Loan Think

Are you tired of facing organizational crisis? Have you missed your last deadline? Well join the ever-growing crowd that is tired of it right along with you. But the real question: Are you willing to join the ranks of those that need you to do something about it? It's time to get organized. Shall I show you where to start?

One of the biggest complaints I hear from lenders these days – besides too much regulation – is the state of the appraisal market. Time and time again I hear of deals being blown up because the appraisal was just too low. But should (or can?) the appraisal be subject to an appeals process?

Did you know that Veterans Affairs loan assumptions are not restricted to veterans who have VA eligibility? Anyone can assume a VA loan if they meet the occupancy, credit and income requirements set forth by the VA.

It would appear that with two mortgage insurance firms recently being forced to pull the plug on the writing of new policies the outlook for the sector would seem grim. But according to Federal Housing Finance Agency director Edward DeMarco, MIs are needed, now more than ever.

Fortunes are made when fear runs high. Yesterday MBS co-inventor Lew Ranieri and renowned mortgage bottom fisher Wilbur Ross announced they are buying Deutsche Bank's multifamily lending division. On CNBC today Donald 'The Donald' Trump said he's been buying commercial properties in the U.S. for cash.

More Americans are using remote work arrangements, such as working from a home office these days, while survey data shows support either arguments—that these arrangements are more productive or they are productivity killers.

FACTS

Does the Federal Housing Finance Agency have the right to change credit standards? That appears to be one argument MBS investors are making against a massive government-backed refinancing program being contemplated by the White House.

It seems as though the Mortgage Bankers Association, the nation's premier trade group for firms that actually fund loans, has pulled down the cone of silence on the issue of guarantee fee discounts offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Remember Citigroup's retail-based consumer finance division, which included (from what I recall) branches from the old Associates First Capital Corporation? Lately, we haven't heard much about the unit which previously was called CitiFinancial.