Compliance
August 15, 2014

Help Spread the Word About Foreclosure Relief Scams

The CFPB is going after companies and individuals who are seeking to take advantage of distressed homeowners. Specifically, they’re targeting those who coerce or trick owners into paying up-front fees in exchange for promises of future debt relief in the form of loan modifications. These predatory practices are nothing new.…
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Uncategorized
August 13, 2014

WFG National Title Promotes Thompson to SVP

Oversees agency operations in LA, MS Santa Barbara, CA August 12, 2014                Earle Thompson has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Agency Division with WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG National Title). WFG National Title is the fastest growing national title insurance underwriting company and a full service provider of…
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cfpbCompliance
August 12, 2014

CFPB Shuts Down a Finance Monster

Colfax Capital Corporation, formerly known as Rome Finance, has long been one of the most egregious violators of ethical and legal standards in the financial services sector. A recent ruling by the CFPB and several State’s Attorneys General have officially put an end to that. In 2010, they were sued…
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Market Statisticsmillenial
August 11, 2014

Market Watch: Where the Young People Are

The NAR recently released a study showing the best markets for Millennial home buyers. Austin, Dallas and Denver top the list of cities deemed best for the newest generation of buyers. With the exception of Washington DC, none of the top cities are located on the east coast. The combination…
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Compliance
August 7, 2014

CFPB Has the Answers Consumers Need

As part of its mandate under the Dodd-Frank bill, the CFPB is tasked with increasing financial literacy among the nation’s citizens. Along with writing and enforcing legislation geared toward creating a fair and open financial marketplace, the CFPB wants consumers to better understand the financial tools and services available to…
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Compliance
August 6, 2014

Watch Out Agents, California is Sweating the Small Stuff

The State of California Bureau of Real Estate recently announced that it has updated its policies surrounding compliance laws. Specifically, it has instituted a “cite and fine” policy for minor infractions, with fines up to $2500.   According to their report, “A citation or other formal action will be considered…
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Compliance
August 5, 2014

CFPB Celebrates Third Birthday

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, formed in the wake of the financial meltdown of 2008, officially turned three years old this month. Since its creation, the CFPB has grown into an effective force for change and regulation in the financial services industry. They’ve already handled over “400,000 complaints in multiple…
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Compliance
August 1, 2014

Be Careful with Kickbacks, says CFPB

Last month, the CFPB fined a title company $30k for improperly paying out referral fees to mortgage brokers. “Kickbacks drive up the costs of getting a mortgage and put law-abiding companies at a disadvantage,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “The Consumer Bureau will continue to take action against companies that…
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Uncategorized
July 29, 2014

Zillow and Trulia are Spending a Whole Lot of Money on Ads

This year, Zillow and Trulia are set to spend, collectively, about $110 million on advertising. That’s $65 million for Zillow, who captured roughly 16% of real estate-related search traffic from desktops last month, and $45 million for Trulia, who captured just over 8%. Each company is attempting to establish itself…
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Compliance
July 28, 2014

What Happens When You inherit a Home with a Mortgage? The CFPB Weighs In

Losing a loved one is never easy. Neither is dealing with assets, or debts, they’ve left behind. If a parent dies, and they owe money on a home loan, what happens to the heir that inherits the home? Often, the heir will want to keep the home, and may therefore…
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