A Good Rental History Can Help Borrowers

Experian added a section to millions of credit reports showing on-time rent payments; two other credit-reporting companies plan to follow suit.

http://nyti.ms/xP8ku4

NYTimes: Laid Off, With Retirement Almost in Sight

From The New York Times:

YOUR MONEY: Laid Off, With Retirement Almost in Sight

Many older unemployed people — nearly two million over age 55 — must make tough decisions about how to make up for lost income.

http://nyti.ms/yNDC6b

Thursday, January 5, 2012

NYTimes: Harder for Americans to Rise From Lower Rungs

From The New York Times:

Harder for Americans to Rise From Lower Rungs

Americans enjoy less economic mobility than their peers in Canada and much of Western Europe in part because of the depth of poverty, family background and the gaps between the rich and the rest.

http://nyti.ms/z1mID4

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

NYTimes: A Gathering Storm Over ‘Right to Work’ in Indiana

From The New York Times:

A Gathering Storm Over 'Right to Work' in Indiana

Indiana Republicans want to prohibit mandatory dues for private-sector workers, and to spur other states' efforts.

http://nyti.ms/ubZUYy

NYTimes: For 2012, Signs Point to Tepid Consumer Spending

From The New York Times:

For 2012, Signs Point to Tepid Consumer Spending

Although retail sales have remained relatively strong, high levels of consumer debt make it unlikely that rapid growth will help power economic expansion.

http://nyti.ms/ruC1GE

Monday, January 2, 2012

Article: Companies rate you with new scores | The Poughkeepsie Journal | poughkeepsiejournal.com

NYTimes: Nobody Understands Debt

From The New York Times:

OP-ED COLUMNIST: Nobody Understands Debt

The obsession with deficit reduction is wrongheaded and ill-informed.

http://nyti.ms/sWd66N

Sunday, January 1, 2012

NYTimes: How Low Can Rates Go?

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: How Low Can Rates Go?

Rates are just about as low as they've ever been. But you still need to have all your ducks in a row to take full advantage.

http://nyti.ms/rOJ0vY

NYTimes: I Just Got Here, but I Know Trouble When I See It

From The New York Times:

ECONOMIC VIEW: I Just Got Here, but I Know Trouble When I See It

Jobs. Europe. Housing. Health care. The writers of the Economic View column examine these and other big issues of the new year, and possible ways to solve them.

http://nyti.ms/v7yvpm