Lending

LAS VEGAS — The auto lending world is moving inexorably to a model that features mobile technology and is fueled by impatience.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — At $6.8 billion in assets, First Technology FCU is the 10th largest credit union in the nation — and it enjoys the unique perspective of serving members in two of the hottest markets: Silicon Valley in Northern California and Lane County, Oregon.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — How incredible is the housing market in and around the fabled Silicon Valley, the Northern California home of innumerable tech companies?

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Should credit union in the Bay Area be worried about a housing bubble?

WASHINGTON — Mountain America Credit Union agreed to pay $25,000 to settle allegations it discriminated against prospective mortgage applicants on maternity leave, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said Wednesday.

When a sweeping set of mortgage regulations took effect in January, many predicted a credit crunch. Millions of potential homeowners, particularly low-income borrowers, blacks and Hispanics, would be shut out of the mortgage market, unable to qualify for a home loan, industry representatives and others warned.

Credit Union executives, lending experts offer perspectives on whether the time is right to lower underwriting standards.

SCHAUMBERG, Ill. — Rising home values, increasing consumer confidence in their own financial situations and falling delinquencies all point to the possibility more credit unions will ease mortgage lending standards, say analysts and CU executives.

SCHAUMBERG, Ill. — As the reduction in mortgage demand has some credit unions reaching down to members with slightly lower credit scores, there could be widespread adjustments in home equity lending if this practice increases.

The World Cup kicks off Thursday and won't end until a month later, but one credit union here is already feeling like a winner.

SCHAUMBERG, Ill. — The reduction in mortgage demand has some credit unions reaching down to slightly lower credit scores.

WASHINGTON — Lenders across the country reported increased demand from consumers and businesses, continuing a prevailing trend from earlier this year, according to a Federal Reserve report.

MADISON, Wis. — Credit unions can expect reasonably good lending conditions as the financial crisis gets a little further in the rear-view mirror during the second half of this year, but they will continue to be challenged by regulatory pressure.

WASHINGTON — Financial institutions are still feeling negative effects from last year's sudden rise in medium- and long-term interest rates, but plenty of signs in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s latest industry update continue to point to a lending resurgence soon.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt said Tuesday he had no plans to weigh in on pending housing finance reform legislation, leaving it to Congress to decide as early as this week.