Lower and Middle Income Consumers Losing Footing In Homebuyer Market
Washington, D.C., – April 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — In written testimony submitted last week to the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and separately to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee; NAMB – The Association of Mortgage Professionals – called on Congress to put the brakes on rapidly increasing regulatory burdens imposed by the Federal Government.
Noting that the combined increased costs of regulatory compliance has surged to beyond $7,000 per mortgage loan, NAMB warned that mortgage brokers, small lenders and community banks are increasingly leaving the primary mortgage market to the detriment of consumers most in need of their assistance.
“The NAMB testimony, submitted to the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee, explains exactly why consumers seeking to purchase homes valued at under $150,000 are being harmed by the Dodd-Frank regulations,” said NAMB President John Councilman.
“The avalanche of new federal regulations hits lower and moderate income homeowners the hardest because mortgage professionals cannot offer loan products under the $150,000 loan amount,” continued Councilman. “This is primarily due to the associated costs stemming from the 3% cap set by Dodd-Frank regulations, combined with other regulatory burdens associated with healthcare and labor laws.”
“With less competition, consumers across the board are facing increased costs and, as a result, we are seeing a particularly disparate impact on low and moderate income borrowers,” added NAMB CEO Donald J. Frommeyer.
“Less competition in this market segment leads to higher costs for consumers, who are then forced to find loan products being pushed by the large Wall Street banks,” said Frommeyer. “We’re urging Congress to exercise its prerogative and to take action to stem the tide of regulatory overreach by the current Administration.”
To read NAMB’s written testimony, please click HERE or visit www.NAMB.org.
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About NAMB – The Association of Mortgage Professionals:
Since 1973, NAMB-The Association of Mortgage Professionals has been the voice of the mortgage broker industry, representing the interests of mortgage professionals and homebuyers. Its mission is to promote the highest degree of professionalism and ethical standards for members through programs and services such as education, professional certification and government affairs representation. In addition, NAMB members subscribe to a specific code of ethics and best lending practices that foster integrity, professionalism and confidentiality when working with consumers. For more information, visit www.namb.org. Follow NAMB @NAMBpros.
Media Contact:
Name: John Councilman, CMC, CRMS
Title: President
Phone: 239-267-2400
Email address:
Name: John H. P. Hudson, CRMS
Title: Communications Chair
Phone: 817-247-4766
Email address: 
