I don’t know what, exactly, separates irony, satire, or paradox. Whatever category this falls into, it’s a classic tale of biblical proportions. (Other disaster news below.) While we’re on seafaring vessels, some parties you remember, others not, but I’m sure that I’ve never been to a yacht party. But then again, I don’t work with title companies in the Washington DC area. Thank you to Ken S. who passed along this story about how four title companies doing business in D.C. will be paying $3.29 in penalties for operating an illegal kickback scheme. Of course, state and local governments (in this case, the District of Columbia) aren’t the only ones tuned in to kickbacks. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau is also out there, watching: Recall its kickback fine announcement regarding Freedom Mortgage a year ago. (Today’s podcast is found here and this week’s is sponsored by Stavvy. Moving real estate beyond paper documents. Stavvy is the digital platform that helps real estate professionals grow their business and ditch the paper process. Book a demo today! Hear an interview with #1 YouTube realtor Jason Walter and originator Jim Black on building your business through authentic social media.) Lender and Broker Software, Services, and Loan Programs Tappable equity (i.e., the amount a homeowner can borrow against while keeping a 20% equity stake) has grown by 100% since late 2019*. Many homeowners are “locked in” to their homes due to high interest rates and they need extra money to cover living expenses. The time for lenders to prepare is now. While the valuation process can be one of the most time-consuming and costly parts of home equity loan origination, ICE’s automated valuation models (AVMs) and digital valuation solutions can help change that and increase your success and profits. Download the new eBook, How to grow a successful home equity lending business, today to learn how ICE’s solutions can help you quickly gain an advantage in today’s home equity lending market. *Source: ICE Mortgage Monitor