MBA Counsel Sees More 'High-Cost' Loans in '06

There could be more loans that meet high-cost triggers in 2006, according to Ken Markison, senior director and regulatory counsel in the Mortgage Bankers Association's Office of Government Affairs.Speaking at the Regional Conference of Mortgage Bankers Associations in Atlantic City, N.J., he said this will happen because rates are going up while there is a narrow spread in the yield curve between long-term and short-term Treasury rates. Mr. Markison said it is not reflective of any changes in the marketplace. In addition, he added, there is a belief that the increased rate of foreclosures is simply a function of growth in the subprime market. What is lost, Mr. Markison said, is that there is a higher percentage of homeownership among Americans.