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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2008

Low-Income Loans

The recent decision by the city and county to ban "yield spread premiums" on low-income loans is yet another example of government removing choices under the guise of protecting people. I was in the mortgage business for 12 years but am no longer in it, so I have no dog in this fight, but I can tell you that a yield spread premium is a great way to reduce the out of pocket expenses associated with a home closing.

Unless you expect your loan officer to work for free, the fees need to come from somewhere. The argument used is that over 30 years, the slightly higher interest rate would result in the consumer paying more in the long run.

But the fact is that the average lifespan of a mortgage is only four to six years, at which time most people sell or refinance, so the vast majority of people end up actually paying less by rolling fees into a yield spread premium.

Now, with the elimination of those premiums, the homeowner has no choice but to cough up the money at closing, instead of deciding for themselves which way is better.

TERRY J. TREKAS

Seffner

Supports Scalping

I have always been a Judy Lisi fan and still am. I think she has done a wonderful job here. However, I believe that she is off base in some of her comments about scalping tickets (Views, Nov. 15).

Aside from some of the truly offensive aspects that scalping can take, the idea of providing tickets at a price for persons who want to see a given show, whatever it may be, is in essence not a bad thing.

So long as there is no coercion involved, the person who buys a ticket for an amount higher than the printed price is still in charge! That person does not have to buy the ticket and does so only if that ticket, whatever the price, is what the person chooses to pay.

If coercion is involved, it is stealing. There are already laws about that. After all, we are talking here about scarcity: There are only so many tickets available. If one is talking about the "Master Series" of the Florida orchestra it's different; there has been no problem. Unfortunately, there are plenty of tickets available. If that is not the case with "Phantom of the Opera," count your blessings!

Certainly we will do more harm than good with a law trying to mandate what a ticket must cost.

DALLAS TUTHILL

Sun City Center

Ban Older SUVs

In 1965 Ralph Nader wrote his famous book about the Chevrolet Corvair, "Unsafe At Any Speed." Today, he could write a companion book entitled "Unstable At Any Speed," about the sports utility vehicle (SUV).

How could this vehicle be so dangerous? Well, just look at the numbers who have been killed in these vehicles compared to other types of vehicles, to say nothing of its disproportionate carbon footprint.

I had fond hope that increased gas prices would drive this unsafe beast off our roads, but Americans are addicted to this vehicle no matter what and still believe, despite the evidence, these vehicles are safer than the family sedan.

Newer models are more roll-over resistant, but early models should be banned. No teen should be driving these vehicles. Everyone should be belted in and check tire pressure frequently.

ART HAYHOE

Wesley Chapel

Seeks Help For Veterans

During this holiday season, please remember those who served our country to protect the freedom that we enjoy.

Many of us were under the impression that our veterans are well supported by the Veterans Administration, but the truth of the matter is, they receive no funding for housing.

In an attempt to fill the void in services, Liberty Manor has provided quality housing to homeless but honorably discharged veterans for the past three years.

Please help us to continue this meritorious initiative as we attempt to transition these deserving members of our community into self-sufficiency. Help us by sponsoring a veteran this holiday season.

CONNIE BLANEY

Tampa

The writer is CEO of Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc. and can be reached at (813) 770-8777.

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