http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/ Knowledge@Wharton is an online resource that offers the latest business insights, information, and research from a variety of sources. Content includes analysis of current business trends, interviews with industry leaders and faculty, articles based on the most recent business research, book reviews, conference and seminar reports, and links to other websites. en-us Copyright (c) 2009 The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/phillips_georgette.jpg http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/ 125 45 Wharton Faculty Research Finance and Investment http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1824&source=rss <SPAN style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana">It is a scene millions of Americans have been in -- sitting next to a real estate agent at closing to sign the papers for a new home. Often, the buyer has spent months with the agent. And to hear agents tell it, they are indispensable guides through the hazardous home-buying terrain. How is it, then, that millions of borrowers took on toxic subprime mortgages that could cost them their homes? Why did their agents not warn them off? While much criticism has been leveled at subprime lenders and mortgage brokers, some experts say that real estate agents have managed to escape their share of blame for the subprime mess.</SPAN> Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:24:43 EST