ACORN Sees High Default Risk in Ten Cities

A national community group has identified 10 cities, including four cities in Texas, that face the greatest risk of "rate shock" and foreclosures due to high concentrations of adjustable-rate subprime mortgages."With 60% of subprime loans set to have their interest rate change by the end of 2006, ARMs pose a huge threat to the security of individual homeowners and entire neighborhoods," according to the ACORN study. ACORN researchers used Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data to examine subprime lending in 130 metropolitan areas. They concluded that Detroit; Memphis; Jackson, Miss.; McAllen, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; Brownsville, Texas; Flint, Mich.; Springfield, Ill.; and Birmingham, Ala., have the highest concentrations of subprime loans. "Too many of our neighbors are being steered into ARMs without being given an option for a fixed rate and without being given an explanation of the risks," ACORN president Maude Hurd said. ACORN is calling for tougher regulation of lenders and mortgage brokers to protect borrowers from being placed in unsuitable loans.