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Borrowers Now Flocking to the Feds to Default on Loans

Same cause of subprime mess blamed for new threats to taxpayers

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 8, 2009 1:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – History is repeating itself, and taxpayers will be footing the bill for it: Flawed lending practices are enabling borrowers to receive mortgage loans they can’t repay—but this time, Washington’s involved, the Washington Post reports. Many of the loans provided by the Federal Housing Administration default after just one payment, which “clearly suggests impropriety and fraudulent activity,” said one official.

The FHA backs nearly a third of mortgages made, and the rate of instant defaults has tripled within a year. Lenders are pressured to approve loans quickly, but the agency, which finances them, doesn’t have the staff to efficiently investigate scammers. One former official said Washington hasn’t done “anything significant in the past two years to tighten up its lending.”

Real estate sings mounted on homes are shown in Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007.
Real estate sings mounted on homes are shown in Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A realtor's sign is seen on the lawn of a foreclosed home in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. in this March 15, 2008 file photo.
A realtor's sign is seen on the lawn of a foreclosed home in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. in this March 15, 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans, file)
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There have been situations where people refinance and refinance to avoid making payments. The broker just keeps getting the fees. What do they care?
- Karmen Carr, a former Freddie Mac

The most frequent question I get asked by the groups I talk to is: 'Is FHA going to implode?' They haven't seen HUD do anything significant in the past two years to tighten up its lending.
- Brian Chappelle, former FHA official

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
PosterNutbag
Mar 8, 2009 8:49 PM CDT
And Washington shouldn't spend money on creating jobs which would enable people to make their loan payments, right W.P.?

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The Next Mortgage Lender Bailout: The FHA


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