An investigation by our 11 News I-Team this week raises an issue that needs the immediate attention of legislators and regulators -- both here in Maryland and in Washington.

The stories shared by two Maryland homeowners are troubling examples of what can happen when your mortgage loan is sold and the rules of the game suddenly change. One of them could afford to hire lawyers to fight to save his house. The other paid thousands of dollars out of fear to take her house off the auction block.

The issue is how some companies are permitted to operate -- charging excessive fees, holding payment checks, and threatening foreclosure whether or not they really intend to follow through.

Most troubling of all is how little regulation is on the books to protect the borrower.

This has to change. The selling of mortgage loans has made it possible to turn more people into homeowners. That's good for the economy.

But bad business practices destroy consumer confidence.

It's time to plug the cracks that some homeowners are falling through simply because they get stuck with a mortgage company they didn't choose.