The general assembly finds that predatory lending has become an increasing problem in this state, threatening the viability of many communities and causing decreases in home ownership. While the marketplace may appear to be operating effectively for most home loans, too many homeowners are falling victim to unprincipled creditors who provide loans at exorbitant costs and include terms which are unnecessary to secure repayment of the loan. The general assembly finds that as competition and self-regulation have not eliminated the predatory terms for home-secured loans, the consumer protection provisions of this chapter are necessary to encourage responsible lending.