Posts Tagged ‘Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’

The 2 Attorneys that Won $16 million Jury Verdict Against PHH Mortgage – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

The 2 Attorneys that Won $16 million Jury Verdict Against PHH Mortgage - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

This is not the first decision that punished a servicer for mistreating a homeowner in the loan modification process, in fact this past year there have been a dozen or more around the country. I think it's safe to... (Continue reading)

A Visit to the Front Lines: Richmond, California, Eminent Domain & Mortgage Resolution Partners

A Visit to the Front Lines: Richmond, California, Eminent Domain & Mortgage Resolution Partners

So, I went to visit Richmond, California, so I could see what the town looked like, and to sit and talk face to face with the CEO of Mortgage Resolution Partners. Join me below and I'll take you on... (Continue reading)

We All Agree: We want to keep people in their homes if possible… sort of.

We All Agree: We want to keep people in their homes if possible... sort of.

So, if Wells Fargo was now willing to allow Arthur to sell the home he'd built and lived in since 1988 for $375,000... why not sell the home to Arthur for $375,000, and Arthur would use a reverse mortgage for... (Continue reading)

Why Does Ocwen Want to Modify Loans? Answer: Because they profit by doing so.

Why Does Ocwen Want to Modify Loans?  Answer: Because they profit by doing so.

The thing is that no one wants to think that the horror show we've all witnessed these last five years hasn't been part of a nefarious plot to steal homes and take over the world somehow. That would at... (Continue reading)

Garfield In & Garfield Out. Neil’s Wrong on Servicer Advances.

Garfield In & Garfield Out.  Neil's Wrong on Servicer Advances.

  When it comes to legal theories related to foreclosure, Neil Garfield’s Living Lies Blog would have to be considered nothing short of jam packed.  An attorney, now practicing law in Florida, his ideas about foreclosure defense could be described... (Continue reading)

Frank & Brian Try to Help Salespeople Overcome Call Reluctance

Frank & Brian Try to Help Salespeople Overcome Call Reluctance

Call reluctance isn't some psychological problem that you can cure by talking to yourself or by being coached to pick up the phone within 30 minutes. You know why you're not calling your prospects... it's because you have nothing... (Continue reading)

Demand for Mortgages Plummets, But It’s Not a Winter Storm, It’s More of an Ice Age

Demand for Mortgages Plummets, But It's Not a Winter Storm, It's More of an Ice Age

Do the math and it's easy to conclude that the number of homeowners unable or unwilling to move is high. If 30 percent are actually underwater, after adding sales commissions, moving expenses, and the need for a 20 percent... (Continue reading)

GUEST POST: Mortgages, now in the hands of specialty servicers, means trouble for homeowners and investors.

GUEST POST: Mortgages, now in the hands of specialty servicers, means trouble for homeowners and investors.

During the past 12 months, the rights to service millions of home loans have been shifted from large banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Chase to specialty loan servicers like Ocwen Home Loan Servicing, Nationstar and SPS,... (Continue reading)

FDIC Shared Loss Agreements Did NOT Pay Off Your Loan (No Matter What AZ Court Seems to Think)

FDIC Shared Loss Agreements Did NOT Pay Off Your Loan (No Matter What AZ Court Seems to Think)

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)

Eminent Domain Part 3 with Cornell Law’s Professor Robert Hockett – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Eminent Domain Part 3 with Cornell Law's Professor Robert Hockett - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Eminent domain means taking over underwater loans and writing them down for homeowners. Professor Robert Hockett authored the plan, and is consulting with cities all over the country now considering using eminent domain to save their cities from becoming...... (Continue reading)

Testimony to Martin Andelman from Homeowner with Bank of America Loan

Testimony to Martin Andelman from Homeowner with Bank of America Loan

Martin's blog is the place to go for the hard cold facts surrounding the housing crisis. He does not sugar coat reality, which sometimes make his articles hard to swallow. Even so, his blog is a vast well of... (Continue reading)

I have the best readers in the world… I am humbled by their words.

I have the best readers in the world... I am humbled by their words.

Mr. Martin Andelman is providing a much -needed function to humanity with his unfailing actions and skills as a media spokesman and intermediary to the banking/loan-servicing agencies. He needs to be acknowledged and compensated in kind for the work he... (Continue reading)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – 2013

'Twas the Night Before Christmas - 2013

'Twas the Night Before Christmas 2013 is an Annual Political and Economic Year in Review I write every year... I've been doing it since 2007, so this year makes it seven years in a row. If you want to... (Continue reading)

Borrowers Facing Foreclosure Should be Dancing in the Streets Over “˜X’ and “˜Z’ and Here’s Why

Borrowers Facing Foreclosure Should be Dancing in the Streets Over

So, there you have it... a solid check mark in the "WIN" column for consumers over the interests of the banking industry. And I don't think Realtors, mortgage brokers, or even the banks themselves have come to fully understand... (Continue reading)

I’m Betting We Get Extended Tax Relief on Forgiven Mortgage Debt for Christmas This Year

I'm Betting We Get Extended Tax Relief on Forgiven Mortgage Debt for Christmas This Year

Some are starting to worry about what is likely to happen if they let the Act's tax relief provisions related to foreclosure avoidance expire. I simply don't think there's any real chance they won't extend the Act for at... (Continue reading)

Bay Area Homeowner Writes to Say Thank You to Mandelman Matters and Bank of America

Bay Area Homeowner Writes to Say Thank You to Mandelman Matters and Bank of America

Ahsan Kushkaki discovered Mandelman Matters after Bank of America denied his loan modification. He was desperately seeking someone who might be able to help him explain the situation to the bank and after finding several of the thank you... (Continue reading)

We’re Not Stopping the Foreclosure Crisis because it Affects Mostly Brown People

We’re Not Stopping the Foreclosure Crisis because it Affects Mostly Brown People

This is not a tragedy that discriminates. The race diminished as a result of what is being allowed to transpire will be "human". ... (Continue reading)

NOW YOU CAN KNOW… How Much Your Investor is Losing by Foreclosing on Your Home.

NOW YOU CAN KNOW... How Much Your Investor is Losing by Foreclosing on Your Home.

I think the entire country is under the impression that servicers foreclose because it's in the best financial interests of the investors, and perhaps sometimes they do... but data from this trust and others I've looked at, to my way... (Continue reading)

Thanksgiving Day Memories and What I Want for the Holidays this Year

Thanksgiving Day Memories and What I Want for the Holidays this Year

How about if everyone who knows how to postpone a sale date, volunteers to help anyone who needs to postpone a sale date in December or at least for the first two weeks of January... in other words help postponing... (Continue reading)

The Rush for Rentals by Investors Turns Into a Run for the Exit

The Rush for Rentals by Investors Turns Into a Run for the Exit

In addition, spurned on by the Fed's QE and zero-interest-rate policy, Lord knows how many smaller companies and individual investors also jumped on the bandwagon, and as it has the tendency to do, the insanity drove up home prices at... (Continue reading)

I SAY GIVE HIM TWO ““ Ernie Banks Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

I SAY GIVE HIM TWO

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)

NOW AVAILABLE: The RMBS Trust/Modification Analysis Report for Homeowners

NOW AVAILABLE: The RMBS Trust/Modification Analysis Report for Homeowners

With this report, when your servicer says they can't do something... you'll know whether what they've said is accurate or not. Imagine the power of being able to show a mediator exactly what's been done to modify the other... (Continue reading)

GUEST POST: Don’t Be Concerned Martin Is Dead Wrong, by Michael Pines

GUEST POST: Don't Be Concerned Martin Is Dead Wrong, by Michael Pines

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)

GLASKI TAKES A HIT: California Court Rejects Reasoning in Glaski Decision

GLASKI TAKES A HIT: California Court Rejects Reasoning in Glaski Decision

It's not a matter of the Diunugala case being considered "binding authority," because it's not. But the question is, will other California courts consider the case persuasive... and tend to follow the more established case law. If that's... (Continue reading)

Realtors & Mortgage Brokers: Toughest Year for Housing Markets Since 2010 Ahead

Realtors & Mortgage Brokers: Toughest Year for Housing Markets Since 2010 Ahead

This past September signified the fourth straight month of a decline in existing home sales, while mortgage interest rates hit two-year highs. The Mortgage Bankers Association index of mortgage activity is now at its lowest point since November of... (Continue reading)

IBANEZ & BACK: Attorney Glenn Russell Back in Front of the Mass Supreme Court – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

IBANEZ & BACK: Attorney Glenn Russell Back in Front of the Mass Supreme Court - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Well, fast forward to today and Glenn Russell is still very much on the attack on behalf of homeowners, in fact, he just finished arguing his latest case, again in front of the Massachusetts' High Court. I don't want... (Continue reading)

The Discovery of Robo-Signing – Memorable Moments from the Foreclosure Crisis

The Discovery of Robo-Signing - Memorable Moments from the Foreclosure Crisis

By now the term "robo-signing" has practically become a household word. But it wasn't always that way. Just a few years ago no one had ever heard the term before. So, where did it all begin... and... (Continue reading)

The Weather In India – Memorable Moments from the Foreclosure Crisis

The Weather In India - Memorable Moments from the Foreclosure Crisis

President Obama said that all I needed to do to avoid foreclosure was get my loan modified. He said to just call my bank directly so I did. And I had the most interesting cultural experience. That... (Continue reading)

Re-Default Redoux… The Debate Over Loan Mods is as Stupid as Ever.

Re-Default Redoux... The Debate Over Loan Mods is as Stupid as Ever.

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)

Another Hawaii Homeowner Writes to Thank Me for Helping Her Get a Bank of America Loan Modification

Another Hawaii Homeowner Writes to Thank Me for Helping Her Get a Bank of America Loan Modification

Another Hawaii homeowner writes to thank me for helping her with a loan modification at Bank of America. She's the one who did the heavy lifting, and I'm glad I was able to help push it over the finish... (Continue reading)

You’re not STUCK with a low credit score. And you CAN’T afford to ignore it.

You’re not STUCK with a low credit score. And you CAN’T afford to ignore it.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group showed that nearly 80 percent of credit reports contained inaccuracies, and the mistakes in a quarter of those could result in the individual being denied for credit. 60 Minutes reported that a government study... (Continue reading)

Straightening Out the LA Times, Fannie, Freddie, Strategic Defaults and Deficiency Judgments

Straightening Out the LA Times, Fannie, Freddie, Strategic Defaults and Deficiency Judgments

Writing about strategic defaults for the LA Times this time out was Lew Sichelman, whose ability to remain oblivious to his interweaving of unrelated facts throughout the article was truly something to behold. ... (Continue reading)

Meet Thomas Cox, Esquire. A National Hero in Foreclosure Defense

Meet Thomas Cox, Esquire. A National Hero in Foreclosure Defense

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)

Deadly Clear Blog is Dead Wrong on UETA, E-Sign & Foreclosure… A Guest Post by Attorney Tom Cox

Deadly Clear Blog is Dead Wrong on UETA, E-Sign & Foreclosure... A Guest Post by Attorney Tom Cox

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

Painless Saving: Tricking Yourself into Saving a lot More Money

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)

Loan Modifications: Selling Loans Means Being Sold Down the River

Loan Modifications: Selling Loans Means Being Sold Down the River

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

Hear Tom Cox Fight Foreclosure in Maine Supreme Court - Color Commentary by Max Gardner

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

New Abuses in the Foreclosure Process Make the Dire... Dreadful

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

When Lawyers Break the Rules... The Code of Conduct for Florida Attorneys

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)

Kindergarten Loans from SallieMae Are Here!

Kindergarten Loans from SallieMae Are Here!

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)

Glaski Attorney Richard Antognini on the Court’s Decision and What’s Next for Mr. Glaski – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Glaski Attorney Richard Antognini on the Court's Decision and What's Next for Mr. Glaski - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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)

Interview with Renee Gabbard, Esq: Retirement is harder for WOMEN than MEN

Interview with Renee Gabbard, Esq: Retirement is harder for WOMEN than MEN

On this 30 minute podcast, we will say the things that need to be said, candidly discussing the retirement and estate planning issues that are unique to women... and that if ignored for too long, can cause women to endure... (Continue reading)

Data shows Nationstar Approves Loan Modifications at Much Lower Rate than Big Banks

Data shows Nationstar Approves Loan Modifications at Much Lower Rate than Big Banks

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

Court Denies Bank of America's Petition for Re-hearing in Glaski Decision

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

Two -Year Housing Recovery Mirage Now Over... Bernanke Hoping to Retire Before Everyone Notices

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)

Interest Rates Play Havoc with Banks, Bonds and Borrowers

Interest Rates Play Havoc with Banks, Bonds and Borrowers

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

The National Debate Over Loan Modification Re-defaults is Stupid

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)

Fannie, Freddie and FHA Finally Increase Homeowners’ Ability to Modify Mortgages

Fannie, Freddie and FHA Finally Increase Homeowners' Ability to Modify Mortgages

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)

A Sword in a Field – Correlation is Not Causation

A Sword in a Field - Correlation is Not Causation

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)

An Invitation to All California Homeowners That Need Help with Bank of America Loans… “¨

An Invitation to All California Homeowners That Need Help with Bank of America Loans...

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

Foreclosures Impact One in 10 Children in this Country Today, Report Shows

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

Our Foreclosure Story Ended Happily because of Martin Andelman and Bank of America

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)

My Experience with Bank of America, Martin Andelman and Getting My Loan Modified

My Experience with Bank of America, Martin Andelman and Getting My Loan Modified

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)

SAFE MONEY INVESTING: An Interview with Mike Moorhead of Tippett Moorhead

SAFE MONEY INVESTING: An Interview with Mike Moorhead of Tippett Moorhead

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?

Did Some Type of Insurance or Credit Default Swap Pay Off Your Mortgage?

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)

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Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Backed Securities with Impac President William Ashmore

Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Backed Securities with Impac President William Ashmore

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

What people NEED to know about the foreclosure crisis in 2013 & 2014

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)

Ohio Foreclosures Accelerate… Now Third Highest in Nation

Ohio Foreclosures Accelerate... Now Third Highest in Nation

And that's not even the worst of it. Sheriff's auctions in Ohio were up 73 percent in April compared with a year ago reaching the HIGHEST LEVEL IN FIVE YEARS.... (Continue reading)

What Happens in Nevada with Foreclosures, Ends Up on Mandelman Matters

What Happens in Nevada with Foreclosures, Ends Up on Mandelman Matters

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 …

Mandelman Appears on Washington State Public Television Show on Foreclosures ...

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

Using the California Homeowner Bill of Rights to Fight Foreclosure

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.

I'm Not a Total Idiot, You Know.

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

PART TWO - How to Take Your Power Back When at Risk of Foreclosure

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

Discussing Foreclosure Crisis Solutions with Impac Mortgage CEO Joe Tomkinson

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.

Alabama Slamma’ - Not for Better, Far Worse... As Foreclosures we Chart.

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

The Foreclosure Bowl: Connecticut Finally Makes it Into Top 10

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

Foreclosure Surprise!  Stomping on Maryland Homeowners

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.

What Makes a Mortgage a “Bad Loan?”  I’m Confused.

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

Nevada Legislature Considers Passing its Own Homeowner Bill of Rights

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?

South Carolina’s Hardest Hit Funds Farce... Failing but Finally Changing?

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

Bill to End Foreclosure Mediation In Missouri Passes... Wake Up, Missouri

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

One Bank Did Right by Homeowners & Shareholders - A Story You Haven't Heard Before

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

Denial and Avoidance Won't Fix Housing or Grow Economy

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)

I’m Back in the Saddle Again… What’d I miss? Nothing, unfortunately.

I’m Back in the Saddle Again... What’d I miss?  Nothing, unfortunately.

I know many have been wondering where I've been for the last two months from the slew of emails I've received, I thought I'd explain what I didn't want to explain at the time... and let everyone know that not... (Continue reading)

Homeowner’s Scheme Makes Bad Situation Worse… Ends Up in Jail

Homeowner’s Scheme Makes Bad Situation Worse... Ends Up in Jail

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)

Illinois Latest State to Make Foreclosing Much Harder

Illinois Latest State to Make Foreclosing Much Harder

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

David Min, Part 3 - Housing's Recovery... Fact or Fiction? A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

David Min Interview - Part 2 - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

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.

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

SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST #3: With the One and Only Max Gardner

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

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)

Florida Supreme Court Serves Fraud on Ice

Florida Supreme Court Serves Fraud on Ice

When all you need is a Mac, some software and a reasonably competent 15 year-old in order to create a reasonable facsimile of a U.S. Treasury bond, it could be incredibly problematic and a real opportunity to cash in for... (Continue reading)

SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST: What Isn’t Working for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Today?

SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST: What Isn’t Working for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Today?

Foreclosure defense attorneys Matt Weidner and Tom Cox tell Mandelman what's working and what's not for homeowners in foreclosure courts. ... (Continue reading)

The Fed blew it on Foreclosures. Ooops, we ruined the country?

The Fed blew it on Foreclosures.  Ooops, we ruined the country?

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

FOMC Meeting Surprise!  Committee Finds Justification to Continue Doing What They’re Doing

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

9.9 Earthquake in Default Servicing Turns California Into Judicial Foreclosure State

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.

Are Mortgages Fraudulent? The Case from Credit River.

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?

OCC Foreclosure Review RIP - Anyone Care for Cheese With their Whine?

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)

North Carolina Foreclosures Rising with Attorney Brian Chapman – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

North Carolina Foreclosures Rising with Attorney Brian Chapman - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

On this Mandelman Matters Podcast: Foreclosures Rising with Attorney Brian Chapman, I ask Brian to walk through two recent decisions by the North Carolina courts, one of which is now headed for the state's Supreme Court. ... (Continue reading)

$1 TRILLION U.S. COIN – POSITIVELY BRILLIANT!

$1 TRILLION U.S. COIN - POSITIVELY BRILLIANT!

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

View from Inside the Financial Crisis with Former Treasury Chief Economist Phillip Swagel - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

Recovery?  Ho, Ho, Holiday Sales Tell the Tale

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

'Twas the Night Before Christmas 2012 - A Political Year-in-Review

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

The Quiet Crisis, Part 1.  A Foreclosure Bluesical by Mandelman Matters

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)

Attorney Bruce Levitt on Saving Homes from Foreclosure in New Jersey – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Attorney Bruce Levitt on Saving Homes from Foreclosure in New Jersey - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

Colorado Failing... Foreclosures By Wink, Nod or Text Message

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

We're Just Not Going to Fix the Foreclosure Crisis in Court

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

Homeowners: Start Your Emails... This is Your Chance for $50 Billion Principal Reductions

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

BYE-BYE DEMARCO!  Obama to Replace Director of FHFA

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)