The Trump administration’s new weapon against foes: Mortgage filings

The Washington Post ^ | August 26, 2025 | Rachel Siegel

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Too many layers of hypocrisy to count.

[Gay State Conservative]

It’s either a crime or it isn’t. If an ordinary guy like me could be charged with such a crime why shouldn’t they?

[BenLurkin]

She’s never worked at a bank.

Maybe she didn’t know you can’t claim two primary residences for mortgage purposes.

Seriously.

Her entire career has been one long DEI hayride.

[sjmjax]

Certainly a lot more legitimate than the Democrats way.

[asinclair]

This suggests that the search for mortgage fraud is in a target-rich environment, like minor cheating on income taxes.

[kiryandil]

Pay no attention to the law-breaking, Rachel, you Dramacrat propagandist POS.

[DouglasKC]

No one is above the law. I’m sure the powerful and connected get deals none of us would.

[Red Badger]

What goes around comes around, eh?................

[PhiloBedo]

They can all thank Tish.

[Steely Tom]

Republicans pounce!

[packrat35]

I thought that no one was above the law, but clearly they meant Republicans.

[Raycpa]

From Gemini,

Fannie Mae Defines a Primary Residence
For a property to be classified as a primary residence, Fannie Mae stipulates that the homeowner must occupy the dwelling for the majority of the year. This designation is crucial as it often influences loan eligibility, interest rates, and down payment requirements.
At its core, the definition hinges on the borrower’s intent to make the house their principal home. Several key factors are used to determine this status:
Occupancy Requirements: A borrower is typically required to move into the property within 60 days of closing and live there for at least one full year. This demonstrates the intent to establish the property as their main residence.
Verification of Occupancy: Fannie Mae and lenders may verify a property’s status as a primary residence through various documents, including:
* Utility bills in the borrower’s name for the subject property.
* Tax returns showing the property address as the borrower’s residence.
* Voter registration card.
* Driver’s license or other government-issued identification with the property’s address.
Distinction from Other Property Types: It is essential to differentiate a primary residence from a second home or an investment property. A second home is a property that the borrower occupies for a portion of the year, in addition to their primary residence. An investment property is owned by the borrower but not occupied by them, and is typically used to generate rental income. The financing terms for second homes and investment properties are often less favorable than those for a primary residence.
Special Circumstances: Fannie Mae does have provisions for certain situations where the owner may not physically reside in the property but it can still be considered a primary residence. These exceptions often apply to:
* Parents purchasing a home for a disabled child: If the child is unable to work or qualify for a mortgage on their own, the parent is considered the owner-occupant.
* Children purchasing a home for elderly parents: Similar to the above, if the parents cannot qualify for a mortgage, the child is considered the owner-occupant.
In summary, Fannie Mae’s definition of a primary residence is centered on the demonstrated and documented intent of the borrower to live in the property as their main home for the majority of the year. This status is a cornerstone of their lending guidelines and directly impacts the terms of the mortgage.

[kiryandil]

“This is like the county sheriff who has his deputies pull over his political opponents every time they drive on the parkway,” Levitin said.

Mortgage fraud is like driving on the parkway, sez Dramacrat propagandist Rachel Siegel. Everybody does it, well, the criminalCrats do it.

[bwest]

I’m ok with it.

[mowowie]

They can take it to appeals court.....likTrump was forced to do..

[aquila48]

“The Trump administration’s new weapon against foes: Mortgage filings”

Gee, I wonder where they learned that from!

[kiryandil]

Rachel Siegel - Education: Yale University, BA in History

They skipped “Obeying The Law 101” at Yale.

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

To borrow a phrase from a former president, It depends on what the meaning of “Primary” is?

[Colorado Doug]

The Trump administration’s new weapon against foes: Mortgage filings Prosecute people who break laws.

There, fixed it.

[MrRelevant]

Democrats dont like their own shenanigans being used against them.