Federal consumer watchdog flags mortgage servicers’ junk fees

The CFPB alleges mortgage servicers charged excessive late fees, assessed “fake” private mortgage insurance premiums and made homeowners pay for unnecessary inspections. Continue reading

Court tosses redlining suit sparked by mortgage broker’s radio show

Regulators alleged statements made by hosts of Townstone Financial’s call-in show discouraged “prospective” African-American applicants from seeking mortgage loans. Continue reading

Wells Fargo paying $3.7B to settle mortgage, auto loan allegations

Federal regulators allege bank improperly denied thousands of mortgage loan modifications over at least seven years, in some cases leading customers to lose their homes. Continue reading

Carrington grudgingly signs off on $5.25M COVID-19 relief settlement

CFPB alleges some homeowners who sought forbearance during the pandemic were charged improper late fees and weren’t fully informed of their options. Continue reading

It’s the end of the road for LIBOR mortgages

No new LIBOR loans will be allowed after this year, but there’s also the matter of what to do with roughly $1.4 trillion in existing loans tied to LIBOR. Continue reading

Wells Fargo fined over mortgage loan modification practices

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay a $250M fine after an investigation by federal banking regulators found fault with its practices for helping homeowners with mortgage problems. Continue reading

With protections lifting, improvement in forbearance numbers slows

The numbers are headed in the wrong direction for loans that are backed by private lenders rather than the government, according to new survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading

Take your pick: Encompass handles both old and new qualified mortgage rules

Fannie and Freddie will use new price-based qualified mortgage rule for loans with settlement dates after Aug. 31. Continue reading

1.7M homeowners still in forbearance as protections expire

Before initiating foreclosures against borrowers who are 120 days behind on their payments, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expects loan servicers to reach out to borrowers and give them a chance to apply for assistance, such as a loan modific… Continue reading

Lenders granted some leeway to initiate foreclosures

Mortgage lenders will soon be able to initiate foreclosure proceedings against homeowners who are 120 days behind on their mortgage payments. Continue reading