Wednesday 4th December
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FDIC Shared Loss Agreements Did NOT Pay Off Your Loan (No Matter What AZ Court Seems to Think)
Written on 25 Feb, 2014 at 22:19
It's remarkable, if you think about it, how many people are supposedly trying to pay off your underwater mortgage once you've stopped making your mortgage payments. It's like there's a rush to pay off your mortgage once you default on... (Continue reading)
I SAY GIVE HIM TWO ““ Ernie Banks Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Written on 21 Nov, 2013 at 7:34
Today, Ernie Banks was at the White House being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. It is the highest civilian honor that this country bestows, and this year was the 50th anniversary of the award,... (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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
The Trillion Dollar Mistake That Triggered the Economic Meltdown
Written on 17 Oct, 2012 at 9:45
What could Mr. Bernanke and others have done differently? Addressed the real cause of the crisis, the lost trust part... by announcing that the U.S. government would be stepping into the bond market and guaranteeing the investment grade bonds...... (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)
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)
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)
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)
Jamie Dimon tells Meet the Press he thinks we’re resenting “success.” He’s wrong.
Written on 14 May, 2012 at 3:26
Dimon was quoted as having said that just because his bank had been stupid, it didn't mean that all the other banks would be equally stupid. But, see... it sort of does, right? That's why the sort of... (Continue reading)
Attention Homeowners & Lawyers: AG Mortgage Settlement Launches Online Complaint Sites
Written on 11 May, 2012 at 7:02
I for one am glad to see that this country is finally taking the foreclosure crisis seriously and that my tax dollars are being put to good use, and I really do hope that everyone take advantage of the new... (Continue reading)
California Homeowner in Foreclosure Wins Quiet Title – It’s a Free House!
Written on 7 May, 2012 at 7:11
For one thing, filing quiet title did work out well for Denise Saluto, and since I would never have predicted it happening in her case, I'm certainly not going to tell you it won't happen again in yours, because as... (Continue reading)
White Powder in Envelopes Mailed to Wells Fargo in NYC – Idiots happy it’s not toxic
Written on 1 May, 2012 at 10:21
AP reported that the powder in the envelopes caused evacuations at bank branches, but no injuries, as if that last part mattered in the least. Idiots appear to be happy that the powder was found to be cornstarch... as... (Continue reading)
We know they’re not evil, because they’re simply not smart enough to be evil.
Written on 23 Apr, 2012 at 14:06
The European bankers are no different than is the FHFA, which is led by Ed DeMarco, the guy stopping Fannie and Freddie from reducing principal balances of mortgages. He says he won't do it because his job is to... (Continue reading)
Thinking Out Loud… Über-Trendy Rich New Yorkers & Ethiopian Cuisine
Written on 22 Apr, 2012 at 9:34
Doesn't it just figure that in this country, where we have so much food we that throw away inconceivable amounts on an hourly basis and literally pay farmers millions of dollars not to grow stuff... that we'd have trendy intellectuals... (Continue reading)
Introducing 30 MINUTES OF TALKING – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 20 Apr, 2012 at 19:46
This week's show focuses on the Obama Administration's handling of the foreclosure and housing crisis, by examining the statements made during the press conference the administration held to announce the settlement between the 49 state attorneys general and the five... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: A Letter to President Obama, from James Deal, Attorney at Law
Written on 29 Mar, 2012 at 11:28
I write to identify a policy change that would add trillions of dollars of liquidity to the housing market overnight. It would stimulate home sales, stabilize home prices, and reduce the number of home foreclosures.... (Continue reading)
MM PODCAST: From Fannie Mae to FHA – Edward Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance
Written on 28 Mar, 2012 at 20:50
On this Mandelman Matters Podcast, I ask Ed about the results of his extensive research into the FHA, which he refers to as the "new sub-prime," and "the next bailout." His extensive study of the FHA's data in terms... (Continue reading)
Ellen Brown, President of the Public Banking Institute, Has a Plan – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 24 Mar, 2012 at 14:39
If you're not already familiar with Ellen Brown, then I might as well just go ahead and say: "Your welcome," because I can't imagine anyone not liking this prolific blogger, author of 11 books, attorney, and President and Chairman of... (Continue reading)
Max Gardner & Nye Lavalle Together in Concert – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 22 Mar, 2012 at 21:04
Having Nye Lavalle and Max Gardner together is a rare event. Together, they would have to be considered the founding fathers of today's foreclosure defense movement, so this is an opportunity to learn how it all began and where... (Continue reading)
Bringing Up the REAR – Charles Gasparino, Fox Business Network
Written on 21 Mar, 2012 at 10:14
Also, I'm wondering something... when you say that, "foreclosures are a necessary ingredient to the housing market's recovery," how many do you figure we're going to need in order to "recover?" ... (Continue reading)
Frank & Brian in Arizona for Spring Training: Think… Not, Work… Not.
Written on 21 Mar, 2012 at 7:42
Who knows... trying to pick the bottom has long since proven itself to be a fool's errand anyway, right? It certainly should have by now. My advice would be to buy on the way up. Missing the... (Continue reading)
Atty. Bruce Levitt of Kemp v. Countrywide – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 20 Mar, 2012 at 11:07
Join me and New Jersey bankruptcy and foreclosure defense attorney, Bruce Levitt as we talk about Kemp v. Countrywide, a much anticipated New Jersey Supreme Court from 2010 that really made it clear that there were some problems with the... (Continue reading)
Watch this! Ireland wants the same answers we do.
Written on 9 Mar, 2012 at 11:52
Ireland journalist won't give up. Why do our journalists fail to get started?... (Continue reading)
Wells Fargo Warns Shareholders – it’s own behavior may hurt the bank’s performance.
Written on 8 Mar, 2012 at 12:05
Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including mortgage lending practices, servicing and foreclosure activities, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer... (Continue reading)
Mandelman on “Saving the California Dream” on Fox 11 News KTTV Los Angeles
Written on 29 Feb, 2012 at 4:13
Heidi Cuda, a producer from Fox 11 News in Los Angeles produced a week long series on the foreclosure crisis for the Channel 11 news and asked to interview me. I didn't like Part 1, but Part 2 was... (Continue reading)
Economy Recovering? No, it’s not. Housing? NO. Unemployment? NO. Stock Market? NO.
Written on 27 Feb, 2012 at 15:18
So... housing is not, not, not at bottom, "“ check. Unemployment not improving "“ check. And does the stock market at 13,000 mean something to the economy? Nothing good "“ check.You might want to bookmark this page, so... (Continue reading)
Bank sues itself, wins, and then forces itself into bankruptcy to satisfy judgment
Written on 27 Feb, 2012 at 13:54
So, why did I write this? Because it makes just as much sense as everything else that's going on in this country, and at least it made me smile. ... (Continue reading)
Best Picture Nominees Meet the Foreclosure Crisis at the 84th Annual Academy Awards
Written on 26 Feb, 2012 at 22:02
The foreclosure crisis is seeping into our society everywhere. Or, at least it soon will be... ... (Continue reading)
Insider Says Wells Fargo’s Independent Foreclosure Review for OCC is “a Sham”
Written on 24 Feb, 2012 at 0:11
What follows is a podcast featuring the "whistle blower"... the anonymous independent file reviewer working for Promontory on the Wells Fargo Bank account that reached out to us because he was fed up. I verified his identity and spoke... (Continue reading)
Wells Fargo Bank and Patricia Martin Part 2 – A Bank that Cannot Be Trusted
Written on 22 Feb, 2012 at 1:17
The bottom-line is, as anyone should be able to clearly see... Patricia Martin should NOT have lost her home and Wells Fargo SHOULD help her get it back with a modified payment so she can continue to live in the... (Continue reading)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the Mortgage Settlement
Written on 12 Feb, 2012 at 17:37
The settlement agreement is supposed to help one million households by reducing their loan balance reduced. There's no way is there enough money in this settlement to do all that much for anyone. But Obama has said it's... (Continue reading)
Foreclosing on Oscar… Mandelman’s List of Best Picture nominees
Written on 9 Feb, 2012 at 9:16
I haven't actually seen any of them, but I've gone ahead and described them, so you can see the candidates through my somewhat jaded perspective... and my list is likely a little different than the others you'll run across... I... (Continue reading)
OneWest Bank DOES IT for Lisa in Massachusetts! (DOERS ROCK!)
Written on 7 Feb, 2012 at 15:44
Plus, in Massachusetts, do you know how they do it? They auction the home off right on the soon to be ex-homeowner's front lawn, for all to see. I'll tell you what... that is some 17th century nonsense... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure Politics Here and Across the Pond – Professor David Coates on a Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 3 Feb, 2012 at 19:06
This Mandelman Matters Podcast with Professor David Coates is not the same thing you've heard before, as he covers the foreclosure crisis both here in the U.S and in the UK. He also talks about the global financial crisis... (Continue reading)
Thank You Wells Fargo… Signed the DOERS of Mandelman & Field
Written on 31 Jan, 2012 at 19:28
Ooops, you did it again! Yes, it's true... Wells Fargo contacted Tom and Jeneane up in Granite Bay, California mid-day today to let them know that their SALE DATE of February 3, 2012 HAS BEEN POSTPONED. ... (Continue reading)
Freddie Mac’s Crimes Against Homeowners are NOT an Isolated Incident
Written on 30 Jan, 2012 at 18:35
ProPublica is reporting that Freddie Mac has been placing "multi-billion dollar bets designed to only pay off when homeowners remain "trapped" in high interest rate loans, and that the government-owned mortgage monster began increasing such bets late in 2010, which... (Continue reading)
Our DOERS DID IT Again… One West Bank Stops Sale in East!
Written on 30 Jan, 2012 at 15:37
DOERS... you did it again. That's 7 out of 7 DOERS... we really are DOING it and making a real and very meaningful difference not only for the homeowners whose homes we've saved by helping them get sustainable loan... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: OneWest Bank Needs to STOP a Foreclosure Sale Monday Because It’s WRONG
Written on 29 Jan, 2012 at 20:31
In just two days from now, on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 3:00 PM... a terrible, tragic and yet easily avoidable event is scheduled to occur... and MUST BE STOPPED. OneWest Bank is scheduled to conduct a foreclosure auction... (Continue reading)
Bank of America Does the Wright Thing – DOERS Did It Again. JOIN US, BE A DOER!
Written on 26 Jan, 2012 at 6:23
By mid-day on Tuesday, Bank of America had responded to say they were looking into it... and by 4:30 PM that same day Bank of America DID THE WRIGHT THING, and gave Mr. Dale Wright his home back... from a... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: Dear Bank of America…
Written on 23 Jan, 2012 at 20:03
The man's wife passed away in 2006. They were married for 53 years. Your bank explained that a request for postponement went in on the 23rd of December 2011 on a loan which Bank of America agreed to... (Continue reading)
Credit Suisse Tells Bloomberg: “Mortgage Principal Cuts Don’t Help Homeowners?”
Written on 22 Jan, 2012 at 18:53
Reducing mortgage balances is a risky idea that hasn't been shown to keep borrowers who owe more than their property's worth in their homes, according to Credit Suisse Group AG. (CSGN). Suspending accounting rules is a risky idea that hasn't been... (Continue reading)
Calling All Lawyers to 5,000,000 Crime Scenes
Written on 20 Jan, 2012 at 10:21
Consider this... bankers say that they've been overwhelmed by the millions of homeowners unexpectedly seeking loan modifications and that's why applying for a loan modification has been such a nightmare. But, what about the number of foreclosures occurring in... (Continue reading)
MY DOERS DID IT AGAIN! But it’s not over yet. (And Holly Says Thank You!)
Written on 31 Dec, 2011 at 19:50
I don't usually do this, but with Holly's permission, I've posted the three emails I received from her today. I get a lot of very flattering emails from homeowners across the country, and I appreciate them all very much...... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: Wells Fargo Bank… How could you do this to a mother of four?
Written on 30 Dec, 2011 at 11:37
Doug and Holly were excellent customers of your bank for over 16 years, and then they hit a rough patch. They needed the bank's help... some guidance to get them through difficult times. You had a chance to... (Continue reading)
Should State AGs Settle with Bankers? Ohio’s Former AG Marc Dann Weighs In… A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 27 Dec, 2011 at 8:22
I decided that the best person to ask about what's going on with these positively inane negotiations would be a former State Attorney General, so I called Ohio's former AG, Marc Dann. Marc knows these people, he understands the... (Continue reading)
HO, HO, HOmeless… A Sobering View of the Crisis Affecting Us All
Written on 24 Dec, 2011 at 5:00
And to the homeowners who feel ashamed... who have suffered the indignity of losing a home in silence... this wasn't your fault. You didn't break the bond market and send housing prices into a free fall. You didn't... (Continue reading)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – 2011
Written on 21 Dec, 2011 at 9:15
And, since it is the holidays, it's also time for my annual year-in-review-in-rhyme, read to the famous holiday poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I started writing my 'Twas the Night year-in-review in 2007, or at least that's the year... (Continue reading)
Mandelman on The News Dissector Radio Show with Danny Schechter
Written on 20 Dec, 2011 at 20:11
I was a guest on the News Dissector radio show with Danny Schechter out of NYC. And I was joined by one of the Occupy Wall Street organizers and Capt. (Ret.) Ray Lewis. Check it out... given the... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Welcome to Freddie and Fannie’s Mortgage Shell Game, By Shawn T. Newman, J.D.
Written on 12 Dec, 2011 at 20:30
Fannie and Freddie actually had a policy stating that they didn't want to receive the physical "notes?" This "policy" was created by Freddie and Fannie and clouds who actually has legal title to the property (i.e. mortgagee) and who... (Continue reading)
Author Michael Hudson Knows The Monster – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 4 Dec, 2011 at 12:59
Here's something you can't do anywhere else... listen to author Michael Hudson not only talk with me about his book, but listen to how he applies his vast knowledge of the subject matter to what's going on today in our... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 16.0
Written on 30 Nov, 2011 at 17:15
In this edition you'll find: 1. Robo-signing KILLS... 2. OCC proposes credit rating duties go to banks - A real conversation with a banker-friend of mine. 3. PMI Files Bankruptcy - Regulators step in and take over yet another mortgage... (Continue reading)
Unmistakably April Charney – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 24 Nov, 2011 at 20:00
So, whether you're a homeowner fighting to keep your home... or a lawyer who represents homeowners in foreclosure, here's an opportunity to hear what April has to say about where we've been, where we are today, and where she thinks... (Continue reading)
Home sales contracts are falling apart 2X as fast as last year
Written on 23 Nov, 2011 at 18:32
Why? Well, according to the Realtors, it's credit scores and appraisals coming in too low. Well shave my head and call me Baldy... what do you know about that? I certainly do declare, how can such a... (Continue reading)
Consumer Spending Up? Come on get happy…
Written on 9 Nov, 2011 at 8:31
The bottom-line... much of what the government is reporting is nothing more than a mirage, with the rest either easily explained or not indicative of a growing economy, but rather a shrinking one. ... (Continue reading)
The World of the Investor with Attorney Talcott Franklin – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 2 Nov, 2011 at 10:40
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH INVESTORS? WHO ARE THEY? ARE THEY LOSING MONEY ON FORECLOSURES? What do the investors think about all these foreclosures? What's the relationship like between investors and servicers? Do investors want to modify loans? Do... (Continue reading)
THE CRAVEN, A Halloween Trick-or-Treat, With Apologies to Edgar Allen Poe
Written on 2 Nov, 2011 at 0:18
Quoth the Craven, "Nevermore."... (Continue reading)
Mainstream media waking up to foreclosures being a big problem – And by big problem, I mean Geithner
Written on 25 Oct, 2011 at 17:41
I'm not sure what to say to that, now that I've read Zach's article and been shown more of what went on behind closed doors at the Obama White House. That mistakes were made is abundantly clear, but even... (Continue reading)
Obama’s New Plan to Help Housing Isn’t Worth Waiting For
Written on 22 Oct, 2011 at 8:17
Even Edward J. DeMarco, acting director of the independent Federal Housing Finance Agency says his fix will be more of a tune-up than an overhaul, with reduced "frictions" and "enhancements."... (Continue reading)
Optimism Lost, and by Optimism, I mean Ben Bernanke and the NYT
Written on 19 Oct, 2011 at 8:54
I think the nice folks at the New York Times have been spending too much time at Zabars? Because I'm pretty sure it's not a confidence deficiency... I think it's money we're missing... as in income, and the lack... (Continue reading)
Are Homeowners Suffering from LAS – Legal Abuse Syndrome?
Written on 19 Oct, 2011 at 1:24
Homeowners who have been forced into litigation in an attempt to save their homes, whether choosing to represent themselves, or hire an attorney, are battling against the largest financial institutions in the world in a court system that's anything but... (Continue reading)
What Obama Should Have Done – Ezra Klein, Part 2
Written on 17 Oct, 2011 at 21:07
I mean, here we had our "smart" president, and the first thing he does upon taking the reins of a nation in real economic peril, is throw together a spending bill whose numbers were pulled directly from the hindquarters of... (Continue reading)
CA’s Democrats in Congress Wake Up to Need to Address Foreclosures
Written on 16 Oct, 2011 at 22:39
Apparently, this past week, the sound of the economy's ship going down must have awoken the majority of House Democrats from California who then just jumped all over the Obama Administration for "failing to deliver on promises to curb foreclosures."... (Continue reading)
Inside the Obama Administration with Ezra Klein … and Mandelman
Written on 15 Oct, 2011 at 6:43
Klein seems to think that it's important to understand how the administration got it so wrong... but I could care less. I think the salient point is that they knew they had gotten it wrong soon enough, and yet... (Continue reading)
The Recession is Over! Long Live the Recession!
Written on 11 Oct, 2011 at 12:33
Look people... don't get bummed out about this study, because a few years from now the NBER is probably going to refer to today as having been a peak. ... (Continue reading)
Only One Paycheck Away from Disaster… No kidding, really? Go figure.
Written on 5 Oct, 2011 at 17:19
Since then, we've been bubbled into financial ruin. We bought high and sold low, until our 401(k)s turned into 201(k)s, and then we doubled down on shares of Pets.com, never bothering to question how the company planned to deliver... (Continue reading)
Attitudes on Wall Street: Dear God, Give Me Strength
Written on 4 Oct, 2011 at 6:03
Brancaccio asked about whether these Wall Street types recognized that bonuses are usually paid on profits, but that profits are "radically down," and Bethany replied that they don't. She said that there's a widespread belief that "it wasn't my fault,... (Continue reading)
Former Sub-Prime Lenders Are Back to Profit Off of the Housing Meltdown. Seriously?
Written on 3 Oct, 2011 at 6:16
Basically, the architects of the sub-prime lending that caused the greatest financial crisis in the history of mankind, are now going to profit from the crisis they caused by buying and selling the very sub-prime loans they couldn't sell before,... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 15.0
Written on 20 Sep, 2011 at 9:30
1. Obama Administration Leaps Into Action on the Foreclosure Crisis. 2. Nation's poverty rate climbs to 15.1%, highest in 18 years. 3. Obama Says Government to Help More People Refinance... Again. 4. Mortgage Defaults Skyrocket 33% Nationwide in... (Continue reading)
Irresponsible Borrowers Documentary Trailer 2 – We Need Your Support
Written on 15 Sep, 2011 at 22:25
Watch it. Link to it. Post it. Support it. Everyone who contributes will be listed in the credits and we plan to take the film all the way to the Academy Awards. If "Inside Job"... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Reluctant Analysis of Obama’s Speech – The American Jobs Act
Written on 10 Sep, 2011 at 22:21
I didn't want to do this. I was perfectly content ignoring his idiotic drivel as I've been doing pretty successfully for over a year. Or, maybe it's because he hasn't said anything in over a year, I'm not... (Continue reading)
$6 Billion in Reinsurance Kickbacks to the Banks – Un-reported, Un-Acted Upon & Un-believable
Written on 8 Sep, 2011 at 18:17
Citigroup Inc, Wells Fargo & Co, SunTrust Bank Inc. and Countrywide allegedly required reinsurance partnerships on generous terms that violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, a 1974 law prohibiting abusive home sales practices.... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Prove Fannie & Freddie Innocent Before Suing the Banks – And Here Is How
Written on 7 Sep, 2011 at 13:29
For twelve years during and after the Savings & Loan crisis (1988-2000), I led the group of business analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers that was responsible for monitoring Ginnie Mae's $600 billion portfolio of mortgage-backed securities. During that period, I learned... (Continue reading)
Geithner is Allowing Banks to Recapitalize on Backs of Homeowners, or… Games Bankers Play
Written on 7 Sep, 2011 at 8:37
I'll say one thing for Secretary Geithner: He's great at distraction. He goes, "Lookie over here." Then he points his finger towards China... and a pigeon flies out of his ass. You really have to watch this... (Continue reading)
Mandelman on Arizona’s Channel 12 NBC News… And other news.
Written on 25 Aug, 2011 at 14:00
While in Phoenix filming a documentary on the foreclosure crisis, I got a call from NBC Channel 12 reporter Melissa Blasius who said she had heard I was in town and wanted to feature what I was doing in one... (Continue reading)
And the Beat Goes On… Yeah, the Beat Goes On…
Written on 23 Jul, 2011 at 2:05
And call me crazy, but I found the news oddly reassuring... you know... like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and an ice cold glass of milk. ... (Continue reading)
16 Banks Ordered to Compensate Victims of Improper Foreclosure
Written on 21 Jul, 2011 at 16:31
Guess what... the federal government has ordered 16 of the largest mortgage servicers to reimburse homeowners who they foreclosed on IMPROPERLY. Well, isn't that nice? What a lovely surprise. ... (Continue reading)
HAMP, HARP, HOP, HOOP… Like Watching Someone Spend $10 Trying to Fly to the Moon
Written on 19 Jul, 2011 at 5:06
Boy, that sure is a relief, wouldn't you say? Because, see... I had been under the impression that he had actually been trying to do something big and important and was putting his best foot forward, as it were.... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 13.0
Written on 12 Jun, 2011 at 3:11
In this issue: 1. Banker-Speak... A new language. 2. An Interesting List. 3. Lessons from History... How we handled foreclosures during the 1930s. 4. I wanted to like Bruce Marks of NACA... but I can't. 5.... (Continue reading)
Fannie Responds to Hawaii’s New Foreclosure Law – Says… WE’RE OUT!
Written on 12 Jun, 2011 at 0:35
So, I really didn't know what the banking industry was going to do... I only knew one thing with certainty, even if everyone didn't agree... no way would they conform to the new law governing non-judicial foreclosures. Mediation sounded... (Continue reading)
Please Call the White House Today for Elizabeth Warren… Here’s the Number and a Script. Please Call.
Written on 9 Jun, 2011 at 14:06
I had the privilege of meeting Elizabeth Warren about a month ago when she was in San Diego and here are a few of the things she said to me... I wrote them down at the time so I'd have... (Continue reading)
Bank of America forecloses on un-mortgaged Florida home… that’s hardly news. Is EVERYONE missing the point here?
Written on 8 Jun, 2011 at 18:50
What the heck is going on around here? We're now passing around a story about a stupid PR stunt by a lawyer that ended up making Bank of America look REASONABLE? Oh my God, people... listen to me... (Continue reading)
Dear Banking & Government People Who Are Reading This…
Written on 8 Jun, 2011 at 5:47
You guys all now know that this thing had about as much to do with sub-prime borrowers as World War II. Unless you can point out a sub-prime borrower who was selling synthetic CDOs in Iceland, I think we're... (Continue reading)
Earth to Bankers, Earth to Bankers… Your Planet is Dying, You Must Evacuate, It’s Time to Come Home.
Written on 7 Jun, 2011 at 7:39
The bankers... yes, the very same bankers who leveraged up on garbage CDOs as if housing prices would never ever go anywhere but up are now supposedly shocked and dismayed that mortgage lending volumes don't seem to be "coming back,"... (Continue reading)
MAX GARDNER from the Front Lines of the Battle… A Mandelman Matters PODCAST!
Written on 5 Jun, 2011 at 16:43
Click the button below... and you'll hear a Mandelman Matters PODCAST... A PODCAST THAT MATTERS, if you will. From start to finish, it's unquestionably MAX GARDNER at his candid best. ... (Continue reading)
Hey Everybody… It’s “Pretend You’re Surprised About the Economy Day!”
Written on 1 Jun, 2011 at 9:51
Falling Home Prices, the Next Financial Crisis is Near, Defaulters Aren't Deadbeats After All, the Economy with Gwen Ifill and MERS has No Clothes.... (Continue reading)
Today’s New… “But, You Didn’t Make Your Payment” Exemption to the Law
Written on 29 May, 2011 at 19:20
Don't make this more complicated than it need be. If you came and repossessed my car but were NOT the person or entity holding my pink slip, then we had a phrase to describe that occurrence as well ...... (Continue reading)
Elizabeth Warren Battles With GOP Over CFPB
Written on 26 May, 2011 at 7:29
How can ANYONE support today's Republicans in the House of Representatives or United States Senate? How can they think anyone will after seeing their behavior related to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB")? ... (Continue reading)
If You Think the Meltdown Was the Fault of Homeowners, Think Again…
Written on 25 May, 2011 at 18:46
So... in "Pillage," Nomi Prins explains in terms anyone can understand that factoring in the leverage at 11:1, we're looking at a $140 TRILLION economic problem... yes, you read that correctly... that's trillion, with a 'T'... (Continue reading)
Breaking Down the Real Cause of the Foreclosure Crises
Written on 23 May, 2011 at 7:29
In 2014, it will be seven years since the meltdown began in the summer of 2007, and something in the neighborhood of 15 million homes will have been lost to foreclosure. And there's no reason to believe that foreclosures... (Continue reading)
The Care Bair – FDIC’s Sheila Bair Wants Principal Reductions from Banks With Loss Sharing Agreements
Written on 12 May, 2011 at 6:22
I know... you think not modifying those loans is punishing the homeowners for getting in over their heads... but in realty, it's not punishing them... it's punishing you... you are running about, commenting on blogs, advocating the kicking of your... (Continue reading)
Is Bank of America Worth $200 Billion?
Written on 12 May, 2011 at 1:30
Bank of America bought Countrywide for $4 billion and change. That sounds funny to me now. You've got to admit it. The idea that someone would PAY money for Countywide has to make you giggle at least... (Continue reading)
The Most Damaging Propaganda Campaign in History. And its Aimed at You and Me
Written on 4 May, 2011 at 1:12
Debt is a status symbol... debt is a sign of success... debt is cool... you should want as much debt as you can get... being approved for more debt means you've made it. I want to be a gold... (Continue reading)
Mandelman Talks with Ohio’s Ex-Attorney General About Foreclosure Crisis
Written on 24 Apr, 2011 at 8:53
Mandelman talks with Ohio's ex-Attorney General about foreclosure crisis and government's inadequate response. ... (Continue reading)
GOT ONE! Jury Convicts Taylor Bean’s CEO Farkas of Bank, Wire, Securities Fraud and Conspiracy
Written on 20 Apr, 2011 at 9:59
Soon, the hole grew to over $100 million, so Taylor Bean and a handful of Colonial executives figured that the easiest thing to do would be for Taylor Bean to simply sell hundreds of millions in mortgages THAT HAD ALREADY... (Continue reading)
FEDS Announce Enforcement Actions Against 14 Servicers, LPS and MERS… Hot Towels in Washrooms Threatened Once Again
Written on 19 Apr, 2011 at 14:41
Still, I'm committed to covering this subject even when doing so means that I have to start drinking at 9:30 in the morning... kidding, I'm just kidding... so, here's the news on the FEDS and their "enforcement actions," and I... (Continue reading)
The Psychology and Politics of Foreclosure
Written on 7 Mar, 2011 at 7:00
Of course, there are times when more stuff happens to more people, and today is obviously an example of such times. The economic conditions that we're experiencing today are causing more foreclosures than at any time since the 1930s. When... (Continue reading)