Mortgage Rates Set Fresh 2011 Low After Jobs Report
Fixed rate home mortgage loans dropped for the eighth straight week to a new low for 2011 amid concerns of another economic slowdown this year, according to data from Freddie Mac and a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.49%, down from 4.55% last week and 2010’s 4.72% average. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell from 3.74% to 3.68%. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.17% in 2010.
Lawyers Get More Time to Finish Foreclosures
Florida foreclosure defense is translating into more time for plantiff bank attorneys to complete a foreclosure, according to an article in the Palm Beach Post.
Due to the reality of Florida’s overloaded court system and swirling questions surrounding the validity of foreclosure paperwork, Fannie Mae is now allowing bank attorneys up to 450 days (about 15 months) for lawyers to complete a foreclosure before fines are levied. The previous time limit was 185 days, or about six months.
The increased time needed to complete a foreclosure legally and correctly against a homeowner is due in large part to Florida foreclosure defense attorneys working to protect the rights of South Florida homeowners, according to Roy Oppenheim.
Obama Blames Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase for Modification Failures
The three largest U.S. mortgage lenders are getting some heat from the Obama administration for the failures of the federal foreclosure-prevention program, according to The Associated Press.
The lackluster performance of Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase with helping homeowners lower their mortgage payments has led the Obama administration to remove financial incentives it had given these lenders.
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