Category Archives: robertjrussell

Major lender faces $3.5 million fine over massive kickback scheme

A major mortgage lender has been slapped with a $3.5 million fine for allegedly participating in an illegal kickback scheme. Two real estate brokers and a mortgage servicer that allegedly accepted kickbacks from the lender have also been fined. The … Continue reading

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Wells Fargo beat revenue expectations

Wells Fargo beat revenue expectations thanks to a push from mortgage originations, despite ongoing woes including the resignation of CEO John Stumpf and an ongoing scandal over the opening of millions of unauthorized accounts. Wells Fargo reported net income of … Continue reading

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The dangers of freezing water & boilers

As we enter the heart of winter and turn our attention toward cold weather conditions where freezing water can wreak havoc on commercial and residential property, the threat of catastrophic failure to boilers looms large (as seen in Figure 1). … Continue reading

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5 Good Reasons to Have a Broker’s License

What is stopping you from getting your license? Continue reading

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Trump backs ‘simultaneous’ ACA repeal and replacement

President-elect Donald Trump said the Affordable Care Act, which he calls “Obamacare,” should be repealed and replaced “essentially simultaneously,” weighing in on a political debate among Republican lawmakers who are grappling with how to tackle the effort. “It’ll be repeal … Continue reading

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Companion Life Insurance Co fined by Insurance Commissioner

Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart recently announced she has fined Companion Life Insurance Co. $487,000 for violations of Delaware’s insurance code, including misrepresenting its limited benefit and short term health insurance plans as compliant with the Affordable Care Act. The … Continue reading

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What salary do you need to afford a home in your city?

How does your city rate in terms of home affordability? A recent report by HSH.com determined the salary families would need to make in 27 metro areas in order to afford the local median home price. The study assumed a … Continue reading

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The Riviera Maya: The Real Estate Gift That Keeps on Giving

I dedicate my time to finding the strongest destinations to generate the strongest returns in the world. When I find them, I negotiate with developers and real estate brokers to get the best deals on the best real estate. I’ve … Continue reading

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Will Cash Disappear ?

It’s a hot summer day in 2025 and you’re wrapping up a long meeting at the office. Several of your colleagues have attended the meeting from home, their faces and bodies projected as holograms into seats at the table. But … Continue reading

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Don’t mess with Medicare!

Overhaul Medicare? Restructure Medicaid? Not so fast, say those who receive medical care via those agencies. In the wake of legislative stirrings about changing these signature government health organizations, the Kaiser Family Foundation asked members of the public what their … Continue reading

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