Welcome to GCA Forums for an update dated May 28, 2025, covering the latest topics in real estate, mortgage lending, the economy, and other pertinent news for our community of professionals and consumers. Today, we’d like to shed light on a federal inquiry into New York AG Letitia James for suspected mortgage fraud, the Dow Jones record increase, frozen housing markets, and changes in immigration policies regarding sanctuary cities and states. We would like to understand the implications of these issues, especially for real estate and lending professionals, regarding mortgage fraud, economic policies, and regulatory frameworks.

James has recently been accused of mortgage fraud, which has caught the attention of the New York Attorney General, Letitia James.

US Attorney General and the FBI Undertake Criminal Referral of New York Attorney General Letitia James

The US Department of Justice and the FBI are undertaking the inquiry. It all began with a Tip-off from FHFA director William Pulte on 04-14-2025. In his letter to the Department of Justice, he claimed that James was committing multiple counts of bank fraud and submitting property documents as collateral for obtaining favorable mortgage terms for some properties she owned in New York and Virginia. His accusations included a 2023 real estate deal in Norfolk, Virginia. James purportedly claimed a primary residence for lower mortgage pricing while legally obliged to be a New York resident for her position. He also claimed that James misrepresented a Brooklyn brownstone as a four-unit property instead of five to claim better loan terms, which she has been doing since 2001. To top it all off, Pulte also presented a mortgage document from 1983 that both James and her father signed as husband and wife, purportedly to underwrite the loan.

Following news reports and research by forensic accountant Sammy Antar, these claims have caused a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia to issue subpoenas, indicating a significant development.

NY Attorney General James Refutes Allegations of Mortgage Fraud

James has vigorously refuted the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and a product of political animus. Lowell, who defended James’s claim, further argued on April 24, 2025, that the charges constituted a retaliatory counterstrike in the context of James’s $454 million civil fraud case with ex-President Donald Trump. For the Virginia property, Lowell explained that James was helping her niece, Shamice Thompson-Hairston, with a down payment. She had told the mortgage broker in writing, notably in bold CAPS, that the naval house was not her primary residence. Lowell provided additional documents for the Brooklyn property, including an accurate unit count for other filings, claiming Pulte used outdated records to misrepresent litigation. He disregarded the 1983 mortgage husband-and-wife claim as a clerical error, pointing out the deed stated James was her father’s daughter. The Attorney General’s office in New York has not publicly disclosed co-counselors other than Lowell. James intends to allocate state money for her legal representation, a decision funded by taxpayers that some have deemed as overreach, although authorized by legislators. The mortgage broker for the Virginia transaction remains anonymous, with no company mentioned and no statements made.

FBI Director Kash Patel Speaks on Mortgage Fraud Issue

In an interview with Fox News on May 19, 2025, FBI Director Kash Patel spoke on the issue, highlighting its significance and confirming it is in the hands of professionals, giving him and his Deputy Director, Dan Bongino, direct reports. He would not give more details because of the ongoing investigation. Pam Bondi, the US Attorney General, did not comment directly but was called out in her Senate confirmation for saying that ‘politics won’t dictate DOJ actions,’ which raised questions of why she would be scrutinized over such a promise. Lowell brought up this promise, claiming that the investigation is an effort driven by politics attempting to target officials who support Trump. X posts show divided opinions, some stating that fraud has been confirmed. In contrast, others call it a witch hunt as public opinion gaps deepen.

Mortgage Fraud Hurts People Who Play by the Rules

As for the GCA Forums Mortgage Group, this case highlights the industry’s enduring mortgage fraud problem. Whether these allegations against James are true or politically influenced does not matter, but they highlight that mortgage lending must be transparent and compliant at all levels. Practices like these, where the details of a property or ownership are misrepresented, destroy the community’s trust and fairness, which is why we are determined to end these practices.

Trump Abolishing Income Tax and IRS

In recent policy conversations, the removal of income tax has been considered. As of May 28, 2025, there is no definitive plan to eliminate federal income tax. Some policymakers have suggested replacing income tax with other revenue generators, such as tariffs or consumption taxes. However, no bills have been passed. Such a change would be politically difficult and skeptical because overhauling the federal revenue system would be incredibly complicated. Likewise, claims that property tax is illegal or amounts to $450 billion worth of fraud lack justification. Local governments impose property taxes as a staple revenue-generating mechanism to fund public services like education and infrastructure, directly supporting civic functions. Wide-reaching claims of systemic fraud often originate from fringe conjectures, ungrounded by solid facts or legal rationales.

Today’s Economy

Since the current administration took charge, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been soaring due to the expected business-friendly policies, such as deregulation and tax incentives. Investors are especially optimistic because of anticipated corporate tax cuts and leaner regulatory burdens, especially in the energy and finance industries. Other markets have varied reactions: the S&P 500 is up moderately, but NASDAQ and other tech-heavy indices have been more volatile due to concerns over increasing interest rates. Internationally, Europe and Asia are more guarded with their stock markets due to uncertainty about American trade policy and how tariffs will affect them.

Housing and Mortgage News

The housing market is still at a standstill because activity is limited due to high mortgage rates and low inventory. As noted by Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.2 percent as of May 28, 2025. This is slightly down from peak levels, but pre-2023 levels are still far above this. The 15-year fixed rate hovers around 6.5%. These rates show that stubborn inflation continues to put pressure, along with the Federal Reserve being very careful regarding rate cuts. There are no signs of rate cuts from President Trump or the Fed, as claims to bolster housing demand are put on the back burner while inflation is at the forefront. The elevated rates and high home prices mean buyers have lower purchasing power, further slowing sales. Due to high material costs, newly constructed buildings are lagging. The limited lab supply tightens the supply even more.

ICE and Deportations of Illegal Migrants

San Diego is one of California’s largest cities and hosts a large immigrant population. In this case, the state bureaucracy indeed understands how ICE operates. It does whatever is in its power to mitigate losses, at least in the formal sense. However, sanctuary states sustain direct attacks from ICE and do face serious repercussions in terms of being targeted by the Trump administration, as federal aid is likely to be suspended during this period.

Poland Asks for Help

Poland asks for financial support from the eurozone while repeatedly failing to adhere to the criteria set by the EU. Seeking funds while carrying the additional burden of upholding immigration laws seems ludicrous. On the other hand, immigration policies that lack a clear pretext for hiring foreigners based on EU citizenship, granted that the framework exists. As for regions around the border ice, they can deploy extra agents and capture everyone else carrying border crossing passes; however, questions about why the EU allows free movement raise eyebrows. Sadly, no one cares beyond operational efficiency.

Housing Market and Stagnant Mortgage Rates

Several indicators are responsible for the default in the housing market and stagnant mortgage rates. Like other rates, lenders and mortgage companies set mortgage rates. Point blank, higher rates lead to lower profits, resulting in losses. The Trump Administration has focused more on long-term energy independence deregulation, which is suspected of easing inflation over time, and struggles with short-term relief concerns. Real estate and construction have also been stricken due to the zoning burden, high demand, and lower housing supply. In contrast to reduced profits, which would ease demand and stagnant pricing, prices remain propped up.

One can speculate on the bounds and bounds of reasoning regarding the stance on the world’s mortgage and real estate policies. Paying thoughts slim and slim towards an economy that seems to grow without bounds pushes us towards idealistic reasoning – one simple disparate change to ease legislation. Keeping up to date with the salient topics presented to us belittles us, so we drop other burdens of reality, staying with hopes that few and few wish to see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8M185mTMdY

I adopted two adult Germany Shepherd dogs and they are both slightly over a year old. The two girls were rescues and always stayed in a larger kennel so they crapped, and peed, ate, and slept in their kennel. I feed them and they are outside for several hours. They then come in and first thing they do is pee and crap. This is going on months. Anyone have advice on housebreaking an adult dog who has been a rescue since they were puppies?

In the past, police officers extended professional courtesy to motorists who dropped names of a police officer who they knew, were friends, or family when pulled over for a traffic infraction or even a drunk driving suspect. The traffic offense violator dropped names of a person who is a police officer who were their neighbors, friend, brothers or sisters, cousins, school class mate, a parent, aunt or uncles, cousins, extended acquaintance, or someone who they met once long time ago. There are also instances where the spouse of a motorist is pulled over by a police officer like the case in the video attached. Regardless, those days are long gone due to body cameras and dash cameras.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/YpYd4ebNvEhbD54j/?mibextid=D5vuiz

A general contractor has many years experience as a general contractor. The general contractor has experience with gut and rehab single-family homes, ground-up new construction, kitchens, bathrooms, concrete, plumbing, electrical, roofing, siding, masonry, roofing, and gutters. Sofits, Fascia, and small to large construction projects. How does the general contractor become a HUD-approved general contractor so the general contractor can start taking on FHA 203k loans from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llg5WxUOico

• This discussion was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

This video is about a young man who relocated to Florida from Wisconsin and got stopped by a Florida law enforcement officer for a traffic infraction. The cop sees evidence of impairment and asks the driver if he wants to perform field sobriety test to see if he can pass it so he can go on his way. With that said, the driver volunteers to take the field sobriety tests to end up bombing it and giving all the cops a laugh. Must see. It must be tough to be stupid and make a total jack as of yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/95RbpdMSFeonYeej/?mibextid=D5vuiz

facebook.com

Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest | Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest | By Diócesis de La PazFacebook

Officers Amazingly Keep Straight Faces During this Arrest

Where can I get the best rates on commercial loans? How are mortgage rates on commercial loans priced? How can I get the lowest mortgage rates on commercial loans?

This forum thread is about scams and scammers. There are so many scammers in this planet. Your next door neighbor can be a scammer. Your co-worker can be a scammer. Your employer or employee can be a scumbag scammer. There is no gender, race, social class, or what business these scammers are. Hopefully we will disclose as many scumbags scammers as possible.

https://youtu.be/pV9O7cE9JvM?si=NVKD6aUIU4N_YtFQ

I realize an investment property is a property purchased specifically to generate profit through rental income, capital gains, or resale. As a legal concept, investment property appears in securities law and business law. However, What Classifies As an Investment Property? How do I qualify for a real estate loan on an investment property? What are the steps of an investment property mortgage loan.

The Biden Administration and supporters of Joe Biden such as the mainstream media are trying to brain wash Americans that the economy is in great 👍 shape and Joe Biden is the president who fixed inflation and the economy. The Biden Administration and Biden supporters and the mainstream media announced vvictory soft landing on inflation and Joe Biden Administration avoided a major Great Recession. This is total bullshit lies after lies. Joe Biden is clueless and his administration is full of idiots that don’t know what they are doing. Don’t fall in to buy now pay later technique that Democrats are pushing. We are in great period of uncertainty. Inflation is soaring out of control. Real unemployment numbers are through the roof. Data released by the Biden Administration are total lies. There are no jobs created. Job numbers reported are part time jobs or temporary jobs. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, and Joe biden are all incompetent cheating lying worthless political hacks. Read this video clip

https://youtu.be/eEB_YdElBS4?si=82f5kB0hEs4rH66C

Biden Administration authorized use of deadly force in the use of the Mar a Lago Raid. Shoot to kill on former President Donald Trump, his family, and his staff during the Mar a Lago Raid by FBI agents.

https://www.youtube.com/live/nPmcGBynUJo?si=TUhJNbnMDSD–

How are solar panels work and how can I get solar financing. Can anyone help. I heard you can get tax credit on solar panels.

Ship runs into bridge in Baltimore Maryland where there were cars driving on the bridge. No doubt tgere were fatalities. If you look at the bridge carefully, you can see there were bombs planted throughout the length of the bridge. Many investigators think the Bide Administration had something to do with the Baltimore Maryland bridge collapse. The democrats are losing it folks. They know they are pretty much fucjed.

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FJB!!!

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James O’Keefe O’Keefe Media Group goes undercover with IRS agent and was told IRS has no issues going after the small guy.

https://youtu.be/pA5MxSLQoEY?si=L3zj5dr8yoI15zMS

Fani Willis is the Fulton County Georgia District Attorney trying Former President Donald Trump for Fraud of the 2020 Presidential election. However, Fani Willis is the one committing fraud via kickbacks from trips of her third party independent prosecutor

https://youtu.be/ZWgJspRqdck?si=tpyYeJ5dWTjCQKFB

In this thread, we will cover a summary of the Jeffrey Epstein Pedophile Island Guest Report.

https://youtu.be/bjKsmyqFr8A?si=jGTQaPsYwDbUJsyv

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  Mark.