the wasserblawg

The FBI released it's annual report on mortgage fraud earlier this week. Virtually all law enforcement and industry statistics show an upswing in mortgage fraud activity. The Mortgage Bankers Association released the National Delinquency Survey last week, reporting that the increase in foreclosure rates between quarters has reached its highest point since 1972 (when the records were first kept). The increase in foreclosures on first time mortgages increased by 36% between the first quarter 2008 and first quarter 2009. Little wonder why lenders are scrutinizing loan applications with an even finer toothed comb. Nor should it come as any surprise that lending guidelines are getting even tighter than they already are. Fannie Mae recently announced several new underwriting / eligibility guidelines that will become effective September 1st. Some key changes all Chicago area home buyers (and their agents) need to know: Buyers wishing to purchase owner occupied 2 flats will need to mak