Tuesday 3rd December
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The blogger, lawyer, banker and borrower: A letter from home thanks to Bank of America.
Written on 20 May, 2014 at 8:04
All we ever wanted was a fixed loan. Between Martin and Nathan Fransen's time and dedication to my family we received a loan modification. The part that to this day will bring tears to my eyes is... (Continue reading)
Tom Deutsch of the ASF on Eminent Domain & Loan Modifications – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 15 Apr, 2014 at 12:34
If Professor Robert Hockett is the man behind the plan to use eminent domain to take over underwater loans and write them down for homeowners, Tom Deutsch is his arch nemesis. This is an opportunity to hear how the... (Continue reading)
Why Can’t We FIX Something About the Loan Modification Process?
Written on 16 Jan, 2014 at 7:28
I’ve seen my government fail at lots of things over the years, but this failure is too important and too costly to allow it to continue. We’ve lost more than five million homes to-date… and recent forecasts show we’re... (Continue reading)
We’re Not Stopping the Foreclosure Crisis because it Affects Mostly Brown People
Written on 5 Dec, 2013 at 8:59
This is not a tragedy that discriminates. The race diminished as a result of what is being allowed to transpire will be “humanâ€. ... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Don’t Be Concerned Martin Is Dead Wrong, by Michael Pines
Written on 14 Nov, 2013 at 8:53
My article was nonsense, according to Michael Pines? Well, that would certainly be disappointing, I wasn't aware that I had ever written an article that was considered nonsense by anyone. I'm not saying that everyone likes what I... (Continue reading)
Re-Default Redoux… The Debate Over Loan Mods is as Stupid as Ever.
Written on 5 Nov, 2013 at 19:38
Another SIGTARP report shows Treasury knows nothing about loan modifications. Big surprise. Look, stop bothering Treasury... they don't want to know, so leave them alone. ... (Continue reading)
Painless Saving: Tricking Yourself into Saving a lot More Money
Written on 9 Oct, 2013 at 9:03
So, now I’m going to attempt the impossible. I’m going to show you how to beat back the obstacles to saving more… by tricking yourself into saving more… painlessly. Without you feeling it at all. Seriously... you... (Continue reading)
SECURITIZATION: How our society changed when we learned to turn lead into gold.
Written on 30 Sep, 2013 at 13:07
Before securitization children were raised receiving fewer presents for their birthdays and holidays and I don’t need a source for that statistic. Water is wet, the sky is blue, and that’s a fact. Hotel rooms never cost $600... (Continue reading)
Loan Modifications: Selling Loans Means Being Sold Down the River
Written on 25 Sep, 2013 at 17:24
Chase sold the woman’s loan to PennyMac. Simple as that. Had her modification already been made permanent, PennyMac would have had to honor the modified payment amount, but because she was only in a trial modification, Chase is... (Continue reading)
Two -Year Housing Recovery Mirage Now Over… Bernanke Hoping to Retire Before Everyone Notices
Written on 23 Aug, 2013 at 20:42
At the end of 2010, the interest rate on a 30-year mortgage was just under 5 percent... 4.97% to be more precise. Over the next 28 months actions taken by the Fed pushed that rate down as low as... (Continue reading)
The National Debate Over Loan Modification Re-defaults is Stupid
Written on 30 Jul, 2013 at 8:45
Not surprisingly, the combined effect of the three high-profile reports on borrower performance after having their loans modified, made headlines that have sparked a national debate... yet again. It was a stupid debate back in 2009, and it’s an even... (Continue reading)
Why I haven’t written about the declarations by ex-Bank of America employees.
Written on 22 Jul, 2013 at 8:30
I’m watching a fight for millions in cash that involves banks, pissed off ex-bank employees, and class action lawyers... and I’m supposed to be able to pick out which one is telling the most truth? Isn’t that like asking... (Continue reading)
Homeowner Nancy Frost Says Mandelman Made Loan Modification at Bank of America Work For Her
Written on 21 Jul, 2013 at 23:04
It's far from being the only time I've seen Bank of America do something like this when no one is watching. I truly believe that they made the decision to buy back the Frost's loan from Fannie, because they... (Continue reading)
An Invitation to All California Homeowners That Need Help with Bank of America Loans… 

Written on 10 Jul, 2013 at 19:41
So, please... accept this invitation from me and from Bank of America... click the link below and make a reservation to attend one of the upcoming homeowner events. Come and meet me and the loan resolution team specialists at... (Continue reading)
Foreclosures Impact One in 10 Children in this Country Today, Report Shows
Written on 10 Jul, 2013 at 14:49
No matter, the more important conclusion reached by the report is that, “Nearly four years later, the problem shows no signs of abating.†And isn’t that just a lovely thought that made me throw up in my mouth a... (Continue reading)
I’ve Seen More for Homeowners from Bank of America than Any Other Servicer By Far
Written on 9 Jul, 2013 at 5:44
One homeowner that I contacted Bank of America about, a disabled vet, ended up with a fixed interest rate of one tenth of one percent for forty years. And on more than one occasion, I saw the bank buy... (Continue reading)
Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Backed Securities with Impac President William Ashmore
Written on 27 Jun, 2013 at 18:28
It's Bill Ashmore, President of Impac Mortgage... answering questions about the ins and outs of mortgage backed securities and the meltdown that began in 2007. ... (Continue reading)
Mandelman Appears on Washington State Public Television Show on Foreclosures …
Written on 23 Jun, 2013 at 23:59
I was asked by Janet Reiner to appear on her community access television show about the foreclosure crisis and I agreed. Along with me was John Wright from Piggybank Blog and I think the whole thing is worth... (Continue reading)
Discussing Foreclosure Crisis Solutions with Impac Mortgage CEO Joe Tomkinson
Written on 10 Jun, 2013 at 4:39
I think Impac has proven that it has the capability and desire to be a meaningful part of the solution to the foreclosure crisis... they successfully modified tens of thousands of loans, and in general, they got loans modified in... (Continue reading)
The Foreclosure Bowl: Connecticut Finally Makes it Into Top 10
Written on 20 May, 2013 at 10:53
RealtyTrac Vice President, the ubiquitous Daren Blomquist, said he had “no immediate concern†related Connecticut’s newfound foreclosure prowess, which makes perfect sense since he’s not losing a home there. ... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure Surprise! Stomping on Maryland Homeowners
Written on 20 May, 2013 at 7:45
So, how do I know where the other undiscovered and unreported stockpiles of foreclosures are hiding as the banks wait until they feel like recognizing losses, having fixed the document problem to the degree that they can start booting people... (Continue reading)
What Makes a Mortgage a “Bad Loan?” I’m Confused.
Written on 20 May, 2013 at 4:43
Or do we only judge a loan to be “bad†after it defaults, and because it defaults? Assuming there are NOT predatory practices involved, is a loan “good†until it defaults and then it becomes “bad.†And is... (Continue reading)
Nevada Legislature Considers Passing its Own Homeowner Bill of Rights
Written on 18 May, 2013 at 12:27
Nevada’s legislature is considering adopting its own Homeowner Bill of Rights, and in fact, the bill... SB 321... has already passed the Nevada State Senate and is headed to the House.... (Continue reading)
One Bank Did Right by Homeowners & Shareholders – A Story You Haven’t Heard Before
Written on 17 May, 2013 at 17:40
There is one mortgage banker that did it right for their shareholders and borrowers. They didn’t take TARP funds or any sort of tax-payer funded bailout... instead they took their losses, restructured the company, and protected their shareholders... ... (Continue reading)
Illinois Latest State to Make Foreclosing Much Harder
Written on 23 Feb, 2013 at 10:22
Okay, so that’s GAME OVER for the State of Illinois. Ball four... take a hike... we’ll see you back here in 2014 or 2015. Take some time off, you deserve it. ... (Continue reading)
David Min, Part 3 – Housing’s Recovery… Fact or Fiction? A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 22 Feb, 2013 at 7:39
We've lost more than five million homes to foreclosure since 2008, and according to all published data at the end of 2012, we've got millions more seriously delinquent or at risk... but somehow housing is defying all laws of economics... (Continue reading)
David Min Interview – Part 2 – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 18 Feb, 2013 at 14:24
You can't blame everything on Ben Bernanke. He's only one man who got 1600 on his SATs. He can only do so much. It's not he's got ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD to play with... Oh,... (Continue reading)
End of Credit Markets to Beginning of Bailouts with D.C. Insider, David Min – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 18 Feb, 2013 at 9:29
David takes us through concise and easy to understand explanations of most of the major events since the meltdown began on July 10, 2007... the day the credit markets went into a deep freeze that continues to this day. ... (Continue reading)
About foreclosures, our housing markets, and economic recovery… oh, and lying.
Written on 14 Feb, 2013 at 22:01
Then how in the world can we be "at the bottom," of housing price declines or starting to see ANY sort of "housing recovery" as the MORONS in the media are also reporting TODAY, after receiving your press releases?... (Continue reading)
SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST #3: With the One and Only Max Gardner
Written on 13 Feb, 2013 at 9:02
Now, as anyone will tell you... Max Gardner knows this subject like the back of his hand, and he should... he's been at it for some 30 years... before the rest of us had any idea this sort of economic... (Continue reading)
SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST #2: Florida’s Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year… Margery Golant
Written on 9 Feb, 2013 at 6:40
Margery has been representing Florida homeowners since the foreclosure crisis first began in 2007, so when it comes to SCAMS... she's literally seen everything.... (Continue reading)
SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST: What Isn’t Working for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Today?
Written on 6 Feb, 2013 at 3:59
Foreclosure defense attorneys Matt Weidner and Tom Cox tell Mandelman what's working and what's not for homeowners in foreclosure courts. ... (Continue reading)
State Bar Hypocrisy on Display – Bar to Offer Grants to Fund Legal Help with Foreclosures
Written on 4 Feb, 2013 at 2:51
One thing I will say about State Bar Executive Director Joe Dunn is that his political skills are nothing short of masterful... it's breathtaking, really. So, stay tuned... with hypocrisy operating at these levels, absolutely anything is possible. ... (Continue reading)
The Fed blew it on Foreclosures. Ooops, we ruined the country?
Written on 1 Feb, 2013 at 2:26
If you make a mistake and cause harm on a scale of the Great Depression, what happens to you? Don’t you even get fired? Reprimanded? A stern talking to?... (Continue reading)
FOMC Meeting Surprise! Committee Finds Justification to Continue Doing What They’re Doing
Written on 31 Jan, 2013 at 2:27
I don't know what we'd do without the FOMC... except maybe... be forced to make real progress in some substantive way. ... (Continue reading)
9.9 Earthquake in Default Servicing Turns California Into Judicial Foreclosure State
Written on 30 Jan, 2013 at 6:58
So... even though many may still tell you that California is a non-judicial foreclosure state... they’re wrong and I’m calling it now... for all intents and purposes California’s future is as a judicial foreclosure state.... (Continue reading)
The Money in the OCC’s Cancelled Independent Foreclosure Review
Written on 29 Jan, 2013 at 23:53
It doesn't look to me like canceling the OCC IFR saved the banks money, in fact it looks to me like it cost banks quite a bit more than they would have paid under the IFR's "Financial Framework" as shown... (Continue reading)
Are Mortgages Fraudulent? The Case from Credit River.
Written on 25 Jan, 2013 at 20:22
It’s perfectly understandable that many people don’t know what to believe anymore, after all, what we’ve seen happen all around us could drive anyone a little batty. But, understand that holding onto something that’s not true isn’t going to... (Continue reading)
OCC Foreclosure Review RIP – Anyone Care for Cheese With their Whine?
Written on 17 Jan, 2013 at 13:03
All homeowners are “responsible†people. Or, to be more accurate, 99.9 percent of homeowners are responsible people. Some minuscule percentage of any group make up the small tail of the bell curve. The simple fact, and we... (Continue reading)
$1 TRILLION U.S. COIN – POSITIVELY BRILLIANT!
Written on 12 Jan, 2013 at 6:17
Either we could sell the space to the highest bidder... I bet McDonald’s would pay a pretty penny, no pun intended, to put "Ronald the Clown" on the new coin for example. Or, how about we engrave it to commemorate... (Continue reading)
View from Inside the Financial Crisis with Former Treasury Chief Economist Phillip Swagel – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 9 Jan, 2013 at 9:27
Here's your first chance to listen to Phillip Swagel on a Mandelman Matters Podcast... he'll be back again... but you don't want to miss this one because we won't be going backward in time, so click PLAY below and listen... (Continue reading)
Recovery? Ho, Ho, Holiday Sales Tell the Tale
Written on 29 Dec, 2012 at 9:29
I'm just so relieved that none of this dismal economic news was caused by the respective economies being in deep recession led by unreported worsening unemployment and pretend housing market recoveries. Because if those things were the cause, why... (Continue reading)
In Case You’re of a Mind to Help…
Written on 28 Dec, 2012 at 23:00
If you're a homeowner who would be interviewed about your specific experience saving your home from foreclosure, or if you have clients you've helped avoid foreclosure and they are okay with me calling to record an interview with them, let... (Continue reading)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 2012 – A Political Year-in-Review
Written on 25 Dec, 2012 at 5:19
It my annual political year-in-review, read to the poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Read it yourself, or click 'PLAY' and I'll read it for you.... (Continue reading)
The Quiet Crisis, Part 1. A Foreclosure Bluesical by Mandelman Matters
Written on 22 Dec, 2012 at 15:42
Over time, I hoped, as people came to understand what had actually happened, they would let themselves off the proverbial hook, and once not bound by shame, they would speak out and when in great enough number, our leaders would... (Continue reading)
A 10 POINT SCANDAL – CA State Bar Exec Director Dunn Should Resign
Written on 18 Dec, 2012 at 6:19
Beginning in the fall of 2011, and increasing in speed and ferocity after January 1, 2012, the State Bar begins using its newly concocted interpretation of SB 94 as a hammer to threaten and strong-arm lawyers who have received a... (Continue reading)
I never knew joy, anger or sadness until I became a parent – Thoughts following Sandy Hook
Written on 16 Dec, 2012 at 1:34
I pray for the parents of the children that were senselessly taken away on Friday... I pray that those that have other children at home find some way to go on. For a parent who lost their only child... (Continue reading)
Colorado Failing… Foreclosures By Wink, Nod or Text Message
Written on 14 Dec, 2012 at 9:50
Known as the “statement of qualified holder,†it doesn’t require a lawyer to look at anything that shows the bank holds the original mortgage, but even more stunning is that it also provides lawyers with complete absolution from any wrongdoing... (Continue reading)
We’re Just Not Going to Fix the Foreclosure Crisis in Court
Written on 13 Dec, 2012 at 14:06
In all but a very small number of cases, homeowners have continued to find the courts either unwilling or incapable of dispensing what they would consider fair and just solutions, and while the federal government has remained essentially mute on... (Continue reading)
Homeowners: Start Your Emails… This is Your Chance for $50 Billion Principal Reductions
Written on 13 Dec, 2012 at 11:22
Please take this chance to make your voice heard, and tell everyone you know whose home is underwater they should do the same. We screamed our heads off about AIG bonuses, both in the streets and in the tens... (Continue reading)
BYE-BYE DEMARCO! Obama to Replace Director of FHFA
Written on 11 Dec, 2012 at 2:55
The mortgage market is not just dominated by the government, the mortgage market is the government, and that’s not just here in the US, it’s everywhere. Governments are the lenders of ONLY resort. ... (Continue reading)
Talking Up the Housing Market? Yada, Yada, Yada… Talk is Cheap
Written on 30 Nov, 2012 at 6:32
The fact that there are properties at the very bottom that appear to have increased in price by a few points is no indication that housing is recovering. ... (Continue reading)
We’re Addicted to Denying our Addiction to FHA’s Mortgage Crack
Written on 23 Nov, 2012 at 6:13
According to Moody’s Analytics, FHA's actions prevented home prices from dropping an additional 25%, which in turn saved 3 million jobs and half a trillion dollars in economic output. But now FHA is broke. Now what?... (Continue reading)
If FHA’s losses are due to bad economy, why is Fannie blaming borrowers in lawsuit against Bank of America?
Written on 18 Nov, 2012 at 19:24
Of course, what Bachus fails to mention is that if our government had done ANYTHING RIGHT in terms of dealing with the economic crisis that started in 2007… if even ONE of the programs that have been implemented over the... (Continue reading)
Negative Equity Is Not Really a Numbers Game
Written on 16 Nov, 2012 at 5:12
“This analysis suggests that the country should not focus on the immediate problem of mass unemployment, about which little can be done. Instead we should turn attention to long-term issues, such as tax reform and education.†... (Continue reading)
What’s the difference between Spain and the USA? Empatía y sentido común. Sí, es verdad.
Written on 15 Nov, 2012 at 5:53
"In Spain right now, we have nearly a million empty housing units. In this situation, the government and the economy ministry ... has to take steps so that no family in good faith goes without a home.â€... (Continue reading)
Spire Law Group’s Mass Torte Lawsuit Seeks $43 Trillion from Banks – Former AG Says it’s a FRAUD
Written on 26 Oct, 2012 at 21:43
They call it a "mass torte," but it can also go by the name "mass joinder," or "multi-plaintif," or whatever other term d'art it might be using tomorrow, but no matter what it's called, the person calling to tell you... (Continue reading)
HOMEOWNER FORECLOSURE SCAM ALERT!
Written on 25 Oct, 2012 at 23:07
If you receive a solicitation that looks or says anything like what you see below, DO NOT RESPOND TO IT... IT IS A FRAUD... IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. ... (Continue reading)
President Obama on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Written on 23 Oct, 2012 at 8:23
Jon Stewart asked you about why you didn’t spend so much of the money available for HAMP… on HAMP… or on other efforts to mitigate the damage being caused by the foreclosure crisis. And you knew what he had... (Continue reading)
Why I Didn’t Want to Watch the Presidential Debate Last Night
Written on 23 Oct, 2012 at 6:23
It’s foreign policy night but although each question starts out overseas, it ends up buried in our flaccid economy somewhere near Cleveland. Romney points out that Obama can’t seem to buy jobs let alone create them. ... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure Crisis Almost Over – It’s Magically Delicious
Written on 22 Oct, 2012 at 7:21
So, if the normal market had 100 buyers, where there used to be 66 repeat buyers, now there will only be 33. Where there were 25 first timers, now there will only be 12. Are you getting the... (Continue reading)
Foreclosures Are Down? RealtyTrac VP, Daren Blomquist – The Definition of Obtuse
Written on 12 Oct, 2012 at 7:42
What everyone continues to overlook is the impact that foreclosures continue to have on new foreclosures. We’ve got supposed experts yammering about how we’ll have some set number of foreclosures and then we’ll be through this mess. But... (Continue reading)
No Surprise – Arizona Court Rules Mortgage Settlement Funds Don’t Have to Help Homeowners
Written on 12 Oct, 2012 at 2:39
Okay, so what’s the big deal whether the state uses some of the funds to balance the state’s budget? It’s better than the alternative, which is the legislature cutting much needed assistance programs and raising taxes across the board…... (Continue reading)
The Foreclosure Crisis – We Won’t Be Able to Fix It, Until We Understand It
Written on 10 Oct, 2012 at 6:26
By understanding the truth of what happened and why at these two pivotal moments in time, everything else will fall into place, for it was these two moments that set the course for a global economic downturn that, if history... (Continue reading)
Katherine Porter to Make Sure Homeowners Get What Servicers Promised – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 4 Oct, 2012 at 9:27
Back in April of this year, they were granted 180 days to get their servicing operations ready to comply with the new standards, and as of yesterday, they'll be held to the 304 new rules for addressing the needs of... (Continue reading)
It’s National Mortgage Servicers Settlement Compliance Day!
Written on 3 Oct, 2012 at 18:32
Per the settlement agreement, Smith will be testing the servicers adherence to the new rules using 29 defined metrics to assess such breaches as improper trustee sales, wrongful denial of modification, the use of fraudulent affidavits in the foreclosure process,... (Continue reading)
Bankers Hit Jackpot in Nevada, Supreme Court Rules 7-0… YES ON MERS
Written on 2 Oct, 2012 at 10:03
In Edelstein’s case, MERS assigned the deed of trust to Bank of New York Mellon as trustee for Countrywide. The court ruled that once the trust had both the promissory note and the assignment, it possessed the standing to... (Continue reading)
When Will the Pivotal Nature of the Foreclosure Crisis be Understood
Written on 2 Oct, 2012 at 1:08
Once you’re underwater, however, as at least half of homeowners are today, you can’t borrow against your home’s equity, nor can you sell your home, so any of those life events are likely to hit you where you live. ... (Continue reading)
Loan Modification Process Improving at BOA and Other Servicers
Written on 19 Sep, 2012 at 5:46
why would Smith publish a report whose only meaningful certainty was to scare even more homeowners away from paying attention to Bank of America's borrower outreach efforts? BOA and its peers were already having a hard time reaching... (Continue reading)
Okay, So Now I Appreciate Mitt Romney
Written on 18 Sep, 2012 at 23:25
They actually believe that too much regulation is the problem facing our financial institutions… that foreclosures are a good thing for the housing market… that tax cuts for the rich will create prosperity… that people on food stamps won’t get... (Continue reading)
Former SIGTARP Neil Barofsky – The Last Honest Man in Washington – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 14 Sep, 2012 at 11:25
Settle in and get ready to hear the real inside scoop on how Washington works and too often doesn't. It may cause vomiting and probably shouldn't be listened to if you have a heart condition... I'm really not sure.... (Continue reading)
PREVIEW: Neil Barofsky talks BAILOUT on a Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 3 Aug, 2012 at 1:34
Neil Barofsky is a name I'll never forget, and it won't be hard for anyone to understand why that's the case when I tell you the reason why. Neil was the Special Inspector General for the Treasury’s Troubled Asset... (Continue reading)
FREE BERNIE MADOFF… FREE BERNIE MADOFF…
Written on 2 Aug, 2012 at 16:22
If no one else is going to go to jail having to do with the financial meltdown, then I don’t actually care if Bernie is in there either. I mean, if crime pays… then let’s embrace the change. ... (Continue reading)
Special Report for Oregon Homeowners – A MM Podcast With Portland Attorney Clarke Balcom
Written on 31 Jul, 2012 at 5:49
Everybody says the new law and recent decision are going to provide protections and in general make things better for Oregon's homeowners at risk of foreclosure., and for the people of thee state as a whole. They're wrong.... (Continue reading)
No Bottom in Sight – I’m Starting to Feel Sorry for Realtors
Written on 29 Jul, 2012 at 0:54
So, this year started out depressed, as well it should have, but very quickly, and I do mean within weeks, a six-year downturn was transformed into a robust recovery based on… well… nothing really. None of the fundamentals changed,... (Continue reading)
It’s Official: Thanks to Former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill… I Have Now Seen Everything.
Written on 26 Jul, 2012 at 9:09
So, I guess I had this dream. I was watching CNBC... which, by the way, is how I knew it was a dream because I never watch CNBC... anyway, so I was watching CNBC and on comes Sanford "Sandy"... (Continue reading)
GAO Study Finds OCC Foreclosure Review too Hard for Us to Understand
Written on 25 Jul, 2012 at 8:22
The GAO’s report, released earlier this month concluded that the OCC simply made submitting a complaint too difficult for us to understand. We couldn’t figure it out. It was over our collective heads. And so, completely... (Continue reading)
Mortgage Servicing… The Winds Have Shifted, the Pendulum is About to Swing
Written on 25 Jul, 2012 at 0:43
The recent passage of California’s Homeowner Bill of Rights (53-25, 25-13) is the most conclusive example that what I spoke of at that conference in 2010, has come to pass. The financial services industry lobbied heavily against the passage... (Continue reading)
How’s the View from Where You’re Sitting?
Written on 24 Jul, 2012 at 10:12
If you want my advice... don't read this post, or watch it... just skip this page and head for the sports section or something. I'm sorry I'm even posting it... seriously... click away... while you still can.... (Continue reading)
Understanding Elite Fraud and the Mortgage Meltdown with William K. Black – A MM Podcast
Written on 21 Jul, 2012 at 10:08
Why has no one at the top been investigated or prosecuted for fraud or anything else for that matter as related to the financial meltdown that has destroyed trillions of dollars in consumer wealth? Especially when William K. Black's... (Continue reading)
Republican Filibuster Discloses that GOP Opposes DISCLOSURE
Written on 19 Jul, 2012 at 8:25
Killing this bill facilitates lying to the American people. And short of something that’s kept secret in order to protect our national defense, there is never a reason we should tolerate anyone or anything that does that.... (Continue reading)
Attention Mortgage Servicers… Heed these words now, because it’s much later than you think.
Written on 13 Jul, 2012 at 9:31
The biggest change that servicers are feeling is the one that can’t be seen or even written down. I imagine it’s similar to how homeowners felt when they discovered that their government didn’t give a Fudgsicle® whether they lost... (Continue reading)
Scott Stafne for Washington State Supreme Court – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 12 Jul, 2012 at 10:10
Washington State consumer attorney Scott Stafne is running for a seat on the State Supreme Court in the State of Washington. Why is he running, and why should you care regardless of where you live... click play and listen... (Continue reading)
LBO AMERICA with Catherine Austin Fitts, A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 7 Jul, 2012 at 5:50
Catherine Austin Fitts has perspective on the housing and mortgage meltdown like no other. Under President George Herbert Walker Bush, she was Assistant Secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner at HUD, where she basically ran the Federal Housing... (Continue reading)
Three Central Banks Surprise… Desperation in Three Part Harmony
Written on 6 Jul, 2012 at 7:55
The NYT story also mentioned that Bernanke and other central bankers have been trying to shift some of the burden for fixing the economy to elected officials, but the politicians aren’t having any of that. Do they look stupid?... (Continue reading)
Announcing the National Mortgage Settlement – My Favorite President Obama Speech of All
Written on 4 Jul, 2012 at 7:42
But, I'm now posting the speech from last February, at which the president announced the conclusion of the AG investigations/negotiations because I think it was his best speech ever in many ways. It's the only speech he's ever given... (Continue reading)
Lost Pride in America Mine
Written on 2 Jul, 2012 at 22:15
And I will likely never view the U.S.A. as being a great nation again. For me, that is over. For I have seen our pettiness, our insensitivity, our callous disregard to the plight of our neighbors right up... (Continue reading)
President Obama, Bored With the Foreclosure Crisis. That Explains A Lot, Actually.
Written on 1 Jul, 2012 at 9:07
And now I'm supposed to come to terms with the idea that the administration's bored with the topic itself? I could understand it if they were bored with something they'd mastered, although I can't for the life of me... (Continue reading)
Attention DOERS… You DID IT Again! SunTrust Responds.
Written on 1 Jul, 2012 at 0:43
Marty said that the SunTrust Bank executive said they should be able to do something to prevent her from losing her home. Marty said it was the first time in four years that she felt like someone was actually... (Continue reading)
Chase? Hello? Mr. Dimon? Are You Really Going to Do This to a Single Mom in this Situation?
Written on 29 Jun, 2012 at 17:07
It was a bad path to be on, as things turned out, but she didn’t know that for about 18 months. Right up until the day Chase sold her home without any real notice, Chase kept saying that they... (Continue reading)
Loan Modifications Stop Foreclosures, Study Shows. DOER ALERT!
Written on 29 Jun, 2012 at 9:33
Don't have time right now? MAKE TIME RIGHT NOW. Read this and DO SOMETHING.... (Continue reading)
CAR- California Assn. of Realtors Tries to Kill Homeowners Bill of Rights
Written on 28 Jun, 2012 at 22:53
Let’s let C.A.R. know that even though many of us may be losing homes today, that doesn’t make us deadbeats… it makes us strong… it makes us focused… and it makes us remember who was and who wasn’t on our... (Continue reading)
PRACTICE LAW, LOSE YOUR LICENSE: WHAT SB 94 MEANS TO YOUR PRACTICE By Alice M. Graham
Written on 25 Jun, 2012 at 21:24
The recent collapse of the real estate and financial markets in this country created the need for attorneys to help many of their homeowner clients by negotiating with lenders for a forbearance or modification of loans secured by the clients’... (Continue reading)
OCC Raises the Stakes to Lure Homeowners? Right?
Written on 25 Jun, 2012 at 17:30
Anyway, so that's the deal... $500 to $125,000... PLUS EQUITY! It makes it sound like the worst you can do, assuming you get past the qualifying round, is the $500, right? Five hundred's not bad, I suppose. ... (Continue reading)
Two Weeks in the Life of Mandelman Matters
Written on 25 Jun, 2012 at 6:45
It’s hard to describe what I do when I say I help homeowners. I’m not a lawyer and I never offer anything close to legal advice. I'm not a mortgage expert either. I think my value is... (Continue reading)
How Do You Take Your Catastrophe? Um, just a little at a time, please… with two Splendas.
Written on 23 Jun, 2012 at 20:21
We need growth, or we’re not getting out of this alive. It’s the only way. We can’t borrow and spend our way out of this one, like we have all the past recessions, or at least the ones... (Continue reading)
FTC Shuts Down Forensic Audit Scam that claims: 95% of mortgages may be legally unenforceable. (Where have I heard that before?)
Written on 18 Jun, 2012 at 7:28
So, I'm certainly not going to say that the FTC shutting down a forensic loan audit scam in LA is anything but a terrific thing... one less scam is one less scam... regardless of what others are still around. ... (Continue reading)
Elizabeth Warren Asks Netroots Nation a Question. Problem is, I think the answer is NO.
Written on 18 Jun, 2012 at 5:03
The real point is that we don't deserve someone like Elizabeth Warren and likely won't get her or anyone like her until we can answer her question about being ready with a resounding YES! and really mean it, as in... (Continue reading)
We’re Being Fed a Steady Diet of Econocrap
Written on 16 Jun, 2012 at 18:39
Overall, the point I’m making is that I don’t really care that the government wants to pay Scrabble-type word games with the word “recession†or “recovery.†I don’t care how they want to screw around with the unemployment rate... (Continue reading)
Things I think homeowners should know about loan modifications & HAMP-2
Written on 14 Jun, 2012 at 6:58
I’m not saying that HAMP is the best solution I could come up with, but under the circumstances, I don’t see anything better… or frankly anything close as far as keeping people in homes. I end up helping a... (Continue reading)