Quicken Loans lawsuit has Arizona lenders on edge
Apr 28, 2015, 7:03 PM | Updated: 7:03 pm
The U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against Quicken Loans has caught the attention of lenders everywhere.
Kim Harland of Nova Home Lending and KTAR’s That Real Estate Show said the outcome of the suit could be very interesting given Quicken’s strong track record on default loans. Harland said her continuing compliance education makes it hard to believe that any lender would do anything outside of the lines.
As far as homebuyers, Harland doesn’t believe the allegations will affect them or the market, given the current climate. Since the subprime mortgage crisis and accompanying recession from 2007 to 2009, she said most lenders tend to err on conservative side rather than pushing the envelope.
Yet, pushing the envelope is exactly what the Department of Justice is accusing Quicken Loans of doing. The suit claims that, from September 2007 through December 2011, Quicken knowingly submitted improperly written mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration that resulted in millions of dollars in insurance payouts for default loans triggered by the company’s deficient practices.
Quicken denies the allegations and is vowing to vigorously defend itself. In a statement, the company said it would continue to offer FHA mortgages, but would be evaluating the prudence of its continued participation in the FHA program.
When seeking out a lender, Harland said referral is always the best option. She encouraged potential buyers to ask friends and family who they have used in the past.
Kim Harland is a branch manager and originating loan officer for Nova Home Loans. She’s also your Money Girl on That Real Estate Show with Realtor and radio host Diane Brennan. The show airs Sundays at 8 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM.
