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Buffet's Business Entity Faces Legal Action from the U.S. Administration

Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiary finds itself in hot water with the U.S. administration, who've levied allegations of deceitful lending practices. The suit claims that the company intentionally steered borrowers towards loans they couldn't realistically afford, with the ultimate goal of...

In the heart of Mesa, Arizona, USA, a pristine model home sits comfortably atop a flatbed, residing...
In the heart of Mesa, Arizona, USA, a pristine model home sits comfortably atop a flatbed, residing temporarily at Clayton Homes of Mesa. The scene unfolded on a crisp Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

Title: CFPB Accuses Clayton Homes' Subsidiary of Predatory Lending Practices

In a recent lawsuit, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) targeted Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, a subdivision of Clayton Homes' manufactured housing division. The complaint accuses Vanderbilt of disregarding glaring signs that borrowers couldn't afford their loans, resulting in numerous consequences like late fees, penalties, home repossessions, and bankruptcies.

Clayton Homes, the country's largest builder of manufactured homes, is known for catering to a demographic with lower credit scores and incomes, or residing in rural areas. The CFPB alleges that Vanderbilt unjustifiably underestimated borrowers' ability to pay off debts and cover basic living expenses.

The couple who approved a home loan despite leaving them with meager $57.78 for discretionary expenditures each month is a telling example. Unsurprisingly, this loan eventually defaulted, as per the complaint.

Director Rohit Chopra of the CFPB pointed out that Vanderbilt knowingly trapped people into risky loans to secure a sale. Vanderbilt remained unresponsive when asked for comment, while the CFPB accused it of breaching the federal Truth in Lending Act.

Their mission is also seeking civil fines and compensation for affected borrowers. The lawsuit was filed in the Knoxville, Tennessee federal court, close to the company's Maryville headquarters.

Based on enrichment data:

  • Key allegations against Vanderbilt include their failure to properly assess borrowers' ability to repay loans, dismissing obvious red flags, manipulating lending standards, approving unaffordable loans, and charging extra fees and penalties when borrowers defaulted.
  • Vanderbilt has maintained a defensive stance, denying the allegations and labeling the lawsuit as politically motivated.
  • The lawsuit aims to safeguard homebuyers and reputable lenders by guaranteeing the fair and law-abiding implementation of manufactured home financing regulations.
  • Predatory lending practices, prevalent in manufacturing home financing, have been a significant concern for low-income and financially vulnerable individuals.

The CFPB's lawsuit against Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance is part of their mission to protect homebuyers from predatory lending practices. The business's alleged actions, such as approving unaffordable loans and charging excessive fees, have caused numerous financial hardships for borrowers, including late fees, penalties, home repossessions, and bankruptcies.

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