Sunday 11th May
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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)
What Can DocX’s Brown Do for LPS, Besides Forge a Million Documents
Written on 25 Nov, 2012 at 14:37
Is that what I'm to believe? She hid it from LPS. For SIX years. A million documents. And the whole time, LPS must have just thought she was great at getting the signatures she... (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)
Negative Equity Is Not Really a Numbers Game
Written on 16 Nov, 2012 at 5:12
"This analysis suggests that the country should not focus on the immediate problem of mass unemployment, about which little can be done. Instead we should turn attention to long-term issues, such as tax reform and education." ... (Continue reading)
What’s the difference between Spain and the USA? Empatía y sentido común. Sí, es verdad.
Written on 15 Nov, 2012 at 5:53
"In Spain right now, we have nearly a million empty housing units. In this situation, the government and the economy ministry ... has to take steps so that no family in good faith goes without a home."... (Continue reading)
Spire Law Group’s Mass Torte Lawsuit Seeks $43 Trillion from Banks – Former AG Says it’s a FRAUD
Written on 26 Oct, 2012 at 21:43
They call it a "mass torte," but it can also go by the name "mass joinder," or "multi-plaintif," or whatever other term d'art it might be using tomorrow, but no matter what it's called, the person calling to tell you... (Continue reading)
HOMEOWNER FORECLOSURE SCAM ALERT!
Written on 25 Oct, 2012 at 23:07
If you receive a solicitation that looks or says anything like what you see below, DO NOT RESPOND TO IT... IT IS A FRAUD... IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. ... (Continue reading)
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)
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)
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)
When Will the Pivotal Nature of the Foreclosure Crisis be Understood
Written on 2 Oct, 2012 at 1:08
Once you're underwater, however, as at least half of homeowners are today, you can't borrow against your home's equity, nor can you sell your home, so any of those life events are likely to hit you where you live. ... (Continue reading)
Attorney John Long – State of Washington Foreclosure Better for Homeowners – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 19 Sep, 2012 at 20:38
Recently, there have been three significant developments in Washington, two from the State Supreme Court, and one having to do with the state's mediation program. And all three fell in favor of homeowners, which is a refreshing change.... (Continue reading)
Loan Modification Process Improving at BOA and Other Servicers
Written on 19 Sep, 2012 at 5:46
why would Smith publish a report whose only meaningful certainty was to scare even more homeowners away from paying attention to Bank of America's borrower outreach efforts? BOA and its peers were already having a hard time reaching... (Continue reading)
Okay, So Now I Appreciate Mitt Romney
Written on 18 Sep, 2012 at 23:25
They actually believe that too much regulation is the problem facing our financial institutions... that foreclosures are a good thing for the housing market... that tax cuts for the rich will create prosperity... that people on food stamps won't get... (Continue reading)
PREVIEW: Neil Barofsky talks BAILOUT on a Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 3 Aug, 2012 at 1:34
Neil Barofsky is a name I'll never forget, and it won't be hard for anyone to understand why that's the case when I tell you the reason why. Neil was the Special Inspector General for the Treasury's Troubled Asset... (Continue reading)
FREE BERNIE MADOFF… FREE BERNIE MADOFF…
Written on 2 Aug, 2012 at 16:22
If no one else is going to go to jail having to do with the financial meltdown, then I don't actually care if Bernie is in there either. I mean, if crime pays... then let's embrace the change. ... (Continue reading)
Fannie’s “Decoy Assignment” a NEW Foreclosure Defense – A Mandelman Matters Podcast with Atty. Tom Cox
Written on 30 Jul, 2012 at 6:03
Tom has recently discovered a practice employed by the GSE's... Fannie and Freddie. It has to do with what we're calling "The Decoy Assignment," and it's a matter of policy. He's arguing it successfully in court.... (Continue reading)
No Bottom in Sight – I’m Starting to Feel Sorry for Realtors
Written on 29 Jul, 2012 at 0:54
So, this year started out depressed, as well it should have, but very quickly, and I do mean within weeks, a six-year downturn was transformed into a robust recovery based on... well... nothing really. None of the fundamentals changed,... (Continue reading)
It’s Official: Thanks to Former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill… I Have Now Seen Everything.
Written on 26 Jul, 2012 at 9:09
So, I guess I had this dream. I was watching CNBC... which, by the way, is how I knew it was a dream because I never watch CNBC... anyway, so I was watching CNBC and on comes Sanford "Sandy"... (Continue reading)
GAO Study Finds OCC Foreclosure Review too Hard for Us to Understand
Written on 25 Jul, 2012 at 8:22
The GAO's report, released earlier this month concluded that the OCC simply made submitting a complaint too difficult for us to understand. We couldn't figure it out. It was over our collective heads. And so, completely... (Continue reading)
Mortgage Servicing… The Winds Have Shifted, the Pendulum is About to Swing
Written on 25 Jul, 2012 at 0:43
The recent passage of California's Homeowner Bill of Rights (53-25, 25-13) is the most conclusive example that what I spoke of at that conference in 2010, has come to pass. The financial services industry lobbied heavily against the passage... (Continue reading)
How’s the View from Where You’re Sitting?
Written on 24 Jul, 2012 at 10:12
If you want my advice... don't read this post, or watch it... just skip this page and head for the sports section or something. I'm sorry I'm even posting it... seriously... click away... while you still can.... (Continue reading)
Understanding Elite Fraud and the Mortgage Meltdown with William K. Black – A MM Podcast
Written on 21 Jul, 2012 at 10:08
Why has no one at the top been investigated or prosecuted for fraud or anything else for that matter as related to the financial meltdown that has destroyed trillions of dollars in consumer wealth? Especially when William K. Black's... (Continue reading)
Republican Filibuster Discloses that GOP Opposes DISCLOSURE
Written on 19 Jul, 2012 at 8:25
Killing this bill facilitates lying to the American people. And short of something that's kept secret in order to protect our national defense, there is never a reason we should tolerate anyone or anything that does that.... (Continue reading)
Scott Stafne for Washington State Supreme Court – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 12 Jul, 2012 at 10:10
Washington State consumer attorney Scott Stafne is running for a seat on the State Supreme Court in the State of Washington. Why is he running, and why should you care regardless of where you live... click play and listen... (Continue reading)
Three Central Banks Surprise… Desperation in Three Part Harmony
Written on 6 Jul, 2012 at 7:55
The NYT story also mentioned that Bernanke and other central bankers have been trying to shift some of the burden for fixing the economy to elected officials, but the politicians aren't having any of that. Do they look stupid?... (Continue reading)
Announcing the National Mortgage Settlement – My Favorite President Obama Speech of All
Written on 4 Jul, 2012 at 7:42
But, I'm now posting the speech from last February, at which the president announced the conclusion of the AG investigations/negotiations because I think it was his best speech ever in many ways. It's the only speech he's ever given... (Continue reading)
President Obama, Bored With the Foreclosure Crisis. That Explains A Lot, Actually.
Written on 1 Jul, 2012 at 9:07
And now I'm supposed to come to terms with the idea that the administration's bored with the topic itself? I could understand it if they were bored with something they'd mastered, although I can't for the life of me... (Continue reading)
Attention DOERS… You DID IT Again! SunTrust Responds.
Written on 1 Jul, 2012 at 0:43
Marty said that the SunTrust Bank executive said they should be able to do something to prevent her from losing her home. Marty said it was the first time in four years that she felt like someone was actually... (Continue reading)
Chase? Hello? Mr. Dimon? Are You Really Going to Do This to a Single Mom in this Situation?
Written on 29 Jun, 2012 at 17:07
It was a bad path to be on, as things turned out, but she didn't know that for about 18 months. Right up until the day Chase sold her home without any real notice, Chase kept saying that they... (Continue reading)
Loan Modifications Stop Foreclosures, Study Shows. DOER ALERT!
Written on 29 Jun, 2012 at 9:33
Don't have time right now? MAKE TIME RIGHT NOW. Read this and DO SOMETHING.... (Continue reading)
CAR- California Assn. of Realtors Tries to Kill Homeowners Bill of Rights
Written on 28 Jun, 2012 at 22:53
Let's let C.A.R. know that even though many of us may be losing homes today, that doesn't make us deadbeats... it makes us strong... it makes us focused... and it makes us remember who was and who wasn't on our... (Continue reading)
OCC Raises the Stakes to Lure Homeowners? Right?
Written on 25 Jun, 2012 at 17:30
Anyway, so that's the deal... $500 to $125,000... PLUS EQUITY! It makes it sound like the worst you can do, assuming you get past the qualifying round, is the $500, right? Five hundred's not bad, I suppose. ... (Continue reading)
Two Weeks in the Life of Mandelman Matters
Written on 25 Jun, 2012 at 6:45
It's hard to describe what I do when I say I help homeowners. I'm not a lawyer and I never offer anything close to legal advice. I'm not a mortgage expert either. I think my value is... (Continue reading)
How Do You Take Your Catastrophe? Um, just a little at a time, please… with two Splendas.
Written on 23 Jun, 2012 at 20:21
We need growth, or we're not getting out of this alive. It's the only way. We can't borrow and spend our way out of this one, like we have all the past recessions, or at least the ones... (Continue reading)
Elizabeth Warren Asks Netroots Nation a Question. Problem is, I think the answer is NO.
Written on 18 Jun, 2012 at 5:03
The real point is that we don't deserve someone like Elizabeth Warren and likely won't get her or anyone like her until we can answer her question about being ready with a resounding YES! and really mean it, as in... (Continue reading)
We’re Being Fed a Steady Diet of Econocrap
Written on 16 Jun, 2012 at 18:39
Overall, the point I'm making is that I don't really care that the government wants to pay Scrabble-type word games with the word "recession" or "recovery." I don't care how they want to screw around with the unemployment rate... (Continue reading)
Just Another Wells Fargo Tale. Mr. Stumpf, With All Due Respect…
Written on 15 Jun, 2012 at 10:15
Wells Fargo denied her application for a loan modification after roughly 18 months of trying. The letter said, "we carefully reviewed your... blah, blah, blah... and the investor has declined to modify your mortgage." ... (Continue reading)
Wells Fargo Hates Me! Bank Freezes, Closes Wrong Account
Written on 14 Jun, 2012 at 7:59
Wells Fargo Bank CEO John Stumpf Did you see what happened yesterday? It’s hysterical, really. I mean, not for Aaron Krowne at ML-Implode, or Michael Nazarinia at Rest Report Matters… you see, Wells Fargo was shooting at me… but shot... (Continue reading)
Things I think homeowners should know about loan modifications & HAMP-2
Written on 14 Jun, 2012 at 6:58
I'm not saying that HAMP is the best solution I could come up with, but under the circumstances, I don't see anything better... or frankly anything close as far as keeping people in homes. I end up helping a... (Continue reading)
Arizona Supreme Court Ends the Argument – No Note Needed to Foreclose
Written on 12 Jun, 2012 at 16:13
It's worth noting that in this case, the borrower did not allege that the two Banks had right to enforce the notes, only said the notes had to be shown, and the Court simply ruled that no such requirement was... (Continue reading)
What is Ed DeMarco Thinking?
Written on 10 Jun, 2012 at 17:48
Edward DeMarco of the FHFA is the conservator for the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. At this point the president, the Secretary of the Treasury, and many in congress have asked him about participating in anything... HAMP, principal... (Continue reading)
Nancy Pelosi sent my reader Amy an email. And Amy replied brilliantly.
Written on 10 Jun, 2012 at 7:26
Nancy Pelosi sent a Mandelman Matters reader, Amy Sheaffer, an email. Any wrote back. Brilliant! Lord, I do love my readers.... (Continue reading)
HAMP 2 is HERE – Some say it’s the best HAMP yet, and they’re probably right about that.
Written on 9 Jun, 2012 at 0:48
This newly renovated version of HAMP has been touted as being a major improvement to the HAMP program, and in many ways it is significantly better. ... (Continue reading)
Should States Use Settlement Money for Deficits or Housing? Oh, So What and Who Cares?
Written on 8 Jun, 2012 at 19:02
When I saw the very first state make a grab for the settlement cash allegedly headed the state's way, I laughed and vowed not to let it get to me. Mandelman Matters, after all, only writes about things that... (Continue reading)
Inside the Mind of JPMorgan Chase CEO, Jamie Dimon
Written on 6 Jun, 2012 at 22:21
What goes on in Jamie Dimon's head? He loses billions in a few weeks and then goes on Sunday morning talk shows looking like he's just written a cookbook or whatever, saying that he's getting tired of people hating... (Continue reading)
Mandelman made $454,000 in 1 year as student loan debt collector?
Written on 4 Jun, 2012 at 16:52
Have you found your mortgage servicer to be a tad offensive at times. Well, that's to be expected, after all, they are a bill collector, right? Well, here's some news that will drive you insane... mortgage servicers are... (Continue reading)
My Financial Recovery Plan for the Middle Class: Whistle While You Work
Written on 2 Jun, 2012 at 11:27
There's no reason to wait another day to begin building your Whislteblowing Futures Empire. It requires the smallest if investments, and the leverage involved can turn out to be off the charts... I mean, we're talking tens of thousands... (Continue reading)
OBLABLA or MITTENS for President in 2012? Here’s how I’m going to choose…
Written on 31 May, 2012 at 6:27
"While Paulson didn't want to write down mortgages, the single biggest factor in determining whether the American middle class has any stored wealth, Paulson was willing to do so in response to pressure. Barack Obama... (Continue reading)
What the Fed Chief is Thinking…
Written on 30 May, 2012 at 9:41
Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke communicates more than any of his predecessors, but have you found yourself increasingly wondering what in the world the man is thinking behind that shiny dome and professorial facial hair?... (Continue reading)
Thankfully, FHFA & Banks Killed Homeowner Bill of Rights
Written on 23 May, 2012 at 4:54
This makes the third year in a row that the banking lobby has said a resounding no to any sort of change that's supposed to protect homeowners from abusive foreclosure practices. Why do we keep doing this? Haven't... (Continue reading)
Follow the Bouncing Home Price Statistics
Written on 22 May, 2012 at 5:09
So, demand is rising while prices are falling... fascinating. Perhaps it's because of a combination of factors, such as incredibly tight credit markets, an ongoing avalanche of foreclosures coming onto the market, a worsening jobs market, higher unemployment, and... (Continue reading)
“Tim, could you get the door?” “Sure, honey… are we expecting company?” “Not that I know of…”
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 12:19
As many as 1,000 surprise guests visited the Bethesda home of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Sunday around 5:00 PM. ... (Continue reading)
California Foreclosure Laws Need Homeowner Bill of Rights
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 5:53
Now, as we're facing a crisis of unprecedented proportion, we're learning the hard way that our rights as borrowers are almost non-existent. In California and around the country, foreclosure defense lawyers saw that mortgage servicers could far too often... (Continue reading)
Utah Foreclosure News is Based on Garbage Stats
Written on 18 May, 2012 at 9:43
Nothing is going to change that quickly. It was a huge problem yesterday... it'll be a huge problem tomorrow. None of the underlying fundamentals have changed one bit. In fact, last month's unemployment data was a nightmare,... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure crisis now includes “Irresponsible Churches”
Written on 18 May, 2012 at 7:09
Praise the Lord, and please pass the foreclosures, right? We need to get through the foreclosures... clear the market... let it hit bottom... isn't that what Mitt Romney, Rick Santelli, House Republicans, quite a few Democrats too... and a... (Continue reading)
A Letter to Brian Stevens at TBWS: We Need More Houses?
Written on 15 May, 2012 at 8:18
Just to make sure I understand what you said there... the problem is that there aren't enough homes for people to buy? We're having a shortage of houses for sale, are we? Wow... you know, I was sleeping... (Continue reading)
Husband’s Suicide Yesterday, Wells Fargo to Evict Wife Tomorrow Anyway
Written on 14 May, 2012 at 14:03
You're a liar, Wells Fargo. Either you knew you weren't going to approve their loan modification, or you're the most incompetent financial institution in the history of the world. And you don't just do this sometimes, you do... (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)
UTAH Foreclosure Help from Mandelman Matters – START HERE
Written on 12 May, 2012 at 0:17
I decided that I had to do more to help stop homeowners from getting ripped off, by providing the state specific information homeowners need to make the right decisions for their individual goals and circumstances. Moving forward on the... (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)
Finally, Jamie Dimon and I Agree on Something
Written on 11 May, 2012 at 3:03
Oh, good Lord. We're still doing this sort of thing, huh? Some guy at JPMorgan Chase in London was gambling with credit default swaps, no one was watching, and next thing you know the bank was down $2... (Continue reading)
Former NACA Home Save Counselor Says Commissions Create Complaints
Written on 9 May, 2012 at 15:51
I'm not sure why, but meeting with a "Home Save Counselor" doesn't make me feel like I'll be talking with a commissioned salesperson who will be potentially making up to $1,000 on my loan modification case? A "Home Save... (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)
Debt Forgiveness – The IMF, Iceland, and the U.S. of the 1930s all say it works
Written on 7 May, 2012 at 6:25
Iceland's mortgage write-down program happened as a result of thousands of its citizens taking to the streets demanding that something be done about the debts the people had incurred buying homes during the bubble at what turned out to be... (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)
DOER UPDATE: Patricia Martin v. Wells Fargo – Court Grants Injunction, Injustice on Trial Ahead
Written on 1 May, 2012 at 8:06
Zanides estimates that the bank has spent a significant amount already on legal fees and now is certain to spend a whole lot more. Patricia Martin's home is worth no more than $275,000. How can it be worth... (Continue reading)
An Important Message about 2012 for both President Obama & Mitt Romney
Written on 30 Apr, 2012 at 8:15
In 2012, the road to the White House runs directly through the states hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis, most notably Ohio and Florida, but also Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina, et al. For the Obama campaign, I would... (Continue reading)
30 Minutes of Talking: Has Housing or Our GDP Hit Bottom?
Written on 29 Apr, 2012 at 2:49
This week on 30 MINUTES OF TALKING I'm looking at the contradictions that are being thrown at us almost every day now... this past week it was the housing market that hit bottom, according to quite a few. But... (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)
Federal Judge Magner: Wells Fargo’s Behavior “Highly Reprehensible”
Written on 19 Apr, 2012 at 5:59
I can tell you that I receive more complaints about Wells Fargo refusing to approve loan modifications than any three other mortgage servicers combined. But then, Wells did modify one of the homeowners I wrote about a few months... (Continue reading)
Crimes of Hubris, Ineptitude & Folly: Geithner, Summers and Obama
Written on 18 Apr, 2012 at 11:15
Decisions made by Larry Summers have been disastrous for this nation... that much is abundantly clear. Tim Geithner's been no peach either. Together their folly has cost our country incalculable amounts of money, but further, they have caused... (Continue reading)
Phoenix Officers Who Shot Homeowner Needed Better Training
Written on 18 Apr, 2012 at 3:15
First of all, I realize that I wasn't there. And I understand that the guy had a beer in one hand and a gun in the other. But he was obviously thinking pretty clearly... after all, a couple... (Continue reading)
Hawaii Court rules: No valid assignment means Deutsche has no standing to foreclose
Written on 5 Apr, 2012 at 21:59
Last week, Hawaii homeowners at risk of foreclosure had reason to be pleased. Not ecstatic… not jubilant… and certainly not electrified, as other bloggers have intimated might be appropriate. The decision is not cause for any of those emotions… there’s... (Continue reading)
NY Appeals Court Dismisses Fraud Suit Brought by Investors – Says Investors can take care of themselves.
Written on 4 Apr, 2012 at 4:57
Some are saying the case may set a precedent for the packagers of CDOs, making their only responsibility to disclose risks and conflicts of interest involved. A lawyer said to be "deeply involved" in the case, was quoted as... (Continue reading)
An Insider’s View of an Actual RMBS Securitization at Mandelman U.
Written on 2 Apr, 2012 at 8:15
What follows below are slides from an actual presentation of a Residential Mortgage-backed Securities - RMBS/REMIC deal... but NOT the slides from a "road show" presentation to potential investors... what you're about to see are slides from an INTERNAL meeting... (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)
MUST SEE TV: WA State Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Against MERS
Written on 29 Mar, 2012 at 11:07
The video below puts you in the courtroom to watch as both sides of the debate present oral arguments related to MERS' involvement in the foreclosure process in front of the nine justices of the Washington State Supreme Court.... (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)
If WE owned a pool of loans… would WE allow principal reductions?
Written on 27 Mar, 2012 at 10:12
To really understand what happens when trying to determine the present and future value of a pool of loans within a mortgage-backed security, let's put ourselves in the place of the investors... we'll be investors together... and we'll want to... (Continue reading)
You’ve got to give it up for the Spaniards… unless they’re bankers.
Written on 26 Mar, 2012 at 19:11
Clearly, today's news from Spain shows that when it comes to protesting, Americans have lost some of our creativity and are simply not up for it as often as we once were. Frankly, many have expressed concern about... (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)
Nothing Goes Down in a Straight Line
Written on 23 Mar, 2012 at 13:23
But, the structural problems we face have NOT changed, so I see no possibility that we aren't going to see some continued weakening in the housing market in the years ahead, and I don't care whether we're talking Phoenix, or... (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)
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)
New Jersey Supreme Court’s Guillaume decision meaningless – Should foreclosure defense rethink its strategy?
Written on 1 Mar, 2012 at 11:02
Why is there no effort to hold the administration and member of Congress accountable for what has clearly been their failure related to the federal government's loan modification initiative? Why are we accepting such utter failure and holding them... (Continue reading)
Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris ASKS Fannie and Freddie to Stop Foreclosing
Written on 29 Feb, 2012 at 8:16
Actually, I don't even know if she can pull off that angry black woman thing, but that's exactly what we need at a time like this. You think Weezy Jefferson would be putting up with some nerdy pasty white... (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)