tbw_03_08.pdf

equifirst_03_08.pdf

citi_03_08.pdf

countrywide_03_08.pdf

provident_03_08.pdf

usbank_03_08.pdf

wells_03_08.pdf

 

December 2005 Statistics:Total Number of NEW listings taken for the month: 693 Total Number of Properties marked Contract for the month: 428 Total Number of Properties marked Contingent for the month: 91 Total Number of NEW pendings (CONTRACTS + CONTINGENTS): 512005 Year-End Statistics:

Total Sold Dollar Volume: $405,384,142; -2.23% decrease from 2004 Average Sold Price: $581,613; 22.59% increase from 2004 Median Sold Price: $400,000; 8.12% increase from 2004 Total Units Sold: 697; -20.25% decrease from 2004 Average Days on Market: 36; 36 in 2004 (Unchanged) Average List Price for Solds: $607,724; 26.15% increase from 2004 Average Sale Price as a percentage of Average List Price: 95.70%; 98.48% in 2004

A Maryland circuit court on Tuesday morning halted — for now — the enforcement of an ordinance on discriminatory lending that had caused 50 lenders to pull out of Montgomery County. Thomas Shaner, executive director of the Maryland Association of Mortgage Brokers, told MortgageWire that a full hearing on the ordinance is now set for July 6. “It’s enjoined,” he said. Passed by the Montgomery County Council, the law carries a minimum penalty of $500,000 per violation for discriminatory lending practices. The bill, set to go into effect March 8, has stirred controversy because it penalizes lenders for charging “excessive” fees without defining what excessive means. Mr. Shaner said his “assumption” is that the 50 lenders who promised to curtail lending in Montgomery will continue to lend there. The American Financial Services Association and seven county brokers sued to enjoin the law. A spokesman for county executive Douglas Duncan, who is running for governor, said the law “is fair and reasonable,” adding that the county will “vigorously defend” it.