MMag Mortgage Lending July 15, 2009

Mortgage Lending July 15, 2009

→ SecondMarket Launches Marketplace for California Government IOUs
Platform Will Also Enable Trading of Other Government IOUs -- SecondMarket,Mark Murphy,New York Ny 07/15/2009

→ AGNC Announces Secondary Offering of Its Common Stock by American Capital
American Capital Agency Corp. (NASDAQ:AGNC) ("AGNC" or the "Company") announced today that one of its stockholders, American Capital Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACAS) ("American Capital"), agreed to sell 2,500,000 shares of AGNC common stock to Deutsche Bank Securities. AGNC will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale. -- American Capital Agency Corp.,Investors,Bethesda Md 07/15/2009

→ Winthrop Realty Trust Sells Portion of First Mortgage Loan, Restructures Marc Realty Transaction, and Repurchases Additional Series B-1 Preferred Shares
Winthrop Realty Trust (NYSE: FUR) announced today that it has sold to an unaffiliated third party a $35,000,000 9.75% A Note for par with respect to the recently acquired $73,795,919 first mortgage loan, which has a $50,000,000 discounted payoff option, secured by a 19 story, 289,000 square foot office building located at 160 Spear Street, San Francisco, California. As a result of the sale of the A Note, the Company's total current remaining investment in this loan has been reduced to $3,500,000. The Company retains its obligation to fund a separate $4,800,000 15% mezzanine loan ($600,000 per quarter for the next 8 quarters). -- Winthrop Realty Trust,Beverly Bergman,Boston Ma 07/15/2009

→ Freddie Mac Announces $1 Billion Reopening of 1.75% Three-Year Reference Notes(R) Security
Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) announced today that it plans to launch a $1 billion reopening of its 1.75% three-year USD Reference Notes security that matures on June 15, 2012. The issue will price today, Wednesday, July 15, 2009, and will settle on July 16, 2009. -- Freddie Mac,Michael Cosgrove,Mclean Va 07/15/2009

→ SORRENTO CAPITAL ACQUIRES REO.COM
Investment firm adds leading technology and service provider to its portfolio of loss mitigation and consumer debt-focused companies -- Sorrento Capital,Jeri Yoshida,Irvine Ca 07/15/2009

→ Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending July 10, 2009. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 514.4, an increase of 4.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from 493.1 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 15.3 percent compared with the previous week and decreased 2.7 percent compared with the same week one year earlier. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,Sarah Tinsley,Washington District of Columbia 07/15/2009

→ Final Expiration Date for Offer for RMBS Securities Insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc. Extended to July 15, 2009; Results of Offer as of July 14, 2009
The BCP Voyager Master Funds SPC, Ltd., acting on behalf of and for the account of, the Distressed Opportunities Master Segregated Portfolio (the "Fund"), today announced that it has extended the expiration date of the Fund's offer for 55 classes of residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS") insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc. ("Syncora Guarantee") to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. The offer will expire at that time, unless extended. -- Syncora Guarantee Inc.; Syncora Holdings Ltd.,Michael Gormley of Syncora,New York Ny 07/15/2009

→ Fund Announces Intention to Waive 72 Remediation Point Condition to Offer for RMBS Securities Insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc.
The BCP Voyager Master Funds SPC, Ltd., acting on behalf of and for the account of the Distressed Opportunities Master Segregated Portfolio (the "Fund"), today announced in connection with the Fund's offer for 55 classes of residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS") insured by Syncora Guarantee Inc. ("Syncora Guarantee") that it does not expect that at least 72 remediation points will be tendered into or otherwise committed through alternative settlements and purchases to the offer. The Fund intends to waive that condition to the offer, subject to Syncora Guarantee receiving the consent of certain counterparties to Syncora Guarantee's credit default swap transactions and financial guarantee insurance policies to the waiver of a comparable condition in the master transaction agreement entered into between Syncora Guarantee and such counterparties. The offer will expire at 4:59 p.m., New York City time, on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, unless extended. -- Syncora Guarantee, Inc.; Syncora Holdings Ltd.,Michael Gormley,New York Ny 07/14/2009

→ GMAC Financial Services Declares Final Monthly Distribution Date for Superior Wholesale Inventory Financing Trust X
GMAC Financial Services today announced that the final monthly distribution date for Superior Wholesale Inventory Financing Trust X (SWIFT X) will occur on July 15, 2009. This will result in a termination of all of the outstanding SWIFT X Floating Rate Asset-Backed Class A, Class B and Class C Term Notes, Series 2004-A (Term Notes). -- GMAC Financial Services,Gina Proia,Detroit Mi 07/14/2009

→ Michael Scott Joins Miller Buckfire
Former SEC and Treasury Official to Head New U.S. Government Advisory Practice -- Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC,Pen Pendleton,New York Ny 07/14/2009

→ 30-year Fixed Rates Continue Month-Long Decline
Rates Fall Further on Monday, According to Zillow(R) Mortgage Rate Monitor -- Zillow,Katie Curnutte,Seattle Wa 07/14/2009

→ Federated Investors, Inc. to Advise on Multi-billion Dollar Portfolio for Bayerische Landesbank
- Mandate builds on Federated's demonstrated ability to realize value for clients within their structured product portfolios -- Federated Investors, Inc.,Meghan McAndrew,Pittsburgh Pa 07/14/2009

→ Dugout Debt
Minor-league baseball fans and players chat about debt in a new on-line clip -- Securian Financial Group,Maggie Jensen,St Paul Mn 07/14/2009

→ Regulatory Failures Show Clear Need for an Agency Dedicated to Common-Sense Financial Protections for Consumers
A new policy brief by the Center for Responsible Lending chronicles the repeated failure of federal bank regulators over the years to rein in irresponsible lending practices. Example after example of regulatory delay or inaction demonstrates the need for a stand-alone, independent regulator focused solely on ensuring basic, common-sense safeguards for consumers. -- Center for Responsible Lending,Kathleen Day,Washington Dc 07/14/2009

→ Appraisal Institute Applauds Freddie Mac`s Revised Guidelines
Hails New Emphasis on Hiring Qualified, Experienced Appraisers -- Appraisal Institute,Ken Chitester, 07/14/2009

→ Urban Trust Bank Announces New Financial Services Products for Underserved Banking Consumers
ThinkCash is Partner for Elastic(TM) Line of Credit Product -- Urban Trust Bank,Traci Otey Blunt,Orlando Fl 07/14/2009

→ Genworth Financial Simplifies the Process of Purchasing Affordable Long Term Care Insurance for Virginia AARP Members
Long term care costs in Virginia continue to rise at a rate outpacing inflation, putting significant financial pressure on those in or near retirement. As a leader in the long term care insurance industry, Genworth offers a suite of insurance products to help people proactively plan for their future. Now, AARP� members that reside in Virginia can take advantage of a new program designed to simplify the process of purchasing affordable long term care insurance. -- Genworth Financial Inc.,Yokima Cureton,Richmond Va 07/14/2009

→ SilverLeaf Financial Acquires 321 Single-Family Mortgages from Loans Originated by GMAC
SilverLeaf Financial's CEO, Shane Baldwin, speaks about the firm's most recent loan pool acquisitions -- SilverLeaf Financial,Campbell Dosch,Salt Lake City Ut 07/14/2009

→ First American Outsourcing and Technology Solutions Adds Home Affordability Modification Program Support Features to its Loss Mitigation Platform
- VendorScape(TM) Enhancements Include Modification Decisioning and Reporting Tools, Plus Integrated Online Borrower Portal to Help Servicers Accelerate Loan Modifications - -- First American Family of Companies,Carrie Gaska,Dallas Tx 07/14/2009

→ FirstMerit Appoints Richardson as North Coast Regional Commercial Banking Executive
FirstMerit Corporation (NASDAQ:FMER) announces the hiring of Sean P. Richardson as North Coast Regional Commercial Banking Executive. Prior to joining FirstMerit, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Corporate Banking Middle Market Northcoast - East Team for National City Corporation. -- FirstMerit Online,Rob Townsend,Akron Oh 07/14/2009

→ Genworth Financial Says Number of Loans Eligible for MI Modification Will Jump Under New Guidelines for Making Home Affordable Program Refinancing
Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) said today that the recent decision by the Obama Administration to expand eligibility for its Making Home Affordable program will make an estimated 44% additional loans covered by its U.S. mortgage insurance business eligible for modification in connection with the borrower's refinancing. In all, nearly 530,000 loans will be eligible for modification. -- Genworth Financial Inc.,Terry Souers,Raleigh Nc 07/14/2009

→ Governor Signs Bill to Revitalize Florida`s Economy
When the housing crisis hit last year, Florida was one of the leaders in the number of home foreclosures in the country. As the bottom fell out of the state's real estate market, other industries soon followed, bringing down the rest of Florida's economy with it. -- Snell Legal,System Admin,Miami Fl 07/14/2009

→ Debt Consolidation Companies Under Fire
In an economy battered by high unemployment, consumers awash in debt are paying increasing attention to debt consolidation companies promising easy debt relief. At the same time, the debt settlement industry is also under increasing scrutiny from consumer advocates, prosecutors, the Federal Trade Commission, regulators, Congress and state legislatures. -- Rosenbaum Law Offices,Press, 07/14/2009

→ U.S. HOUSE PRICES UP 1.6% IN MAY ACCORDING TO IAS360 HOUSE PRICE INDEX
Northeast Leads The Way As All Four U.S. Census Regions Report Gains -- John Burns Real Estate Consulting,Dan Mahoney,Denver Co 07/14/2009

→ Mortgage Brokers Network has grown to working with 12 mortgage net branch companies and 3 charter banks!
Mortgage Brokers Network also offers services in mortgage lead generation, processing services with NAMP, technology service with companies like Mortgage Dashboard, LoanSifter and others. Mortgage Brokers Network also offers website services through "It's My Web". If you are looking for a service in the mortgage industry or have a service you would like to offer Mortgage Brokers Network, check them out today! -- Mortgage Brokers Network,Gary Lacey,Olney Illinois 07/14/2009

→ Sterling Technology Solutions Launches TouchPoint Loss Mitigation System
Company releases the industry𠏋 most advanced new technology solution to simplify loan modifications and all other home retention strategies -- Sterling Technology Solutions,Marketing Department,Altamonte Springs Fl 07/14/2009

→ Coreland Companies Adds Two Industry Veterans and Promotes Others In Brokerage Division
TUSTIN, CALIF. - Coreland Companies of Tustin, Calif., one of the largest real estate service companies based in California, announced today it has significantly enhanced its Brokerage division to oversee the firm's continued growth in the retail and office market sectors. David T. Girty, a 20+ year veteran of the commercial real estate industry in Orange County and most recently a Senior Vice President with Grubb & Ellis, joins Coreland as Director, Office Brokerage, while Matthew Hammond, a retail specialist and 11-year veteran at Coreland, is promoted to the role of Director, Retail Brokerage. Additionally, former Leasing Director of Red Mountain Retail Group, Benjamin Terry, joins Coreland as Senior Associate, Retail Brokerage. Bryan Bauer, entering his sixth year with Coreland's Retail Brokerage team, is promoted to Senior Associate, Retail Brokerage. -- Coreland Companies,Anne Monaghan,Tustin CA 07/13/2009

→ Banking Department Wins Court Case Against Internet Payday Lender
Commonwealth Court Rules PA Law Applies to Out-of-State Companies -- Offical Pennsylvania State Police Web Site,Ed Novak,Harrisburg Pa 07/13/2009

→ Acris Solutions Partners with Bankers` Mortgage Solutions to Bring Paperless Functionality to Community Banks` Lending Efforts
Paperless processing and electronic loan delivery expands innovative service provider𠏋 offerings to community banks across the country -- Acris Solutions,Richard Johnston,Laguna Hills Ca 07/13/2009

→ New partnership between Mortgagebot and Harland Financial Services
Mortgagebot� LLC is pleased to announce the expansion of its preferred referral alliance with Lake Mary, Fla.-based Harland Financial Solutions, Inc., an industry-leading supplier of software and services to thousands of financial institutions of all sizes. The expanded agreement enables Harland Financial Solutions to offer its clients the complete, multi-channel Mortgagebot PowerSite� point-of-sale (POS) platform. -- MortgageBot LLC,Robert Brandt,Cedarburg Wisconsin 07/13/2009

→ Reverse Mortgage Adviser Verifies Homeowners Using TARGUSinfo
Free Online Service Helps Link Eligible Seniors Seeking Reverse Mortgages with Leading Lenders Looking for Contactable Borrowers -- TARGUSinfo,Rufus Manning,Vienna Va 07/13/2009

→ Gordon Atlantic Development Corporation works with Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church to Develop Next Generation East Harlem Medical Center with Aim to Reduce Healthcare Disparities
Gordon Atlantic Development Corporation, led by Dr. William Hyatt Gordon, LEED-AP, has worked closely with its client, The Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, represented by Reverend Jo-An Owings to develop 8,000 SF of next-generation medical space in a proposed two (2) story addition that is planned to be a United States Green Building Council - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (USGBC-LEED) certifiable-space. Liro Architects & Planners has provided architectural services, under the direction of Mr. Murray Levi, AIA, LEED-AP. Ms. Carol Ann Flint of Besen & Associates is the exclusive agent marketing the proposed 8,000 SF of medical space, which the developer will build to suit and/or subdivide. The site is located at 1765 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10029, or on the Southeast corner of the intersection of 116th Street and Madison Avenue. There are 1,734 hospital beds within a 1.5 mile radius. These facilities include the Metropolitan Hospital Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, and North General Hospital. The site is located within Community Board 11, and at any given time 73% of residents, or approximately 78,913 have some type of insurance. Within Community Board 11, over 44% of the residents or approximately, 47,564 individuals receive Medicaid. -- Gordon Atlantic Development Corporation,Gordon Atlantic,New York Ny 07/13/2009

→ Credit Answers, A Leading Provider In Debt Settlement, Launches A Loan Modification Division
Today, July 13, 2009, 6 hours ago -- Credit Answers,Bill Loughborough,Plano Tx 07/13/2009

→ Is Your Community Bank Prudent?
Investing With Wise Community Banks � in Good Times and Bad � Isn㦙 Just Safe But Smart -- First National Bank of Pasco,Karla Jo Helms,Tampa Fl 07/13/2009

→ Huntington Investment Company Adds Four Representatives to Its Columbus Team
Part of a Planned Companywide Expansion of Investment Representatives -- Huntington Bancshares,Maureen Brown,Columbus Oh 07/13/2009

→ Deluxe Corporation Selects ID Analytics to Bolster Fraud Detection and Compliance Programs
ID Analytics for Compliance(TM) Delivers Detection and Automated Resolution of Red Flags -- ID Analytics, Inc.,Scott Love,San Diego Ca 07/13/2009

→ Consumers Feeling the Pinch of New Banking Fees
CEEL Reminds Consumers to 'Read Fine Print,' Releases Survey Showcasing Overwhelming Need for More Economic and Financial Education -- Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Literacy,Allison Miller,Washington Dc 07/13/2009

→ POF - Escrow and Investment Transaction Deposit
CASH DEPOSITS INTO ESCROW -- Offshore Trading Platform,Reginald Ollison,Raleigh NC 07/13/2009

→ $50,000 Offshore Trading Platform
To achieve the above we offer: -- Offshore Trading Platform,Reginald Ollison,Raleigh NC 07/13/2009

→ Proof of Funds
Proof of funds supporting a commitment to fund your transaction. Some common uses of the service are the following: -- Atlantic Equity Partners LLC.,Reginald Ollison,Raleigh NC 07/13/2009

→ Block Escrow, Bank Account, MT760, Providing Evidence of Proof of Funds
PROOF OF FUNDS SERVICE -- Offshore Trading Platform,Reginald Ollison,Raleigh NC 07/12/2009

→ Pfx Now also Provides Global Travel and Medical Insurance services, visit our site www.worldcitizenmedical.site50.net for more information
-- Pfx,Pfxonline,New York Ny 07/11/2009

→ The Huntington Investment Company Launches a New Independent Advisor Channel
A 27-Year Investment Veteran Will Lead the New Unit -- Huntington Bancshares,Jay Gould,Columbus Oh 07/10/2009

→ Housing Assist Builds the Bridge Between Homeowners and Banks for Successful Short Sales
Banks expect a recovery from the housing debacle, while cooperating with companies that are qualified in assisting homeowners short sale -- Housing Assist of America,Ardy Afshar,Los Angeles Ca 07/10/2009

→ Credit Answers, A Leading Provider In Debt Settlement, Launches A Loan Modification Division
Credit Answers, a leading debt settlement firm, located in Plano, TX, has launched a loan modification division to broaden its debt relief scope. -- Credit Answers,Bill Loughborough,Plano Tx 07/10/2009

→ Mortgage Credit News July 10, 2009
Long-term interest rates plunged this week as "V" hopes gave way to "L" reality. -- Premier Mortgage Group, Inc,Lou Barnes,Boulder Co 07/10/2009

→ Southwest Side Community Announces Partnership With Bank of America to Keep Families in Homes
Commitment to "Restore Health" to Southwest Community Comes After Two Hundred Community Residents Rally Outside St. Rita Church -- Southwest Organizing Project,Jeff Bartow,Chicago Il 07/10/2009

→ American Classifieds Sued for Discriminating Against Families With Children
National Fair Housing Alliance Investigation Uncovers Advertisements Discriminating Against Families with Children, Other Protected Groups in 17 States -- National Fair Housing Alliance,Deidre Swesnik,Washington Dc 07/10/2009

→ Survey Shows Support for Obama Economic Plans
A study conducted by Foreclosure1.com of its users shows support for Obama's economic proposals, particularly those geared towards homeowners. When President Obama took office in January 2009, one of his first actions was to begin assembling an economic stimulus plan that would help revive the U.S. economy. The bill passed, although its $787 billion price tag caused some controversy, particularly among Republicans. -- Foreclosure1.com,James Carter,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ Nationwide Foreclosure Fear Still Strong as Homeowners Try to Prepare for the Worst
According to ForeclosureRepos.com, REO activity is expected to spike in the coming months as foreclosure delays and moratoria implemented by various state laws come to an abrupt end. The herd mentality is causing people to rush to find alternatives. Attendance at Tele-Seminars, workshops, interactive community meetings, and increasingly large seminars held by reputable mortgage bankers and attorneys are continuing to draw concerned and sometimes desperate homeowners seeking solutions to stay in their homes. Of the many issues discussed are how to protect yourself if the economy doesn't recover, secret tactics of lowering your interest rate and monthly payments, and how to avoid many of the biggest mistakes most people make. -- ForeclosureRepos.com,Julie Thompson,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ Class Action Against Old Republic National Title Insurance Company Directed To Proceed By Court
Class Counsel for the Plaintiffs in the Old Republic National Title Insurance Company class action suit announced the following: -- Quinn, Gordon & Wolf, Chtd.,Richard S. Gordon Esq,Philadelphia Pa 07/10/2009

→ Foreclosure Rates Continue Rising and Housing Prices Continue Falling
ForeclosureDataOnline.com reports more dark days ahead for the housing market and for homeowners concerned about losing their homes. The data collected by the site shows that foreclosure levels continue to rise and are reaching record highs, particularly in states such as Michigan, California, and Florida. -- ForeclosureDataOnline.com,Ray Murray,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ Pembrook Actively Seeking to Deploy Up to $500 Million
The Pembrook Group Is Actively Searching for Lending Opportunities in Commercial Real Estate -- The Pembrook Group, LLC,John Garth,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ Griffin Announces Closing on Mortgage
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. (NASDAQ:GRIF) ("Griffin") announced that its real estate business, Griffin Land, closed on a mortgage of four of its industrial buildings in New England Tradeport, Griffin Land's industrial park in East Granby and Windsor, Connecticut, with People's United Bank. The new mortgage generated initial proceeds of $8.5 million and may be increased in increments up to an aggregate borrowing of $10.5 million if the currently vacant space in the buildings is leased within the next three years. The mortgage has a ten-year term with payments based on a twenty-five year amortization period. The mortgage carries a floating interest rate, but Griffin entered into an interest rate swap agreement with People's United Bank that effectively fixes the interest rate at 6.58% for the term of the loan. The mortgage is nonrecourse but includes provisions whereby a subsidiary of Griffin entered into a master lease for 90% of the space in the mortgaged properties. The master lease will stay in effect unless and until overall occupancy reaches an agreed upon level. If not terminated earlier, the master lease expires at the end of the mortgage term. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. -- Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.,Anthony Galici,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ Wyncrest Group Looks to Acquire Florida Insurance Consulting, LLC
The Wyncrest Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: WNCG) today announced it's looking to acquire Florida Insurance Consulting, LLC. -- Wyncrest Group, Inc.,Investor Relations,Chicago Il 07/10/2009

→ Treasury Names Nine Firms to Manage PPIP
Nine investment firms were named Wednesday as investment managers for the U.S. Treasury𠏋 program to purchase securities backed by toxic assets from banks in partnership with private investors. -- Fox Business News,Fox Business News, 07/10/2009

→ Commercial Real Estate Is a `Time Bomb,` Maloney Says
The $3.5 trillion commercial real estate market is a ticking 懀ime bomb� that may lead to a second wave of losses at large U.S. banks, congressional Joint Economic Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney said -- Bloomberg,Dawn Kopecki, 07/10/2009

→ Cramer on BloggingStocks: Who needs the PPIP?
Can I just say that I don't care about the public-private investment program? It was a good idea before the stress tests and would have been excellent if all of these banks hadn't raised capital -- Bloggingstocks,Press Release,New York Ny 07/10/2009

→ U.S. Treasury Taps 9 Managers for Toxic-Debt Program
The U.S. Treasury named BlackRock Inc., Invesco Ltd. and seven other managers for its Public- Private Investment Program, in an effort to remove as much as $40 billion in distressed assets from financial institutions. -- Bloomberg,Press Release,Princeton New Jersey 07/10/2009

→ AG Insurance (formerly Fortis Insurance Belgium) Selects Pricing Partners for Independent Valuation of its structured product portfolio
㜁e wanted to challenge and double check the valuation provided by our counterparties for our OTC products. We were also interested in developing more expertise to follow and risk-manage our investment strategies. We found out in Price-it� online a product that offers accurate fair prices with models managing the same level of innovation and complexity as the one of the sell side" said Alain Bombo, Senior Financial Consultant of Finance & Structured products of AG Insurance. 𠐓eyond its proven accuracy, we were impressed with the service's extensive coverage and quality of the support." -- Pricing Partners,Eric Benhamou,Paris Paris 07/10/2009

→ Premier Reverse Closings Helps to Save Borrower From Foreclosure in a Record Seven Days
Premier Reverse Closings (PRC), divisions of National Closing Solutions and Placer Title, along with Lend America and Generation Mortgage, recently saved a borrower from the brink of foreclosure with a reverse mortgage that closed in a record seven days from the opening of the title and settlement order. -- Premier Reverse Closings,Heather Moulden,Rocklin Ca 07/09/2009

→ Pelosi Statement on Legislation to Strengthen Consumer Protections in Financial Regulation
Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on legislation introduced today by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank to formally implement President Obama's plan to strengthen consumer protections as a part of a broader financial regulatory restructuring. -- Office of the Speaker of the House,Brendan Daly,Washington Dc 07/09/2009

→ New Affordability Shapes Housing Markets
Realtor.com Survey Examines Affordability, Foreclosures, and Refinancing -- Century 21 Top Producer,Tony Sadler,Los Angeles Ca 07/09/2009

→ Couple Raffles $3 Million Waterfront Estate for $10
A South Florida couple has teamed up with a local charity to raffle off their $3 million waterfront estate in Ft. Lauderdale for just $10 per ticket. -- floridaluxuryauctions.com,Miles Brannan,Ft Lauderdale Fl 07/09/2009

→ Bankrate: Economic Worries Bring Mortgage Rates Lower
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell for the third time in four weeks, with the average rate dropping to 5.59 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.4 discount and origination points. -- Bankrate.com,Kayleen Keneally,New York Ny 07/09/2009

→ Foreclosures Everywhere - Now What?
New PolicyLink report highlights promising ways cities and states are dealing with the community impacts of widespread foreclosures -- PolicyLink,Dan Lavoie,Oakland Ca 07/09/2009

→ Shore Mortgage to Hire 100 More Employees
Michigan-Based, Shore Mortgage, one of the country's Leading FHA and conventional home lenders, is seeking to grow company's team and to highlight employee benefits -- Shore Mortgage,Angie Bournias f,Birmingham Mi 07/09/2009

→ MBA Reports Government-Insured Share of Mortgage Applications Highest Since 1990, Now at 36 Percent
The government-insured (FHA and VA loans) share of mortgage applications was 35.9 percent in June 2009, the highest level since November 1990, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. -- Mortgage Bankers Association of America,Carolyn Kemp,Washington District of Columbia 07/09/2009

→ Marathon Asset Management Pre-Qualified as a Legacy Securities Public-Private Fund Manager
Marathon Asset Management, L.P. ("Marathon") is delighted to announce its pre-qualification as a Legacy Securities Public-Private Investment Program ("PPIP") Fund Manager by the United States Department of the Treasury. The U.S. Treasury is expected to invest equity capital in the Public-Private Investment Fund ("PPIF") expected to be managed by Marathon, whereby the Treasury would also provide long-term debt financing for the PPIF for the purpose of investing in legacy securities, including residential mortgage backed securities. -- Marathon Asset Management,Justin Dini,New York Ny 07/08/2009

→ Freddie Mac YouTube(TM) Video Shows Delinquent Borrowers How to Make More Effective Phone Calls to Servicers
New Video Shows Which Documents Can Help Reduce Repeat Calls To Servicers -- Freddie Mac,Brad German,Mclean Va 07/08/2009

→ Private Mortgage Returns Rebound in First Quarter 2009
Annual returns negative for second consecutive quarter -- LifeComps,LifeComps,Boston Ma 07/08/2009

→ Wyncrest Group, Inc. Announces Planned Acquisitions
The Wyncrest Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: WNCG) today announced that it continues to make progress in its discussions with its targeted acquisitions. The company signed a Letter of Intent to purchase a management consulting services provider based in Florida, and is conducting due diligence on several other potential targets. Subject to the capital markets, a definitive agreement on the Florida-based company is expected in the third quarter of this year. -- Wyncrest Group, Inc.,Investor Relations,Chicago Il 07/08/2009

→ Huntington Grants Shares to Blakely
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:HBAN) today announced that Kevin Blakely commenced his role as the new Chief Risk Officer, effective July 8, 2009. In accordance with NASDAQ rules, Huntington also announced that it has issued to Mr. Blakely, on July 8, 2009, an inducement award consisting of a restricted stock award for 40,000 shares of Huntington common stock that vests on the second anniversary of the date of grant, subject to Mr. Blakely's continued employment with Huntington through the vesting date. The restricted stock award was approved by the Huntington Board's compensation committee without shareholder approval as an "employee inducement" award under the NASDAQ rules. -- Huntington Bancshares,Jay Gould,Columbus Oh 07/08/2009

→ Brandywine Realty Trust Closes $60 Million Mortgage Loan
Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN) , a real estate investment trust focused on the ownership, management and development of Class A, suburban and urban office properties in the mid-Atlantic region and other selected markets throughout the United States, announced today that it has closed a $60 million first mortgage financing on One Logan Square, a previously unencumbered, 594,361 square foot, 99% leased, class A, office tower in Philadelphia, PA. The loan was provided by PB Capital Corporation and features a floating rate of LIBOR plus 350 basis points (subject to a LIBOR floor) and a seven-year term with three years interest only followed by a thirty-year amortization schedule at a 7.5% rate. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes including the repayment of existing indebtedness. -- Brandywine Realty Trust,Marge Boccuti,Radnor Pa 07/08/2009