The first mortgage fair is ongoing this weekend at the Torre Banco Popular parking area at Maximo Gomez corner John F. Kennedy Avenue. Changes in banking regulations has increased the cash inventories of the banks, that in the past placed 95% of their loans with less than 5% of clients. The less restrictions on individual loans make it more attractive for banks to lend to individual consumers and thus banks are trying to attract mortgage takers. Some 32 companies are offering over 15,000 homes at the fair, open from 16 to 19 June. Popular Bank follows in the footsteps of Scotiabank, the first to announce the reduced rates for mortgages. At the fair, the Popular is offering 20-year mortgages at rates that fluctuate between 14.95% and 15.75%. The rates are fixed for six months to a year.