Ken Harney
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Protect yourself against rising risk of mortgage fraudOct 13, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - Fraud in connection with home mortgages is on the rise, ranging from little white lies about the intended use of the property all the way up to much more so...
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Tax overhaul plan poses big unknowns for homeownersOct 06, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - If you've been pondering how you as a homeowner or buyer might fare under the new Republican tax overhaul plan, here are a few points to consider. Although ...
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Government cracks down on refi scheme targeting veteransSep 29, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - Federal officials plan to crack down on what they view as predatory lending schemes - reminiscent of the toxic practices seen during the housing boom - targ...
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Wells Fargo accused of unwarranted "rate lock" feesSep 08, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - Wells Fargo Co., the controversy-battered big bank, has a new problem - this time directly affecting mortgage applicants. Last week a first-time homebuyer ...
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Appraisal-free home sales draw mixed reviewsSep 01, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - Would you welcome the option to buy a house but not have to pay hundreds of dollars for an appraisal? Are you kidding? Sign me up, you might say. Who doesn'...
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What's it take to be in the home equity elite?Aug 25, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - Americans readily gossip about home values - "Did you hear the crazy high price the house down the street sold for?" "Did you hear how little our neighbors ...
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'Co-marketing' arrangements put Zillow in hot waterAug 18, 2017 7:00 am - WASHINGTON - You're probably familiar with the online realty marketing giant Zillow because of its voluminous home sale listings and its controversial "Zestimate" proper...
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Fannie and Freddie stick with outdated credit scoringAug 11, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - If you've been waiting for the long-anticipated news that the two dominant players in the home mortgage arena - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - finally have de...
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Freddie Mac pulls plug on low down payment loansAug 04, 2017 6:00 am - WASHINGTON - One percent down on a new home loan? Zero down? Generous gifts of thousands of dollars from mortgage companies to help you swing the deal? If any of these s...
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Mortgage approval could be easier than you thinkJul 30, 2017 11:00 pm - WASHINGTON - So what does it take to get approved for a mortgage to buy a house this summer, whether you're a first-timer, planning to move up or downsize? Maybe not all...