[whitedog57]

Talk about “While we were distracted.” Obama/Democrats beat Republicans with a club over payroll tax deductions, but essentially lied and said that it was paid for by a mortgage tax.

From Zero Hedge:

Congress/Administration Allows Taxpayers To Keep 2% More Of Their Paycheck For 2 Months – Requires Almost 1 Billion Mortgage Refis and Purchases To Fund

http://confoundedinterest.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/congressadministration-allows-taxpayers-to-keep-2-more-of-their-paycheck-for-2-months-requires-almost-1-billion-mortgage-refis-and-purchases/

[Myrddin]

I think the analysis at the link is incorrect. That extra fee attached to mortgages doesn't sunset on Feb 29, 2012. It continues in perpetuity. Everyone who finances after Jan 1, 2012 gets hit with this fee and it continues for the life of the mortgage. Just another way to screw those who "unfairly" have the means to purchase a home.