Now that I have your attention, according to a recent report released by the New York Federal Reserve’s Center for Microeconomic Data (bet you didn’t know that existed), household debt in America has reached an all-time high. Is that good news or bad news? Could be both… According to the NY Fed’s Household Debt and Credit Report (another Big Brother…
Author: Michael Vitali
Find New Business by Unlocking HELOC Loans
Times are tough for mortgage lenders, home loan apps are down, refinances are stagnant, and the inventory of homes for sale is a little light. So, where might one find new business? How about HELOCs? Many traditional mortgage lenders got involved in HELOC lending in connection with their first mortgage loans. These became known as piggyback loans. In most cases,…
Could GSE Reform Be More Than We Bargained For?
There are all sorts of ideas floating around about ultimate GSE reform. Everyone believes their plan is the best. What would be best for the GSE’s and the industry? Should we have one combined agency with some sort of government backing? Should both Fannie and Freddie stay as is but go private? Should they operate like Ginnie? Now, we hear…
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century!
Well, maybe not quite, but the big news is that United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) recently closed their first, all-digital mortgage transaction. Yup, all digital, no wet signatures required. Using the new UWM technology, a borrower can execute all documentation, including legal documents, using WIFI to access a computer, or mobile app, to FaceTime the closing agent, and notary. In the…
Don’t Do The Crime and You Won’t Pay the Fine
Since 2008, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has drastically increased its use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to go after what say are bad actors in FHA mortgage lending. Since 2009, they have collected fines and penalties totaling more than $7 billion. That ain’t chump change. Many banks discontinued making FHA loans and some nonbank lenders became increasingly more…
Might We Say ‘Goodbye’ to the Mortgage Interest Deduction?
Up until now, the elimination of the mortgage interest deduction has been considered off limits when discussing tax reforms. The third rail, don’t touch it, but that has changed. Elimination is a real possibility now on the table. In fact, according to Gary Cohn, National Economic Council Director, almost everything, including the mortgage interest deduction, is in play when it…