ALBANY—Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on April 29 new regulations to crack down on what the state termed are kickbacks and other improper expenditures (such as excessive meal and entertainment expenses) in the title insurance industry. The move comes after a Department of Financial Services’ investigation uncovered the kickbacks and improper expenditures are significantly inflating…
Read MoreNEW YORK—Executives from Country Bank celebrated the grand opening of their new New York City flagship branch location at 655 Third Ave. on Monday, April 27. Chairman Joseph Murphy selected Edmond J. Boran, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, to cut the ribbon in honor of May 2015-National Military Appreciation Month and to recognize that…
Read MoreTARRYTOWN—A panel of municipal officials and commercial real estate developers believe that despite the high cost of doing business, the duplication of services, and the lengthy approval process, Westchester County is on the right track to grow its economy and its population in the future. At The Business Council of Westchester’s regular KeyBank Speaker Series,…
Read MoreGOSHEN—On May 1, Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt announced the launch of electronic recording or “e-recording” in the county. Electronic recording land records, such as deeds and mortgages, will expedite the process for property owners and real estate professionals, she said. Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said of the new initiative, “Congratulations to County Clerk…
Read MoreMIDDLETOWN— Orange County Trust Company announced earlier this month that it is branding its newest Westchester and Rockland County offices in White Plains and New City as Orange Bank and Trust Company, a division of Orange County Trust Company. Michael Gilfeather, Orange County Trust CEO, announced the brand saying, “As we broaden our bank’s footprint…
Read MoreWASHINGTON—Independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks reported a net gain of $744 on each loan they originated in the fourth quarter of 2014, down from a reported gain of $897 per loan in the third quarter of 2014, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported on March 31 in its Quarterly Mortgage Bankers…
Read MoreWASHINGTON—A diverse group of housing industry stakeholders participated in a credit access symposium here on April 1 to discuss how alternative credit scoring models could expand access to mortgage credit for responsible borrowers who may have thin credit histories or extenuating circumstances like medical debts. The event, co-hosted by the National Association of Realtors, the…
Read MoreWASHINGTON—The gap between rental costs and household income is widening to unsustainable levels in many parts of the country, and the situation could worsen unless new home construction meaningfully rises, according to new research released on March 16th by the National Association of Realtors. NAR reviewed data on income growth, housing costs and changes in…
Read MoreThis column has frequently addressed issues of fair housing. Never previously addressed is the issue of fair lending. Realtors need a clear understanding of the significant changes that will become effective on August 1, 2015 when the TILA/RESPA final rule will become effective. What is TILA and What is RESPA? TILA is the Truth in Lending…
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