Existing Home Sales “Slipped” 23.4% - Existing-Homes sales “slipped” some in January, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The problem, the Realtors point out, is simply that some potential buyers are waiting on sidelines. … Talk about an understatement. The “slippage” the NAR refers to was a 23.4% year-over-year freefall. -  The Big Picture
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Bankruptcy cram downs rolled into foreclosure relief bill - … Allowing judges to “cram down” loan modifications over the objections of lenders could raise interest rates on mortgage loans by 1.5 percent or more, industry groups fighting the proposed changes to the bankruptcy code say. … -  Inman

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More Proof of Subprime Spillover Into the Credit Card Sector - As borrowing in the mortgage market slows, credit card borrowing is accelerating, which is a dangerous trend because borrowers still face weak income growth. -  riskcenter.com free reg. 

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about housing - Crony Capitalism Comes (Returns?) to America - Menzie Chinn -  Econbrowser

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NY attorney general near Fannie, Freddie deal - … Home appraisals would have to come from assessors that do not have formal ties with a lender or mortgage broker, according to sources familiar with negotiations over a deal that could be finalized as soon as Tuesday. … - Reuters