Thursday 9th May
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The “It’s Not Real Money” Argument – Perhaps the Best Way to Make the Banks Look Good in Court
Written on 22 Oct, 2013 at 10:37
The harm caused by our government's abominable handling of the foreclosure crisis... inconceivably made worse the complete absence of any communication on the subject by the Obama Administration... has barely begun to manifest itself let alone be understood... well, seemingly... (Continue reading)
The One Number You’re Forced to Care About… Your FICO Score
Written on 22 Oct, 2013 at 7:04
About 18 months ago, I started looking for a company that helped people improve their FICO scores. Not only was I interested in finding out how such services worked for my own personal reasons, but I also figured that... (Continue reading)
Homeowner Gets Permanent Loan Modification… Promises to Pay It Forward
Written on 15 Oct, 2013 at 20:58
I just received the letter below from Melissa... a homeowner who has been reading Mandelman Matters for five years. She just received her second permanent loan modification from Bank of America and is quite pleased with the terms of... (Continue reading)
Meet Thomas Cox, Esquire. A National Hero in Foreclosure Defense
Written on 14 Oct, 2013 at 21:38
Portland Maine attorney Thomas Cox is a national hero of the foreclosure crisis. Frankly, I thought everyone already knew that, but apparently not. So, if you aren't already familiar with what Tom has done and continues to do... (Continue reading)
3 out of 3 Dismissed WITH Prejudice! Tom Cox for the Homeowner – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 13 Oct, 2013 at 1:35
Tweet Stewart, Sawyer and Oathout… three Maine homeowners… three separate foreclosure cases… each dismissed with prejudice, meaning none of the servicers trying to foreclose gets another chance at foreclosure. And Maine’s foremost foreclosure defense attorney, Tom Cox, gets the... (Continue reading)
Deadly Clear Blog is Dead Wrong on UETA, E-Sign & Foreclosure… A Guest Post by Attorney Tom Cox
Written on 10 Oct, 2013 at 16:29
Here's a Guest Post by Tom Cox in response to a Deadly Clear post, "Is the Promissory Note Even Enforceable?" But the short answer is that the only thing that's deadly clear about the post is that if you try... (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)
Hear Tom Cox Fight Foreclosure in Maine Supreme Court – Color Commentary by Max Gardner
Written on 24 Sep, 2013 at 10:13
That's right, as Tom Cox fights to save his client's home from foreclosure, I ask Max Gardner to help us better understand what's going on and why... the background behind Tom's most penetrating arguments... and why it's such a specialized... (Continue reading)
New Abuses in the Foreclosure Process Make the Dire… Dreadful
Written on 23 Sep, 2013 at 9:09
More than any other single factor, shame has made it possible for this country to lose over six million homes to foreclosure... and relative to the number of homes lost, they’ve been lost without a peep uttered in protest. ... (Continue reading)
When Lawyers Break the Rules… The Code of Conduct for Florida Attorneys
Written on 21 Sep, 2013 at 9:00
So, what does the Florida Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct have to say about Szymoniak’s representation of Mr. Figueroa, as viewed in light of the emails between the two, over that six month period when Szymoniak was Damian's lawyer... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Top Jewish Motion Pictures of All Time!
Written on 19 Sep, 2013 at 21:35
If you’re not Jewish, you probably don’t realize that Hollywood makes its movies in Jewish versions in addition to the versions they show in the theaters which are Rated G... for “Goyim.”... (Continue reading)
“Double Dipping Docket” is Just a Dumb Idea
Written on 18 Sep, 2013 at 7:18
The payment advanced to the trust by a servicer when a borrower fails to make his or her mortgage payment is simply a loan made pursuant to the contract between the servicer and the trust. The trust is only... (Continue reading)
Some of Lynn Szymoniak’s Millions May Belong to Someone Else
Written on 16 Sep, 2013 at 8:39
And I can say that, in my opinion, regardless of the outcome... AT BEST... Lynn Szymoniak handled the situation very, very poorly. And, AT WORST... her behavior was deceitful to the point of being unconscionable, and a total abdication... (Continue reading)
Kindergarten Loans from SallieMae Are Here!
Written on 13 Sep, 2013 at 8:37
SallieMae is now offering financing for the high costs of... kindergarten? It’s even marketing loans available for pre-K, which I’m pretty sure we used to call, “nursery school.” I never thought to ask my mother how much it... (Continue reading)
HUD Revises the Rules Related to Reverse Mortgages
Written on 12 Sep, 2013 at 5:33
HUD’s new rules related to reverse mortgages are just a part of those changes made in the wake of the financial crisis and resulting economic meltdown, and in fact, relative to changes made that affect other areas of mortgage finance,... (Continue reading)
Glaski Attorney Richard Antognini on the Court’s Decision and What’s Next for Mr. Glaski – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 12 Sep, 2013 at 4:28
Not only will Richard leave listeners with a level of understanding specific to the Glaski decision that would otherwise be unavailable, he’ll talk about other recent decisions in California that he says are very important to homeowners... he’ll offer guidance... (Continue reading)
I Don’t Care How Much You’re Saving for College… It’s Not Enough
Written on 9 Sep, 2013 at 9:20
Recent estimates are that American consumers owe over $1.1 trillion in such student loan debt, and one look at the cost of college tuition makes it easy to see why. They say the average graduate is coming out of... (Continue reading)
Understanding Reverse Mortgages Matters – A Podcast with Impac’s Richard Johnson
Written on 4 Sep, 2013 at 15:06
In the past, reverse mortgages were seen as something only to be used as a last resort. But, in the past we had more options for borrowing money. ... (Continue reading)
Data shows Nationstar Approves Loan Modifications at Much Lower Rate than Big Banks
Written on 2 Sep, 2013 at 13:35
Look, as a business person, I do understand the impetus here. Bank of America’s CEO has a fiduciary duty to maximize shareholder value, and let’s face it... servicing mortgages these days simply can’t be worth the money involved. ... (Continue reading)
Court Denies Bank of America’s Petition for Re-hearing in Glaski Decision
Written on 30 Aug, 2013 at 6:47
Regardless of what happens going forward, perhaps this case and related decisions will lead to an increased willingness by state courts to take more care to examine the issues presented by homeowners and their lawyers, and lessen their tendency to... (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)
A Winning Team: Meet the Lawyers for Mr. Thomas Glaski… A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 23 Aug, 2013 at 12:33
If you want to learn about what happened to Mr. Glaski... how his case went in the lower court... and how it ended up going his way in the Court of Appeal... get the to get inside scoop from... (Continue reading)
GLASKI WINS! California Court of Appeal Ruling a Landmark for Homeowners… Maybe.
Written on 22 Aug, 2013 at 16:56
So, as a result of this now published decision by California’s Court of Appeal, Mr. Glaski will now be allowed to return to state court to allege that his foreclosure was wrongful based on a challenge to the validity of... (Continue reading)
Interest Rates Play Havoc with Banks, Bonds and Borrowers
Written on 1 Aug, 2013 at 8:50
Long-term interest rates rising means different things to different people, but none of it’s good. Higher long-term rates makes it much more expensive for state and local governments to borrow money, and you can probably guess how that would... (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)
Homeowner Says Martin Andelman Helped Save Home After She Was Scammed Three Times
Written on 24 Jul, 2013 at 20:48
He did not take advantage of us, he worked with us without charging us any money! He gave us hope and made our dream come true. Home loan modifications do work you just have to have the right... (Continue reading)
Hawaii Homeowner Writes to Thank Mandelman for Helping with Bank of America Loan Modification
Written on 22 Jul, 2013 at 23:17
Diane and John Bobek, homeowners in Hawaii that I was able to help with their Bank of America mortgage, writes to thank me. ... (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)
Fannie, Freddie and FHA Finally Increase Homeowners’ Ability to Modify Mortgages
Written on 18 Jul, 2013 at 9:24
Ladies and Gentlemen... finally... ... after five years of sheer torture... introducing a “No-Doc” loan mod. The FHFA says modified interest rates will be FIXED... terms will extend to 40 years... and some borrowers won’t be required to pay... (Continue reading)
Attorney Argues “Produce the Note” and Makes a Bad Situation Worse for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Written on 16 Jul, 2013 at 22:54
What happened here is not an example of homeowners fighting to keep their homes... it’s not an example of foreclosure defense at all. It’s only an example of how what’s happening on the homeowner’s side of this fight, can... (Continue reading)
A Sword in a Field – Correlation is Not Causation
Written on 16 Jul, 2013 at 12:57
It’s easy to misinterpret something about this crisis. But, it’s important that we try to guard against that happening whenever possible for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is that being wrong means wasting time that... (Continue reading)
Need Answers from Bank of America About Your Mortgage? Then I Think You Should Show Up Here.
Written on 14 Jul, 2013 at 20:08
Being behind on your mortgage is never any fun, but don't listen to those that would have you believe that the loan modification process hasn't changed at Bank of America over the last few years because they're wrong... it's much... (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)
Our Foreclosure Story Ended Happily because of Martin Andelman and Bank of America
Written on 9 Jul, 2013 at 22:10
Although I’m still not sure why, one moment we were packing our home into boxes and the next Bank of America had bought back our loan from Freddie Mac and given us the loan modification we had prayed to get... (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)
My Experience with Bank of America, Martin Andelman and Getting My Loan Modified
Written on 8 Jul, 2013 at 20:26
I wrote this to you and other homeowners because I’ve been a witness to what Martin’s help can lead to and what a homeowner can accomplish even when that homeowner has stopped believing that anything can work. Just because... (Continue reading)
U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Foreclosing in Texas Without the Note is Okay
Written on 8 Jul, 2013 at 17:47
Specifically, the Fifth Circuit held that the split-the-note theory, "is inapplicable under Texas law where the foreclosing party is a mortgage servicer and the mortgage has been properly assigned," adding that, "the party to foreclose need not possess the note... (Continue reading)
SAFE MONEY INVESTING: An Interview with Mike Moorhead of Tippett Moorhead
Written on 8 Jul, 2013 at 13:31
why aren’t we all saving more? We know we’re not getting younger. Why aren’t we all doing more to put money away to ensure a more secure financial future? Maybe not a lot more... but why not... (Continue reading)
Did Some Type of Insurance or Credit Default Swap Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Written on 3 Jul, 2013 at 7:24
I recently saw someone online saying that as a result of multiple insurance payouts a bank could receive millions of dollars on a $200,000 loan that went into default. It’s just not true. There are lot's of reasons why... (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)
What people NEED to know about the foreclosure crisis in 2013 & 2014
Written on 27 Jun, 2013 at 5:50
My point is that the increasing sales volume of non-performing loans means the unthinkable... that it’s going to get even worse for homeowners who are seriously delinquent and need to get their loans modified in order to keep their homes.... (Continue reading)
What Happens in Nevada with Foreclosures, Ends Up on Mandelman Matters
Written on 25 Jun, 2013 at 4:03
It absolutely fascinates me, for example, that the Nevada legislature, in amending the law, took the time to write in a sentence saying: “require an affidavit containing a local or toll-free telephone number at which borrowers can obtain the current... (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)
Using the California Homeowner Bill of Rights to Fight Foreclosure
Written on 23 Jun, 2013 at 22:45
So... for California homeowners facing foreclosure... who know the facts and have been unable to get a resolution to their situation... there's the California Homeowner Bill of Rights. Other states are considering adopting the same sort of legislation and... (Continue reading)
I’m Not a Total Idiot, You Know.
Written on 10 Jun, 2013 at 21:41
So, I know... you want to read about how a homeowner won some major victory in the courts somewhere... or how someone filed and got quiet title to their property... or how a bank couldn't figure out who owned a... (Continue reading)
PART TWO – How to Take Your Power Back When at Risk of Foreclosure
Written on 10 Jun, 2013 at 18:48
Understand... I’m not telling you which path you should choose, but I am saying that you should choose one and then do everything in your power to achieve the goals that lie at the end of that path. Just... (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)
Alabama Slamma’ – Not for Better, Far Worse… As Foreclosures we Chart.
Written on 21 May, 2013 at 6:42
We seem to be having a national recovery in much of the media, but in the states themselves the numbers are refusing to cooperate. I guess if you can have a “jobless recovery,” then you can probably have a... (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)
South Carolina’s Hardest Hit Funds Farce… Failing but Finally Changing?
Written on 18 May, 2013 at 3:40
It's been 3.5 years since the money was made available. It’s time for the programs funded by hardest hit funds to help homeowners... stopping foreclosures with aggressive benefits and inclusive qualifying requirements. Surely we know what doesn’t work...... (Continue reading)
Bill to End Foreclosure Mediation In Missouri Passes… Wake Up, Missouri
Written on 17 May, 2013 at 19:48
Unless you believe that the foreclosure picture in this country somehow magically changed dramatically over the last month or two... you don’t want to wake up one day to find out you might need mediation... only it’s no longer there.... (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)
Denial and Avoidance Won’t Fix Housing or Grow Economy
Written on 16 May, 2013 at 6:56
I wish we’d stop with the false bottoms and imaged recovery stories so we could actually concentrate on making some much needed improvements in how we’re handling our economic malaise, because that’s the only way we’re going to see any... (Continue reading)
Homeowner’s Scheme Makes Bad Situation Worse… Ends Up in Jail
Written on 6 Mar, 2013 at 6:40
The problem is that when we start believing things that aren’t true... even though do so might make us feel better for the moment... that’s when we lose all of our power. No one is powerful when they’ve got... (Continue reading)
Goldman Sachs on the Pacific – Inside Countrywide with Michael Winston… A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 23 Feb, 2013 at 17:16
When Countrywide had aspirations to become “Goldman Sachs on the Pacific,” they recruited Michael to help them get there. They may have appeared to understand when Michael spoke of the programs he would initiate, but soon it was quite... (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)
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)
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)
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)
Un-Freezing Foreclosures in the Nevada Desert – A Mandelman Matters Podcast on What Nevada’s Homeowners Need to Know
Written on 7 Jan, 2013 at 19:22
Gloria Petroni is concerned that Nevada homeowners may have been lulled into a false sense of security by AB 284 and now aren't familiar with what to do when faced with having to fight for their homes in court. ... (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)
‘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)
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)
Attorney Bruce Levitt on Saving Homes from Foreclosure in New Jersey – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 17 Dec, 2012 at 11:22
New Jersey foreclosure defense attorney Bruce Levitt on this Mandelman Matters Podcast tells you what's working and what's not... and how he thinks you are most likely to save your New Jersey home from foreclosure.... (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)
California Bar: Disregards Attorney General’s Views, Screws Homeowners
Written on 10 Dec, 2012 at 12:34
What’s even harder to understand is that the State Bar’s most recent interpretation of SB 94 completely disagrees with how California Attorney General Harris and Governor Brown interpreted the law in documents filed with the court last year when... (Continue reading)
The Faux Debate Over the Farcical Cliff that’s Hurting the Rest of US
Written on 4 Dec, 2012 at 6:08
I’m not the least bit worried that the Republicans and the Democrats won’t come together right before the holidays to forge some ill-conceived, witless, and entirely cowardly compromise that only kicks the proverbial can down the road even further... it... (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)
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.”... (Continue reading)
LPS Data Shows Ups and Downs of the Foreclosure Crisis
Written on 23 Oct, 2012 at 17:59
LPS also reports that as of September, 3.7 million loans were at least 30 days delinquent, but not yet in foreclosure…. and 1.53 million loans were at least 90 days delinquent, but not yet in foreclosure. Almost two million... (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)
Bank of America’s Dave Steckel on the National Mortgage Settlement – A Mandelman Mattters Exclusive Newscast
Written on 19 Oct, 2012 at 14:43
Well, I asked BOA if one of their executives would join me on a Mandelman Matters Podcast, so we could get a better feel for what's going on than just reading their press release, and Dave Steckel, even though I'm... (Continue reading)
Servicers Extinguishing Liens DOES Help Homeowners, NOT Erasing Debt That Isn’t there
Written on 14 Oct, 2012 at 9:48
I know what happened here. A homeowner in Connecticut was denied for a loan modification based on excessive income and her lawyer told her she would have to file bankruptcy to stop the sale of her home. Then... (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)
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)
FHFA Looking to Jail Strategic Defaulters
Written on 15 Sep, 2012 at 8:45
There’s no such thing as people who can pay their mortgages no problem but just feel like cleaning out their garage, ruining their credit, and then living in an apartment where the kitchen smells like ass for the next five... (Continue reading)
