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U.S. Fed proposes rules to protect would-be homeowners
International Herald Tribune ^ | Published: December 18, 2007 | Edmund L. Andrews and David Stout

Posted on 12/18/2007 7:29:03 PM PST by phatus maximus

WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve moved Tuesday to impose tough new restrictions meant to curb unfair and deceptive home-lending practices and prevent a recurrence of the meltdown in subprime mortgages this year.

By a 5-to-0 vote, the Fed approved a plan that would tighten provisions meant to protect borrowers and apply them to a far larger share of home loans - whether from banks, mortgage companies or other lenders - than under current regulations.

The proposed rules underscore the more assertive role the Fed is now prepared to take in regulating lending, a big shift from the central bank's approach in the past. In general, the rules are meant to deter unscrupulous lenders from persuading people that they can afford loans that ought to be out of their reach. By extension, the rules are also intended to keep would-be buyers from deceiving themselves about the debt burdens they can shoulder.

"Our goal is to promote responsible mortgage lending, for the benefit of individual consumers and the economy," said the Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke.

"We want consumers to make decisions about home mortgage options confidently, with assurances that unscrupulous home mortgage practices will not be tolerated."

(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Government
KEYWORDS:
"The action puts the Fed a step ahead of the Congress, which is considering its own steps to tighten restrictions on the home loan industry. A bill put forward by Representative Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the Financial Services Committee of the House of Representatives, would expose mortgage brokers and lenders to legal liability if borrowers are unable to repay"

What? Make a broker or lender legally liable for someone who can't pay? Are you kidding me? This kneejerk reaction to a market correction is absoultely killing me...Before you know it the government will be telling you that you can't get the loan of your choice no matter how much capacity etc you have to repay your mortgage...Ridiculous.

1 posted on 12/18/2007 7:29:06 PM PST by phatus maximus
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To: phatus maximus
If they want to do something they will stop the halfa** appraisals and 100% loans.
2 posted on 12/18/2007 7:39:24 PM PST by org.whodat (What's the difference between a Democrat and a republican????)
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To: phatus maximus

This bill looks like a typical over reaction. Although the bill may have some language to define a broker’s responsibility, a court’s interpretation can be much different. The mortgage industry should be allowed to police itself with limited constraints from the federal government. Investors will scrutinize mortgage securities very closely to force more conservative lending practices.


3 posted on 12/18/2007 7:42:47 PM PST by businessprofessor
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To: businessprofessor

Dem senators at the root are just shills for trial lawyers, their largest contributors. Their bills are always just disguised loopholes created to expand frivolous lawsuits.


4 posted on 12/18/2007 7:45:29 PM PST by T. Jefferson
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To: phatus maximus

That’s it, tighten lending practices so the rats can scream racism again.


5 posted on 12/18/2007 7:50:15 PM PST by Graybeard58 ( Remember and pray for SSgt. Matt Maupin - MIA/POW- Iraq since 04/09/04)
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To: phatus maximus

“Creditors would have to establish escrow accounts for taxes and insurance.”

Title of the article really should be, “Fed proposes rules to protect its revenue stream”

How the hell does this ‘protect’ would be home-owners?


6 posted on 12/18/2007 8:11:03 PM PST by whatexit
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To: phatus maximus
Since most of the subprime homes going into foreclosure are with illegal aliens or landlords of overcrowded illegal alien homes, this is just another taxpayer subsidy to illegal aliens.
7 posted on 12/18/2007 9:10:42 PM PST by oldbill
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To: phatus maximus

U.S. Fed proposes rules to protect would-be homeowners...

no bailout for people who could be foreclosed....

otherwise...how about the people that faithfully pay their mortgages....if they stop paying...do they get a bailout also???

if not...this is discrimination....we need an investigation...a march on Washington...a blue ribbon panel...if the piaps wins.....free mortgages for all!!!!!


8 posted on 12/19/2007 3:22:21 AM PST by nyyankeefan
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