Mortgage Lenders Have Sinking Stock Prices

Builders aren't the only ones seeing stock pricesalso beginning to see fallout from the high usage
slump from the weakening real estate market,of exotic mortgages over the past few years. An
mortgage lenders are seeing shares begin to sinkincreasing number of borrowers have chosen
as well.Countrywide Finanical has seen stock pricesadjustable-rate mortgages over the past few
fall 20.9% since May 2006. Accredited Homeyears. With these products beginning to reset to
Lenders, a subprime lender, stock has fallen byhigher interest rates, delinquency rates are
half. Thornburg Mortgage, an adjustable ratebeginning to see slight increases. Delinquencies for
specialist, has seen stock fall by almostthe first quarter of 2006 were up 0.1% when
20%.Lenders are starting to see a gloomycompared to the first quarter of 2005, according
outlook as the real estate market continues toto the Mortgage Bankers Association."Borrowers
weaken. Borrowers are seeing higher prices toare missing more of their payments than before,"
both purchase and build combined with highersaid Matthew Howlett, an analyst at Fox-Pitt
borrowing costs. Sales of both new and existingKelton.H&R Block reportedly has set aside $61.3
homes were down 4% in July, according to themillion to offset potential losses from its
National Association of Realtors, while thesubsidiary, Option One Mortgage, due to delinquent
inventory of unsold homes is hitting highmortgage payments.The fear of a worsening,
levels.With fewer people taking out mortgages,even steep, housing slump will continue to result in
overall applications are down 25% for theinvestors continue to sell mortgage lender
year."The volume of loans is declining," said Bosestock.Martin Lukac represents and a finance
George, an analysist for Keefe Bruyette &web-company specializing in real estate and
Woods. "The market expects declines for themortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates,
next few years. And that is obviously a drag onmortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates
revenue and earnings, because lenders will haveand more. Find low home loan mortgage interest
to compete more aggressively."The market isrates from hundreds of mortgage companies!