MMag Mortgage Lending April 15, 2008

• New Law Firm Launched: Staub Anderson Green LLC
Three former partners in the Chicago law firm Stahl Cowen have announced the formation of a new firm, Staub Anderson Green LLC. David Staub and Christina Green, founding members of Stahl Cowen, and Eric Anderson, who joined that firm in 2005, have moved their practices to the new firm. Staub Anderson Green is located in downtown Chicago with additional offices in McHenry County and in Flossmoor. The new firm has already launched its website at http://www.staubanderson.com. -- Staub Anderson Green LLC,David Staub,Chicago Illinois 04/15/2008

• Mortgage Fraud Index Jumps
Mortgage fraud surged in several states -- lifting the first quarter FraudBlogger Index higher. The index is published and maintained by http://www.mortgagedaily.com/. -- MortgageDaily.com,Sam Garcia,Irving Texas 04/15/2008

• Janet Northrup of Hughes Watters Askanase to Speak on Subprime Mortgage Issues and Consumer Bankruptcy at April Events
Janet S. Northrup, of counsel to Hughes Watters Askanase L.L.P. (HWA), will serve as a panelist for the American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section spring meeting in Dallas on April 11 and for an American Bankruptcy Institute Web-based seminar in Houston on April 30. -- Hughes Watters & Askanase LLP,Laura Pennino,Houston Texas 04/15/2008

• Student Loan Servicing Web Site Responds to Recent Survey on College Loans
StudentLoanCenter.biz, and online center for student loan information and assistance, is responding to the results of a new survey about how students are paying for college. -- Student Loan Center,Mike Cheslar,Carlsbad ca 04/15/2008

• OHFA ANNOUNCES INCREASED DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE TO BORROWERS
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) announced today that borrowers now have the option to receive 3 percent of the home purchase price as down payment assistance. The change will allow more flexibility for borrowers trying to purchase a home in an ever-changing financial environment. OHFA previously offered down payment assistance at 2 percent of the home purchase price, but found that current conditions required additional help for borrowers. -- Ohio Housing Finance Agency,Erin Biehl,Columbus Ohio 04/15/2008

• Mortgage Builder Software’s Loan Origination System Integrates with First American Flood Data Services
Flood certification interface delivers mandatory loan data without leaving origination system -- Mortgage Builder Software Inc,Keven Smith,Southfield Michigan 04/15/2008

• Foreclosure Shorts
-- Bill Draving Company, Inc.,Bill Draving,San Antonio Texas 04/15/2008

• `GET A JOB`
34;GET A JOB\` -- ,michael daimler,Los Angeles CA 04/11/2008

• Fed’s Dangerous Mortgage Rules Harmful to Consumers
What every home owner and buyer needs to know about the Fed’s mortgage proposals -- CMPS Institute,Josephine Nicholas,Ann Arbor Mi 04/11/2008

• Intellidyn Mortgage Clients’ FHA Marketing Response Rates Consistently Exceed Industry Averages
iFreedom Direct and other lenders utilize Intellidyn’s innovative data intelligence and targeting services to sustain direct marketing campaign response rates -- Intellidyn.com,Gene Devine,Boston MA 04/11/2008

• Northwest Trustee Services, Inc. Approved for USFN Membership in California
Northwest Trustee Services, Inc., a full-service trustee company providing real estate trustee services to mortgage lenders in the Western United States, announced today the company has been approved as a member in California by USFN. The new membership comes as a result of the recent acquisition of Specialized, Inc. by Northwest Trustee Services, Inc. -- Northwest Trustee Services, Inc.,Shannon Blood,SANTA ANA ca 04/11/2008

• Kevin Ziober joins Reunion Mortgage, Inc. as Branch Manager of
Kevin Ziober has joined Reunion Mortgage, Inc. as Branch Manager of its Southern California Branch. Ziober is responsible for sales and production in the Southern California region. -- Reunion Mortgage Inc.,James Kim,Milpitas California 04/11/2008

• James Waldorf CLU Leads Pilot Financial Program for MS Patients
James Waldorf, CLU, EA has brought together a team of professionals to create a new career and financial program from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone Star Chapter that will help people living with MS evaluate and plan their career path and financial future. -- PR First,Jim Farrell,Dallas Tx 04/11/2008

• MBA Applauds Senate Passage of Housing Stimulus Legislation
Kieran P. Quinn, CMB, Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association today issued the following statement following the Senate\'s passage of housing stimulus legislation. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Ferber,Washington District of Columbia 04/11/2008

• HFF arranges $32.98 million financing for downtown Portland, Oregon multifamily high-rise
The Los Angeles and Portland offices of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that they arranged $32.98 million in financing for Harrison Tower Apartments, a 185-unit, high-rise multifamily community in downtown Portland, Oregon. -- HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.),Laurie Fish McDowell,Los angeles CA 04/10/2008

• MBA Issues Comments on Proposed HOEPA Rule
The Mortgage Bankers Association today filed comments with the Federal Reserve in response to the Board\'s proposed rule to amend Regulation Z under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA). In its comments, MBA commended the Board for its thoughtfulness and offered recommendations on how the proposed rule can be improved to better protect consumers without causing decreased credit availability and increased consumer costs. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Mechem,Washington District of Columbia 04/10/2008

• Mortgage Applications Increase In Latest MBA Weekly Survey
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending April 4, 2008. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 725.6, an increase of 5.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from 688.3 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 5.7 percent compared with the previous week and was up 10.9 percent compared with the same week one year earlier. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,Sarah Tinsley,Washington District of Columbia 04/10/2008

• MBA's Kittle Testifies on FHA's Role in Current Mortgage Market
David G. Kittle, CMB, Vice Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and President of Principle Wholesale Lending, Inc. of Louisville, KY testified today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. In his testimony, Mr. Kittle discussed the important role the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) will play in the current mortgage market turmoil. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Mechem,Washington District of Columbia 04/10/2008

• Consumer Credit Site to Launch at ABA Meeting
Given the current credit crisis, there’s never been a more important time to be an informed consumer. That’s why the American Bar Association Section of Business Law is launching its SafeBorrowing.com site today at its spring meeting in an effort to increase financial literacy. -- American Bar Association,Suzanne Cibotti,Dallas tx 04/10/2008

• Hotels in Foreclosure
Professional Management -- US Hotel Corporation,Roger Nuss,Lees Summit Missouri 04/09/2008

• Hotel Loans
U.S. Hotel Corporation works with over 650 nationwide commercial mortgage lenders. We also have a number of hard money lenders for C quality deals and bridge loans. -- US Hotel Corporation,Roger Nuss,Lees Summit Missouri 04/09/2008

• We Ignore our Property Tax but hire professionals to handle
With America in a housing market never before seen it is important that we make sure our homes are valued properly. -- LowTaxRate.com,Ryan, 04/09/2008

• Steered Wrong: Brokers, Borrowers, and Subprime Loans
MORTGAGE BROKER PRICING PRACTICES: Broker incentives cause borrowers with brokered subprime loans to pay more than their counterparts who dealt directly with lenders, according to a new study to be released by the nonprofit Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). -- Center for Responsible Lending,Kathleen Day,Durham NC 04/08/2008

• Lack of Federal Civil Rights Enforcement Contributed to Foreclosure Crisis
National Fair Housing Alliance to Release Report Detailing Low Level of Enforcement by Federal Government in 40 Years since Passing Landmark Housing Legislation -- National Fair Housing Alliance,Deidre Swesnik,Washington DC 04/08/2008

• Frost Mortgage Banking Group Partners With Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. in Divisional Program
Frost Mortgage Banking Group has entered into an arrangement to operate as a division of Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI). Frost Mortgage Banking Group currently employs 27 mortgage professionals and operates offices in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. In 2007 they originated approximately $128 million in loans. The company officially opened its doors for business as a division of PRMI on March 24. -- Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.,Dave Zitting,SALT LAKE CITY ut 04/07/2008

• Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Hires Greg Frost as Vice President of National Training
To provide expert marketing guidance and strategies to its branches, Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) has hired Greg Frost as its Vice President of National Training. Frost will retain his position managing Frost Mortgage Banking Group, a division of PRMI. At PRMI, Frost will focus on training the company\'s 170 branches in sales, business development, business management, and relationship building, among other responsibilities. -- Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.,Dave Zitting, SALT LAKE CITY UT 04/07/2008

• A NEW SENSE OF URGENCY AS THE HOUSING SLUMP DEEPENS
The Commerce Department reported this week that sales of new homes in February dropped 1.8 percent for the slowest sales pace since 1995. The median home price also deflated to $244,100, down 2.7 percent from a year earlier. -- Maximum Real Estate Solutions,Bradley Ganzer, Fl 04/07/2008

• Congresswoman Waters Announces New Foreclosure Legislation
During Premiere Summit of Community Development Leaders -- National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA),Jane DeMarines,Washington DC 04/07/2008

• ICBA: Suspicious Activity Reporting Data Useful Against Mortgage Fraud
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) thanks the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for issuing a report today that can help community banks and their customers detect and prevent mortgage fraud. -- The Independent Community Bankers of America,Bill Grassano,Washington DC 04/07/2008

• HFF arranges $2.4 million financing for suburban Birmingham, Alabama industrial property
The New Jersey office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it arranged $2.4 million in financing for 6717 Alabama Highway 157, an industrial property in suburban Birmingham, Alabama. -- HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.),Laurie Fish McDowell,FLORHAM PARK NJ 04/07/2008

• Foreclosure News Stories
Catch up on the Foreclosure Front! -- Bill Draving Company, Inc.,Bill Draving,San Antonio Texas 04/07/2008

• MBA: Wachovia, Wells Fargo and Bank of America Top U.S. Commercial/Multifamily Originators
Wachovia, Wells Fargo and Bank of America were the top commercial/multifamily originators in 2007, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) 4th Annual Commercial/Multifamily Finance Firms Annual Originations Rankings. Other originators in the top 10 include: Deutsche Bank Commercial Real Estate; Credit Suisse; Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.; Capmark Financial Group Inc.; CBRE|Melody; Goldman, Sachs & Co.; and KeyBank Real Estate Capital. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Mechem,Washington District of Columbia 04/07/2008

• MBA's Quinn: Senate Deal Will Help Keep At Risk Borrowers in their Homes
Kieran P. Quinn, CMB, Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today praised Senate leaders for their bipartisan agreement to bring to the Senate floor important legislation to help homeowners who face difficulty making their mortgage payments. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Mechem,Washington District of Columbia 04/07/2008

• EXPERIENCE BECOMES MORE CRITICAL AS CREDIT WOES SPREAD TO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, EXPERT SAYS
Among commercial lenders, experience has rarely counted for more than it does today as the current credit squeeze has moved from the subprime to the ridiculous in leap-frog fashion, funding expert Jeffrey A. Davis believes. -- Cambridge Realty Capital Ltd,Evan Washington,Chicago Illinois 04/07/2008

• Mortgage Applications Decrease In Latest MBA Weekly Survey
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 28, 2008. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 688.3, a decrease of 28.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from 965.9 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index decreased 28.1 percent compared with the previous week and was up 4.8 percent compared with the same week one year earlier. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,Sarah Tinsley,Washington District of Columbia 04/02/2008

• SimplifileSM and Optical Storage Solutions Integrate eRecording Systems
In an effort to deliver industry-leading eRecording services to their mutual customers, Utah-based Simplifile, LC and Pennsylvania-based Optical Storage Solutions, Inc. (OSS) today announced that they have formed a strategic alliance for the purpose of integrating and cooperatively marketing Simplifile’s eRecording and OSS’ land record information and imaging management system, LANDEX. -- Simplifile, LC,Rob Moore,PENNSYLVANIA – 04/02/2008

• Foreclosure Shorts
News from the Froeclosure Front .. -- Bill Draving Company, Inc.,Bill Draving,San Antonio Texas 04/02/2008

• Bills.com Warns of Looming Credit Card Crisis
As the fallout from the credit crunch and subprime mortgage meltdown continues, many analysts are keeping a close eye on potential spillover into other segments of the economy, including the credit card industry. This sector has personal finance experts from Bills.com concerned about a new credit crisis, due to record levels of debt by cardholders. -- Bills.com,Bradford,san mateo California 04/02/2008

• HFF secures $8 million in financing for 347 Mount Pleasant Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey
The New Jersey and New York offices of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that they secured $8 million in financing for 347 Mount Pleasant Avenue, a 50,295-square-foot office building in West Orange, New Jersey. -- HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.),Laurie Fish McDowell,FLORHAM PARK nj 04/02/2008

• Mortgage Alliance Canada
Obtaining a mortgage is one of the most paperwork-intensive endeavors that people will ever undertake. And for good reason. Before a lending institution is willing to hand over large sums of money, they want reasonable assurance they will be getting that money back, along with the interest that forms their revenue. To provide that assurance, applicants are expected to provide a wealth of financial information about themselves, essentially laying bare their lives for detailed scrutiny. -- Tech Image,Jim McClure,Buffalo Grove IL 04/02/2008

• Zaio Launches Propertywise Qualified Appraisal Program
Company Partners with GMAC ResCap on New Technology Platform -- Zaio Corporation,Don Kelly,SCOTTSDALE az 04/01/2008

• NJ Mortgage Company Seminars Bring Together Experts for Stress-Free Education in Home Buying
NJ mortgage company helps first-time home buyers and experienced home owners improve their financial situation with competitive rates, fast approvals and closings, adjustable rate loans, reverse mortgages, and many other flexible loan products to meet buyers\' individual needs -- Team Montani,Lawrence Montani, NJ 04/01/2008

• MBA's Quinn: Paulson Blueprint Will Kick Off Important Discussion on Regulation of Financial System
Kieran P. Quinn, CMB, Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) issued the following statement today in reaction to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson\'s proposal for revamping regulation of the financial services sector. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,John Mechem,Washington District of Columbia 04/01/2008

• TOWERGROUP COMMENTS ON NEW REPORT THAT FAULTS KPMG IN NEW CENTURY COLLAPSE
A recent report prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice finds fault with accounting firm KPMG for contributing to the April 2007 collapse and bankruptcy of subprime mortgage lender New Century Financial Corporation. KPMG strenuously denies it ignored accounting rules in its auditing for the company, which resulted in senior New Century executives benefiting from generous bonuses that would otherwise not have been paid – and which otherwise masked the real financial condition of the lender. -- TowerGroup,Information,Needham Massachusetts 04/01/2008

• Sweeping Reforms: What They Mean For The Mortgage Industry
How the Treasury’s Regulatory Blueprint Will Affect the Mortgage Process -- CMPS Institute,Josephine Nicholas,Ann Arbor MI 04/01/2008

• Lenders Technology Corp. Circulates Draft RFP for
National Database to Track Fraud Against Mortgage Lenders -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,Aleis Stokes,Washington District of Columbia 04/01/2008

• HFF arranges $5.65 million refinancing for 1211 Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it arranged a $5.65 million refinancing for 1211 Wisconsin Avenue, an 11-story, 11,349-square-foot retail and office building in Washington, D.C. -- HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.),Laurie Fish McDowell,Washington dc 04/01/2008

• Mortgagebrokers.com and Remax's Mortgage Referral Program Launch New Website.
Mortgagebrokers.com (the \"Company\") announced that its strategic alliance partner Remax Ontario/Atlantic Canada has launched a new website (www.remaxrsp.com) fully dedicated to its unique and exclusive program with MortgageBrokers.com. Under this partnership any of the 9,000+ RE/Max realtors are encouraged to use the services of MortgageBrokers.com and its rapidly growing national sales team. -- Mortgagebrokers.com,Info,TORONTO 03/28/2008