White House Moves Against Bankers

In the first indication that growing public complaints are affecting White House policy in relationship to its housing rescue plan, the Obama administration is moving against bankers. The Treasury Department’s TARP chief Herb Allison announced new protections for homeowners who are in the mortgage modification process. The Troubled Assets and Relief Program chief made the… Continue reading White House Moves Against Bankers

Home Sales Decline Slightly

Sales of existing homes fell slightly in February for the third month in a row, according to the National Association of Realtors. The drop was only 0.6 percent nationally to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.02-million units. The decline in home sales demonstrates the slowdown in the housing market persists, despite government programs to re-ignite… Continue reading Home Sales Decline Slightly

Record 7.5 Million Homes in Default

More than a record 7.5 million residential mortgages are delinquent or in foreclosure, and one million other properties are either banked owned or are waiting to be resold, according to Lender Processing Services, Inc. the nation’s largest provider of mortgage data. The February report shows historic numbers, but also indicates that the pace of deterioration… Continue reading Record 7.5 Million Homes in Default

Housing Relief Gaining Momentum with Expansion of Efforts

Acknowledging that its housing relief rescue mission has been slow to respond to the foreclosure crisis, the government is expanding its efforts “to more effectively combat the ongoing effects of the housing crisis.” A new initiative announced by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan seeks to find more ways that help local communities… Continue reading Housing Relief Gaining Momentum with Expansion of Efforts

Worst is Over as Housing Deflation Peaks

Despite an on-coming wave of foreclosures, the worst is behind the majority of U.S. housing markets, according to a new assessment by Housing Predictor. Real estate deflation has been the worst in three states, topping 75% in the hardest hit markets of the country. But it has begun to slow as a result of a… Continue reading Worst is Over as Housing Deflation Peaks

Dirty Money Sealed Dodd’s Fate

By Kevin Chiu Embattled U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, the chairman of the senate banking committee, released his financial reform package at a press conference and it appears it will be one of the last significant actions the Congressmen will be making in Washington, D.C. Dodd, who announced late last year he will not be seeking… Continue reading Dirty Money Sealed Dodd’s Fate

Mortgage Modifications Improve

Mortgage modifications have resulted in more than one million mortgage borrowers receiving a median savings of $500 a month, according to the Treasury Department. The improvement represents a 36% savings in mortgage costs to home borrowers. The temporary modifications are part of the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which has been troubled by a… Continue reading Mortgage Modifications Improve