HUD: Attempts to stall RESPA "reprehensible"
Posted in RESPA reform By Matt Carter, Wednesday, September 17, 2008.From speech today by HUD Secretary Steve Preston:
"Yesterday there was a hearing on the Hill where we heard numerous legislators assail proposed reforms to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). The unnecessary complexity of mortgages has significantly contributed to our housing crisis. We must do something to make mortgages more understandable and the process more transparent. That's why we have been seeking new regulations to require all mortgage lenders and brokers to clearly display an estimate of all settlement services, fees, and charges. They must not be hidden in the fine print. Borrowers would know their closing costs, interest rate and monthly payment amount. They would know whether or not the rate or principle balance would increase over time. They would know if there are prepayment penalties or any balloon payments. The rule would require a clear statement that would itemize closing costs and lock in certain charges at settlement. This would offer greater transparency and certainty, allowing Americans to shop and compare.
We have gone through a lengthy public comment period. We are committed to striking a balance between the needs of consumers and those in business of homeownership. But, I believe it is absolutely reprehensible that so many people in Congress today are fighting to stall progress, especially when they know so many families are in trouble because they didn't understand the terms of their mortgage. Our goal is to get RESPA completed by the end of this year and then provide the industry with a full year to implement that the rule. I firmly believe this will be a big step forward for restoring trust and transparency between the industry and the homeowner."
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Submitted by Bruce Hahn on September 17, 2008 - 1:45pm.
We agree with HUD Secretary Steve Preston that it is absolutely reprehensible that so many people are fighting to stall progress. It's not so much the fault of members of Congress who are unfortunately mislead by armies of lobbyists (and their PAC dollars) who oppose consumer interests. In order restore trust between the industry and the homeowner the industry must discontinue putting it's interests ahead of the homeowners. Until that happens we can look forward to more antitrust lawsuits and media exposes, and consumer distrust of real estate service providers will continue.
Submitted by Diane Cipa on September 17, 2008 - 4:27pm.
The industry establishment machine trying to squash real RESPA reform IS reprehensible. It stinks.
There's really not much else to say other than to ask why would anybody give a damn what these so-called industry leaders have to say about anything, especially when we are talking about full and clear disclosures for consumers.
All these guys care about is their referral network - or what's left of it. They are greedy SOBs, plain and simple.