My Real Estate Blog

As the Obama Administration inches closer to creating a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, a recent survey reveals that a majority of consumers anxiously await and approve passage of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act which will create the new federal agency.

Considered the greatest overhaul of consumer protections in history, the new law will be designed to empower and protect American families, subject lenders and other financial institutions to tougher oversight, strengthen small businesses and curb excessive risk taking on Wall Street.

The Senate recently passed its long-awaited version of the law and now groups of lawmakers in both legislative bodies are working to negotiate a final bill to be voted on by both chambers before going to the President.

• 96% favored requiring banks to explain the terms and conditions of loans, including mortgages and credit card debt, in plain language people can understand.

• 93% favor requiring companies that manage 401(k) retirement plans to explain the fees they charge to participants and to clearly state those fees on participants' annual statements.

• 93% favor enabling consumers to check an investment advisor's record to see whether they have any prior violations or have been charged with professional misconduct.

• 92% favor requiring investment companies to disclose the costs, risks, and benefits of all the financial products they market and sell using plain language and a user-friendly format.

• Overall, 90% favor holding financial salespeople who engage in deceptive marketing accountable.

• 89% favor protecting people from predatory lending practices, such as excessive fees and penalties, on products ranging from mortgages to credit cards.

• 66% favor allowing states to enact consumer protection laws that are stronger than federal law -- as many states now do.

• 59% do not think people and banks that sell financial products always make sure the product is suitable for the individual buying it.