Irvinecommuter
New member
http://www.bloombergview.com/articl...ith-government-programs-and-big-bank-interestBut such robust foreign purchases can't overcome what ails the U.S. housing market. Activity is weak even now that banks are no longer tightening mortgage-lending standards, according to a Fed survey. Banks are searching for new lines of business since the Dodd-Frank reform law and regulations are depriving them of revenue from proprietary trading, derivative origination and investing and off-balance sheet activities. The end of the mortgage refinancing surge has added to the pressure on banks.
Biggest hurdle is the 20% down payment. With RE prices so high, saving 20% is next to impossible. For example, a $600K property requires a down payment of $120,000...that means 8-12 year worth of savings.