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Mortgage fraud continues to be a large concern for authorities and consumers, despite the fact that far fewer mortgage transactions are now taking place. The Mortgage Asset Research Institute (MARI) recently announced that the number of fraudulent loans increased 45%. Fraud happens when an illegal procedure is used for someone to get a better deal on a mortgage, or to bilk an individual or entity out of funds.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the largest loan originators in the cou...

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WCNC Charlotte - Charlotte customers are using a service that helps them transfer their car lease to someone else.

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Her Magazine, March 2008

The following article was also posted online at www.leasetrader.com.

Car shopping is often a nerve-wracking experience filled with all kinds of emotions, including anxiety, confusion, peer pressure, and even self doubt.

It’s almost impossible to endure the process with a clear head when a sales person is applying good old-fashioned pressure-cooker sales tactics and the guilt of staying in your current car to save some money.

It&rs...

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The following article was also posted online at www.leasetrader.com.

One of the valuable services we in the media provide is to offer proof of what you already know to be true. Like, have you heard the economy around here is swirling the drain?

The latest evidence includes a 2007 Buick Lucerne CX in Clarkston: Only $280 a month for two years. And a 2007 Cadillac CTS in Bloomfield Hills: 31 months, $375 per. And a 2007 Honda Civic LX in Grand Blanc: 32 months, $327.

All...

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One of my colleagues at U.S. News, Susan Vavrick, offers some additional car-buying advice based on her own experiences:

    The key is homework, homework, homework. Do not go near a dealer until you have done this. First, go to the manufacturer website and build what you want, adding and subtracting options until you're satisfied and have a general idea of the total cost.

    Next, use Edmunds.com and the Kelley Blue Book to find ou...

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Toyota smells blood in the car industry, and they want you as a customer. Companies like GM have recently put high stipulations on whether or not to extend credit on a car loan for people shopping around for a car. Toyota thinks that's a ridiculous strategy and wants people to know they can shop for a car at any of their dealers and most likely secure financing for a car.

What's more, Toyota is also extending and expanding on a popular no interest finance program for its custo...

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Although General Motors (GM) is pursuing a late deal to acquire Chrysler, several industry insiders say the deal is far from coming together because the two companies can't find enough investors to back the deal. GM and Chrysler, along with Chrysler's parent company, Cerberus Capital Management, have been talking to investors about the broad benefits a combined company would provide. So far there aren't many takers.

A combined company would work, company officials say, because...

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The state of Michigan is bracing for a potential merger between GM and Chrysler, owned by Cerberus Capital Management. The proposed merger, or thought of one, would surely mean the loss of many jobs as multiple plant closings would be a result of planned efficiencies between the two companies. GM is currently negotiating with Chrysler's parent company, Cerberus Capital Management, on the deal.

Any possible deal could be a major blow to the state of Michigan and the local econo...

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SAN JOSE, CA (KGO) -- A new way for you to get out of expensive car leases, if you're no longer to make payments during this tough economy.

As the foreclosure rate continues to climb, economists say auto repossessions will hit their highest level in at least a decade.

It seems many people who got into expensive car leases are no longer able to make the payments.

Drivers are now going on line to make a deal that gets them out of their leases, and out of trouble.

Frank Kent Motor, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is currently running a promotion where the first 100 customers to buy a Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, GMC or Hummer, will get GM stock with the purchase of one of their cars. Their main incentive is to break through the clutter and do a publicity stunt to get noticed. The stock would be currently valued around $325.

As a customer, if you buy one of the cars as one of the first 100 people you will receive 50 shares of GM stock. There's ...

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Tom Houk needed a real car deal.

David Morgan wanted an affordable BMW 335.

Both men say they found what they were after at LeaseTrader.com, a Miami-based company that matches people who want out of a car lease with those looking for a short-term, unusual or lower-cost lease.

How It Works

•Sellers pay $79 to list a vehicle on LeaseTrader.com and a $150 broker's fee when the lease sells.

•Buyers pay $39 for a 60-day membership and a $150 broker...

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