WAMU 88.5
: The Big Fix 
Cheryl from Wheat Ridge, Colo., wants mortgage companies to let homeowners in good standing skip one mortgage payment without hurting their credit rating. Dean Baker says that this already happens in emergency situations but could be mandated. Anthony Sanders says that there used to be "pick-a-payment" mortgages — a type of loan that allowed borrows to skip one payment a year of their choosing.
Host Al Lewis suggests listing two prices for houses: one that includes a broker's commission and one that doesn't to encourage more people to self-broker. Baker is unsure that it is worth adding a new requirement to real estate transactions. Sanders brings up for-sale-by-owner listings and discuss why more people do not consider this option.
Then John, a real estate agent from Buyer's Edge in Maryland, disagrees with Lewis that people buying a house don't need agents. John proposes creating uniform agency disclosure laws so consumers know what real estate agent options are available. Sanders agrees that giving the consumer more information is better. Baker says more transparency is good but doesn't think that people would pay attention to the disclosure forms.
Music: "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crüe
Book News: Kim Jong Un Reportedly Gave 'Mein Kampf' As Gifts
Also: The folly of marathon readings; Tom Wolfe has a new book; VICE apologizes for tasteless photo spread.And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto
The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.Obama Evokes Cold War In Speech At Berlin's Brandenburg Gate
Against a backdrop that evoked the Cold War, President Obama renewed his push to reduce the world's nuclear stockpiles on Wednesday. Obama delivered an address outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. He also meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.FBI Director Says Agency Is Using Drones Over The U.S.
Robert Mueller told the Senate the FBI used drones rarely and for surveillance proposes. The DEA and the ATF had both revealed they possessed drones.Leave a Comment
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