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Web lender hits the pavement

By Jessica Swesey, Thursday, January 8, 2004.

Online lending company E-Loan is sending loan consultants beyond the virtual world and into the physical field as part of its strategy to capture more of the purchase-money mortgage market.

The company is conducting a small local loan consultant pilot program in the vicinity of its Pleasanton, Calif., headquarters, according to E-Loan spokesperson Tiffany Kelley Fox.  more...

National banks can skirt state lending laws

By Jessica Swesey, Thursday, January 8, 2004.

A U.S. bank regulator on Wednesday issued final rules that exempt national banks from state lending laws, including those aimed at curbing abusive lending practices known as "predatory" lending.

The federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said national banks don't have to comply with state banking laws, such as those that regulate loan terms, impose conditions on lending and deposit relationships and require state licenses.  more...

Do lease agreements totally favor landlords?

By Robert Griswold, Thursday, January 8, 2004.

Question: I recently renewed my lease for an additional year and I noticed a lease termination clause that states that if I break the lease prematurely I have to pay $1,000. I am concerned about this because a job transfer or another move out of necessity never seems to coincide with the expiration of the lease. Whatever happened to the ability to just give a 30-day notice? The lease seems to be totally in favor of the landlord. Isn't the $1,000 fee just another way for greedy landlords to gouge tenants in addition to raising my rent every year?  more...

Online data sharing clicks with condo owners

By Inman News, Thursday, January 8, 2004.

New Canadian Web-based services that allow better and faster communication between Condominium Councils, condominium owners, buyers and Realtors are proving a timely idea.

Most of the problems that arise when buying and owning a condominium can be traced to a breakdown in communication. For instance, a buyer requests the Condominium Council's (or Strata Corp., as it is known in British Columbia) meeting minutes, maintenance records and financial information before a purchase.

Or consider the problem of leaky condominiums.  more...