Compliance & Regulation

Remember all those prognostications from industry experts how the Dodd-Frank bill would destroy the nonbank segment of the mortgage industry, resulting in a total takeover of residential finance by depositories?

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposed ban of so-called "private transfer fees" goes too far, according to a group dedicated to fostering successful community associations.

Moody's Investors Service is giving the FDIC's new "Safe Harbor" rule the thumbs-up due to the protections private-label MBS investors can rely on if the issuing bank fails.

The leading trade group for title insurers on Monday declared that despite "possible flaws" in the foreclosure process, the growing scandal will actually have little adverse impact on the new owners of REO properties, or on title insurance claims.

A licensed real estate broker who appraised loans for Staley Credit Union in Decatur, Ill., was convicted Friday of providing phony appraisals on 40 real estate loans, which may cost the lender $1 million in losses.

Three industry trade groups are urging the Federal Reserve to adopt an interim final rule on appraisal independence later this month, without addressing the issue of "customary and reasonable" fees for appraisers.

Based on an underwriting-related portion of Dodd-Frank alone it sounds like loans on the secondary market are probably going to continue to be underwritten within relatively narrow parameters for some time.

Freddie Mac said it will provide instructions to its servicers late Monday, directing them to "ensure that their foreclosure processes" are in compliance with state laws.

With massive delays feared for many foreclosures, should brokers move away from the big banks and work with small community banks to carve their niche in the business. Find out what Grapevine users have to say about how government regulations could impact lending practices. Click here to read more.

What a difference five years make. Back in 2005 lenders didn’t have the same incentive they have today to use technology and analytical services on their loan originations because they didn't have much, if any, skin in the game.