A co-worker recently asked me about "instant messaging". I told him that the only instant messaging that I do is with my middle finger. (Illustration not necessary.) In a move that other states may take note of, in North Carolina, the N.C. Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) is sending a message by announcing that it is proposing mortgage rules to help reduce foreclosures, to improve consumer protection and the functioning of the mortgage market, and to implement the S.A.F.E. Act. (North Carolina’s NCCOB regulates state-chartered banks, thrifts, savings and loans, trust companies, and more than 875 mortgage lenders/servicers/brokers and 9,800 mortgage loan originators, as well as numerous consumer finance companies, check-cashers, and other financial services.) They are considering a rule that would require a mortgage servicer to stop foreclosure efforts pending the consideration of a request by the homeowner for assistance, and require a mortgage servicer to respond promptly and clearly to homeowner requests for assistance. More on NC, Tax Credit Extension, Fed buying MBS, FNMA Deed For Lease, AIG, Freddie Mac, and joke of the day ... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE