I saw a news report today about an earthquake in China that reportedly destroyed 258,000 homes. I am not making light of the earthquake, but I wondered about our own plight in the United States. Over one million homes are in foreclosure as of the end of June 2008, and the number is climbing every day. Foreclosure is a traumatic event. So was the earthquake in China. But if I had a choice I would opt for the sudden unexpected destruction, rather than the long drawn out stress of foreclosure.
Archive for » August, 2008 «
There was a time when predatory lending laws at the state level were dismissed at the federal level by federally regulated banks. No any more! Even troubled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are leaving New York in a lurch. They are exiting the subprime market in New York, citing a new state law that could make all those involved in lending deemed to be “predatory” legally liable, including those buying such loans on the secondary market.
Category: Government Positions
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In the YouTube video below you see a Countrywide advertisement that shows people that were turned down elsewhere for home loans. “But Countrywide can” give them the loan they need, according to the advertisement. My point is this – Countrywide was acquired by Bank of America. Now they seem to be an easy target, when you and I know very well that Countrywide is not the only abuser. Check this out, and the articles continues below:
Category: Government Positions
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Ambac paid $850 million to CitiBank for impairment to a CDO (collateralized debt obligation) reportedly worth One Trillion 400 million dollars ($1.4 Trillion) and let Cibibank keep the assets. I found it interesting because the compensation was in regard to the difference in value from to mark to model as opposed to mark to market.
Category: Archives, Editorial
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A Barclays Financial report devoted to the impact of Option Arm estimates 48% of the loans will default when the mortgage payments reset or are recast. Mortgage payments are estimated to increase between 60 and 80%. I am not privy to their information, figures, and calculations but under today’s circumstances I feel Barclays report is very optimistic.
Category: Archives, Editorial
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