Coweta Fayette Real Estate & Newnan Homes for sale blog by Richard Weisser of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

Who seems to be exempt from regulation “Z?” Why, it’s the government of course!

 

HUD and regulation ZRegulation “Z” has been around for a long time. The name is a little misleading, because it is not a single rule, but an entire section of code that stipulates required disclosures when offering credit to a borrowing consumer.

And although the law has been revised many times, (the latest changes went into effect July 1, 2010.) some of the very basic tenets that apply to real estate advertising still exist.

Simply stated, there are still certain “trigger” words, that when used in advertising, require complete disclosure of all of the terms of the loan. These trigger terms include:

1) The amount or percentage of any downpayment.
2) The number of payments or period of repayment.
3) The amount of any payment.
4) The amount of any finance charge.

If any of these words are used in any form of advertising, complete disclosure is required under law.

So I am usually more than  a little irritated when I see a large sign in the front yard of a HUD home for sale that says “$100 DOWN” in huge letters. Why is the government immune from its own regulations?

It seems to me that the business of governing should be prosecuted without any hint of reproach. If the rule is indeed designed to protect consumers, then let’s protect them, fair and square.

Even if the government REALLY does need the money!

(Source of terms FDIC)

 

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Comments

Richard,

Are you talking about the same government that refused to accept electronic signatures (FHA) after they were approved by the same government?

Posted by Mike Jaquish 919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate (KELLER WILLIAMS® Realty) over 1 year ago

Richard,  I have always wondered this myself.  Hud, Fannie HomePath & Freddie HomeSteps are all guility of violating Regulation Z.  I guess it "pays" to be the one making the rules.

Posted by Jenna Dixon, Assoc Broker, NW Metro Atlanta (DRA Homes (Atlanta, GA)) over 1 year ago

Richard, the rules have always been bent by the government they don't have to play by the consumer protection standards (or so they think)... agreed what is good for the (golden) goose should be good for the gander.

Posted by Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH. over 1 year ago

That's a good call but who do you call to make a complaint? It would fall on deaf ears.

Posted by Glenn Roberts - Seattle Residential (Lake & Company Real Estate) over 1 year ago

HUD home already have such a convoluted sales system, it's too bad that the advertising is allowed to be misleading at the same time.  It's not a good thing for consumers.

Posted by Sam DeBord - Seattle Real Estate Broker (SeattleHome.com -Coldwell Banker Danforth) over 1 year ago

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help."  LOL 

Posted by Susan Haughton ALEXANDRIA VA REAL ESTATE REALTOR, ABR (LONG & FOSTER REALTORS) over 1 year ago

Common Richard...You know that rules are to be broken!  And we are being leaad by example!  It's the old adage...Do as I say, not as I do!

Posted by William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY) over 1 year ago

Richard,

This has been a burr under my saddle for a very long time.  The government will hold us to one standard and then do what they please.  It appears that they are above the law.

Posted by Don Rogers REALTOR®, CDPE, GRI O'Fallon MO & St Charles County MO homes (RE/MAX Gold) over 1 year ago

and the government wonders why we the people do not trust them...

Posted by Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry (Studmuffin Media) over 1 year ago

Richard ~ Gets me fired up when I see this.  We will never get the answer from them because they are exempt right?  LOL

Posted by June Tassillo ~ Realtor/Broker/SFR (RE/MAX Elite Realty) over 1 year ago

Richard:  I would love to throw out all career politicians and start from scratch.  These guys protect themselves, and their entities first.  Forget us.

Posted by Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA) over 1 year ago

Richard - interesting question. I do know that the government exempts itself from most of the laws and regulations that we mere mortals have to live by. However, what is the difference between this and a sign stating that a home is eligible for 100% USDA financing. This will take some more thought, don't think that it is a simple or black and white as it first appears. Perhaps if it said something like "Eligible for HUD $100 down program".

Posted by Mike Saunders (Lanier Partners) over 1 year ago

Excellent point Richard.  But sadly as we are all witnessing, our powers that be continue to do whatever they wish.

Posted by Paula McDonald, The Woodlands, TX ~ 936-203-0279 (Chevaux Group, PLLC) over 1 year ago

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