AOL Money & Finance

Liquidity crisis is over; lending crisis, not quite

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There's perhaps no more accurate indicator of the state of bank lending than the stance of banks in the Northeast U.S., a region replete with high median incomes and a disproportionate share of the nation's wealth.

Three years ago, in July 2006, banks were willing to make the following deals:
  • $2.5 million variable-rate loan, with up to 100% financing for 3 investment partners, for a 10-unit speculative condominium complex in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
  • $5 million, interest-only loan, with up to 90% financing for 4 investment partners for a small shopping center complex in Westchester County, N.Y.
  • $10 million, fixed-rate loan, with up to 90% financing for the conversion of a rental apartment building to condo status, including funding for the construction of a below-ground swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, mini-spa and locker room in Westchester County, N.Y.
This year? Well, let's just say the liquidity crisis is over, but the lending crisis is not. A insurance industry friend with great credit was recently turned down for a mortgage for a $725,000 primary-residence house in nearby Harrison, N.Y., despite a 15% down payment, and an adjusted gross income around $250,000. The bank cited declining home prices and soft re-sale conditions as two reasons for the mortgage denial.

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Financial Editor Joseph Lazzaro is based in New York.

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Last updated: November 25, 2009: 08:38 PM

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