The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finally issued their long-awaited updates the “Know Before You Owe” rule (better known to lenders as TRID) on Friday, July 7th. The big news is not so much of what CFPB said, but more so in what was not said. CFPB addressed some areas that needed clarification. But, noticeably they side-stepped two of the main…
Author: Michael Vitali
Loan Defects on the Rise as Business Declines
Recently, I’ve been writing about the challenges lenders face resulting from a shortage of affordable housing. With consumers having less money available for a down payment, lenders are forced to stretch the credit and income limits to qualify potential home buyers for higher priced homes. Now, we start to see the flip side. Loan defects, fraud, and misrepresentations once again…
People Are Staying Put
Hope you all had a happy July 4th holiday. It’s great to see the country come together to celebrate our freedoms and honor those who sacrificed to preserve them. Even if it was only for one day! Another thing to celebrate is the improving economy. But, with continued low mortgage rates, great mortgage products, and increasing home values and equity,…
Housing’s at an Old Fashion Mexican Standoff…
The number of existing homes for sale has continued to decline over the past few years. Simply put, this means there aren’t enough homes on the market for those who wish to buy. That’s good for some existing homeowners as it increases their home’s value, but it also makes it difficult for them to find another home, if they sell.…
Credit Scores Could Give a False Positive
In case you missed it, or just plain forgot, effective July 1st the 3 credit repositories, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, will discontinue reporting most tax liens and civil judgments, as well as, any unpaid medical bills of 6 months or less, on consumer credit reports. This is the result of an agreement they made with 31 state Attorneys General.…
Competition and Declining Profits Leading to Easing Credit
According to Freddie Mac, we’ve hit the high point for 2017 loan originations. New business is now expected to decline over the next two-quarters. Further, although purchase volumes are projected to increase in 2018, overall originations are expected to be less due to the decrease in expected refinances. This is not good news for struggling mortgage lenders. According to the…