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FDIC Closes Netbank, One of the First Online Banks

An anonymous reader writes "NetBank, one of the first internet banks in the country was closed by the FDIC on Friday. Being a loyal customer for 8 years, I am saddened that an institution that provided me with so much great service and a cool, hi tech way to conduct my financial transactions is shutting down. Seems that mortgage defaults are to blame: 'NetBank's closure marks the first bank to close since the recent U.S. housing boom deflated. Critics have said that weak underwriting standards have led to record number of homeowners entering the foreclosure process. But NetBank's rare Internet-based business strategy made it a unique financial institution and its problems aren't expected to mirror issues facing other mortgage lenders, analysts say.'"

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  1. S&L crisis + DOT COM = housing bubble by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Yep, It's a bubble and some people are going lose their shirts.

    "It's a great time to buy a house."

    "You'll never lose money in real estate".

    "Real Estate is a great investment".

    "Sone else is bidding on the property".

    Bottom line is with stagnant median income, people just can't afford a house. The real estate sector, after an unprecidented run up, is undergoing correction and it will be long and will take some people under. If you're renting or can afford your mortgage, you'll do okay. Every else might as well mail in the keys. If the debt is to netbank, send the jingle mail to ING direct instead. This is the downside of mass immigration and easy money, people. Time to buck up!