REFinBlog

February 22, 2016

Monday’s Adjudication Roundup

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. settles for $27.5 million in an investor class action over toxic collateralized debt obligations. A New York federal judge has preliminarily approved the settlement. In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the plans must prioritize condominium liens, which the … Continue reading →

February 19, 2016

Friday’s Government Reports Roundup

Last week, President Obama released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Budget to Congress and HUD released its FY17 Budget Fact Sheet for its proposed budget prioritizing ending family homelessness and increasing opportunity. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released … Continue reading →

February 18, 2016

Thursday’s Advocacy & Think Tank Roundup

Urban Institute released another brief on Choice Neighborhoods finding that a majority of children live in single-parent homes, in many of which the parent had not completed high school. In addition, families with children are more likely to use adult … Continue reading →

February 17, 2016

Wednesday’s Academic Roundup

(Un)Expected Housing Price Changes: Identifying the Drivers of Small Business Finance, Pavel S. Kapinos, Tami Gurley-Calvez & Kandice A. Kapinos. A Dynamic Housing Affordability Index, Steven C. Bourassa & Donald R. Haurin. Getting Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Right: Why Governance Matters, … Continue reading →

February 16, 2016

10 Ways to Find Out About a Neighborhood

Realtor.com quoted me in 10 Ways to Find Out About a Neighborhood Without Being There. It reads, in part, “So what’s the neighborhood really like?” is the ubiquitous refrain among home buyers shopping in areas they’re unfamiliar with. And though your … Continue reading →

Tuesday’s Regulatory & Legislative Roundup

NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio released a new comprehensive zoning plan, arguing for taller buildings for affordable housing with fewer parking spaces. See also: City Planning Commission Report. The House Republicans have announced intent to form a six-committee task force … Continue reading →

February 15, 2016

Happy Presidents Day!

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams