I’ve been reporting on Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities today and the fact that despite relatively low rates of default on commercial loans, investors are still running for the hills. The trouble, as with everything in today’s economy, is the unknown. Investors think CMBS is the next shoe to drop.    Read More

Our credit expert fields your questions on everything from debt settlement to Citigroup's new interest rate hike.   Read More

I've heard a lot of arguments against, but today I read the most compelling testimony from David Kittle, Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association before the Senate Judiciary Committee.    Read More

Prices are down, foreclosures are up and interest rates are low. So why isn't it a buyer's market?   Read More

Home builder confidence has fallen to yet another record low. No surprise there, but in reading the release from the National Association of Home Builders on its sentiment survey, I had to wonder about one particular measure of the index.    Read More

Sure, lower prices get buyers off the fence, as we’re seeing now in California, where dirt-cheap prices are bulking up home sales. That’s just all about getting a great deal.   Read More

After torturing myself by actually reading the entire G20 statement, my conclusion is that this group could now stage an "Up With People" show. The statement had enthusiastic prescriptions for generally what needed to be done, but none of the specifics.    Read More

I’ve just seen the latest numbers on the recently launched government Hope for Homeowners program, and I’d call them laughable if the whole thing weren’t so blatantly sad. Hope for Homeowners was launched Oct. 1 as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act signed into law on July 30,2008.   Read More

So here I am on Capitol Hill covering a hearing at the House Financial Services Committee (starring Chairman Barney Frank D-MA), entitled Private Sector Cooperation with Mortgage Modifications—Ensuring That Investors, Servicers, and Lenders Provide Real Help for Troubled Homeowners.   Read More

I’m all about the help, but I have some issues (I always have some issues). Citi is targeting borrowers who are not yet delinquent but who could become delinquent due to any number of issues, like loan resets, loss of jobs or home price depreciation.   Read More