Posts Tagged ‘recession’

Pittsburgh in the 1970s – Terrible Times & Terrible Towels

Pittsburgh in the 1970s - Terrible Times & Terrible Towels

But watching them... well, it's just never been the same as it once was, back in the days when the Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the NFL, and commanded the attention, respect and adoration of a city to such a degree that... (Continue reading)

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Why Can’t We FIX Something About the Loan Modification Process?

Why Can’t We FIX Something About the Loan Modification Process?

I’ve seen my government fail at lots of things over the years, but this failure is too important and too costly to allow it to continue. We’ve lost more than five million homes to-date… and recent forecasts show we’re... (Continue reading)

“Hardest Hit” Funds Apparently Hard for Government to Spend

 “Hardest Hit” Funds Apparently Hard for Government to Spend

The SIGTARP is talking about the “Hardest Hit Funds,” which were the roughly $8 billion provided by the federal government in the beginning of 2010 to the states hardest hit by foreclosures in order to help their respective housing markets...... (Continue reading)

The One Number You’re Forced to Care About… Your FICO Score

The One Number You're Forced to Care About… Your FICO Score

About 18 months ago, I started looking for a company that helped people improve their FICO scores. Not only was I interested in finding out how such services worked for my own personal reasons, but I also figured that... (Continue reading)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

What Can DocX’s Brown Do for LPS, Besides Forge a Million Documents

What Can DocX’s Brown Do for LPS, Besides Forge a Million Documents

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)

Why I Didn’t Want to Watch the Presidential Debate Last Night

Why I Didn't Want to Watch the Presidential Debate Last Night

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)

No Surprise – Arizona Court Rules Mortgage Settlement Funds Don’t Have to Help Homeowners

No Surprise - Arizona Court Rules Mortgage Settlement Funds Don't Have to Help Homeowners

Okay, so what’s the big deal whether the state uses some of the funds to balance the state’s budget? It’s better than the alternative, which is the legislature cutting much needed assistance programs and raising taxes across the board…... (Continue reading)

When Will the Pivotal Nature of the Foreclosure Crisis be Understood

When Will the Pivotal Nature of the Foreclosure Crisis be Understood

Once you’re underwater, however, as at least half of homeowners are today, you can’t borrow against your home’s equity, nor can you sell your home, so any of those life events are likely to hit you where you live. ... (Continue reading)

Loan Modification Process Improving at BOA and Other Servicers

Loan Modification Process Improving at BOA and Other Servicers

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)

It’s Official: Thanks to Former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill… I Have Now Seen Everything.

It's Official: Thanks to Former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill... I Have Now Seen Everything.

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)

Republican Filibuster Discloses that GOP Opposes DISCLOSURE

 Republican Filibuster Discloses that GOP Opposes DISCLOSURE

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)

Three Central Banks Surprise… Desperation in Three Part Harmony

Three Central Banks Surprise... Desperation in Three Part Harmony

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)

President Obama, Bored With the Foreclosure Crisis. That Explains A Lot, Actually.

President Obama, Bored With the Foreclosure Crisis. That Explains A Lot, Actually.

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)

CAR- California Assn. of Realtors Tries to Kill Homeowners Bill of Rights

CAR- California Assn. of Realtors Tries to Kill Homeowners Bill of Rights

Let’s let C.A.R. know that even though many of us may be losing homes today, that doesn’t make us deadbeats… it makes us strong… it makes us focused… and it makes us remember who was and who wasn’t on our... (Continue reading)

PRACTICE LAW, LOSE YOUR LICENSE: WHAT SB 94 MEANS TO YOUR PRACTICE By Alice M. Graham

PRACTICE LAW, LOSE YOUR LICENSE: WHAT SB 94 MEANS TO YOUR PRACTICE By Alice M. Graham

The recent collapse of the real estate and financial markets in this country created the need for attorneys to help many of their homeowner clients by negotiating with lenders for a forbearance or modification of loans secured by the clients’... (Continue reading)

Elizabeth Warren Asks Netroots Nation a Question. Problem is, I think the answer is NO.

Elizabeth Warren Asks Netroots Nation a Question.  Problem is, I think the answer is NO.

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)

Should States Use Settlement Money for Deficits or Housing? Oh, So What and Who Cares?

Should States Use Settlement Money for Deficits or Housing?  Oh, So What and Who Cares?

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)

In the Words of Goldman Sachs CEO, Lord Blankcheck…

In the Words of Goldman Sachs CEO, Lord Blankcheck...

So, have you ever wondered what Goldman Sachs CEO is saying when the cameras aren't on, own what goes on under that highly polished dome of his? Well, I sure have. ... (Continue reading)

OBLABLA or MITTENS for President in 2012? Here’s how I’m going to choose…

OBLABLA or MITTENS for President in 2012?  Here's how I'm going to choose...

"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…

What the Fed Chief is Thinking...

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)

Fannie Mae Wants Consequences for Strategic Default

Fannie Mae Wants Consequences for Strategic Default

Fannie Mae hates strategic default. Then you say it’s bad for communities, Terrence, why do you think that’s the case? I mean… bad is a relative term, wouldn’t you agree. And, in terms of doing bad things... (Continue reading)

Wells Fargo gives $22,000 to Suicide Hotline… A gift the bank can use too.

Wells Fargo gives $22,000 to Suicide Hotline… A gift the bank can use too.

Wells Fargo “stepped up” with a $22,000 “gift.” Is that how that should ideally be phrased? I suppose it’s fine. But, having spent the last few days writing and talking about Norm Rousseau, who took his own... (Continue reading)

A Letter to Brian Stevens at TBWS: We Need More Houses?

A Letter to Brian Stevens at TBWS: We Need More Houses?

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

Husband's Suicide Yesterday, Wells Fargo to Evict Wife Tomorrow Anyway

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)

Former NACA Home Save Counselor Says Commissions Create Complaints

Former NACA Home Save Counselor Says Commissions Create Complaints

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!

California Homeowner in Foreclosure Wins Quiet Title – It’s a Free House!

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

Debt Forgiveness - The IMF, Iceland, and the U.S. of the 1930s all say it works

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)

DOER UPDATE: Patricia Martin v. Wells Fargo – Court Grants Injunction, Injustice on Trial Ahead

DOER UPDATE: Patricia Martin v. Wells Fargo – Court Grants Injunction, Injustice on Trial Ahead

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

An Important Message about 2012 for both President Obama & Mitt Romney

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?

30 Minutes of Talking: Has Housing or Our GDP Hit Bottom?

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.

We know they’re not evil, because they’re simply not smart enough to be evil.

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)

Crimes of Hubris, Ineptitude & Folly: Geithner, Summers and Obama

Crimes of Hubris, Ineptitude & Folly: Geithner, Summers and Obama

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)

GUEST POST: A Letter to President Obama, from James Deal, Attorney at Law

GUEST POST: A Letter to President Obama, from James Deal, Attorney at Law

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

MUST SEE TV: WA State Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Against MERS

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)

GUEST POST: Good for the Banks, Good for the Borrowers by Law Professor, Lauren E. Willis

GUEST POST: Good for the Banks, Good for the Borrowers by Law Professor, Lauren E. Willis

With so many Americans removed from the pool of potential buyers, those who own their homes with smaller mortgages or outright cannot sell their homes for decent prices, trapping them too in place and forcing some to delay retirement. The... (Continue reading)

Bringing Up the REAR – Charles Gasparino, Fox Business Network

Bringing Up the REAR – Charles Gasparino, Fox Business Network

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)

New Jersey Supreme Court’s Guillaume decision meaningless – Should foreclosure defense rethink its strategy?

New Jersey Supreme Court's Guillaume decision meaningless - Should foreclosure defense rethink its strategy?

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

 Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris ASKS Fannie and Freddie to Stop Foreclosing

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

Mandelman on

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.

Economy Recovering? No, it's not. Housing? NO. Unemployment? NO. Stock Market? NO.

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

Bank sues itself, wins, and then forces itself into bankruptcy to satisfy judgment

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)

America Needs Buddy for President in 2012!

America Needs Buddy for President in 2012!

If one million people give $70 each, that’s more than any of the GOP candidates has raised. He needs to get 15% in a national poll to get on the stage during the presidential debates so he can challenge... (Continue reading)

URGENT DOER ALERT – Wells Fargo You’ve deceived, confused and beaten another senior into submission

URGENT DOER ALERT - Wells Fargo You’ve deceived, confused and beaten another senior into submission

Wells Fargo… let me be clear about this because time is short. Particia Martin is scheduled for UD Court tomorrow. So, you have some law firm, some unsuspecting foreclosure mill, no doubt… and you should call and cancel... (Continue reading)

Arizona’s SB 1451 – Does Arizona Have the Right to Save Itself from Drowning in Underwater Loans?

Arizona's SB 1451 - Does Arizona Have the Right to Save Itself from Drowning in Underwater Loans?

Senate Bill 1451 only uses PRIVATE MONEY. There is no government money involved, no subsidies, no guarantees, and no taxes. This Program utilizes a completely different structure than any current mortgage program. It includes a cash insurance... (Continue reading)

Greece Will Leave EU… They Should Do It Now.

Greece Will Leave EU... They Should Do It Now.

Dear Greece... The Dracma will be fine and so will the people, but not if you wait too long, or if you continue with a prime minister who is an ex-central banker. Toss him out, re-shuffle the deck and... (Continue reading)

Freddie Mac’s Crimes Against Homeowners are NOT an Isolated Incident

Freddie Mac’s Crimes Against Homeowners are NOT an Isolated Incident

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)

Bank of America Does the Wright Thing – DOERS Did It Again. JOIN US, BE A DOER!

Bank of America Does the Wright Thing - DOERS Did It Again. JOIN US, BE A DOER!

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)

Look, this just isn’t that hard… The Solutions to Pressing Problems.

Look, this just isn't that hard... The Solutions to Pressing Problems.

If Mickey Mouse is going to sign it, and Donald Duck is going to notarize it... THEN DON'T SIGN IT... because we don't need it signed. BUT... if we DO need it signed, then don't forge it and file... (Continue reading)

Calling All Lawyers to 5,000,000 Crime Scenes

Calling All Lawyers to 5,000,000 Crime Scenes

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 Name is Martin.

My Name is Martin.

I learned about death from Martin King. I learned about peace from Martin King. I learned about hope from Martin King. I learned about struggle from Martin King. I learned about my country from Martin King. I learned to love... (Continue reading)

DOER ALERT: Wells Fargo Bank… How could you do this to a mother of four?

DOER ALERT: Wells Fargo Bank… How could you do this to a mother of four?

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)

HO, HO, HOmeless… A Sobering View of the Crisis Affecting Us All

HO, HO, HOmeless... A Sobering View of the Crisis Affecting Us All

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

'Twas the Night Before Christmas - 2011

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

Mandelman on The News Dissector Radio Show with Danny Schechter

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)

Foreclosure Fraud North by Northwest with Attorney Shawn Newman, A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Foreclosure Fraud North by Northwest with Attorney Shawn Newman, A Mandelman Matters Podcast

A Mandelman Matters Podcast - Washington State attorney, Shawn Newman is fighting to protect the rights of homeowners. His legal theories and experiences in court related to Fannie and Freddie "owned" loans are interesting, to say the least, and... (Continue reading)

DOER ALERT – Bank of America Disables a Disabled Vet

 DOER ALERT - Bank of America Disables a Disabled Vet

Bank of America… stop torturing disabled American veterans, and stop torturing Arlie Matthews and I do mean immediately… and I also mean… or else. He’s a brave and strong guy, but I know he’s got to be scared to... (Continue reading)

Neil Barofsky and American Banker Finally Catch Up to Mandelman Matters

Neil Barofsky and American Banker Finally Catch Up to Mandelman Matters

No one helps those who don't help themselves. We need to be WE... and now. Because as long as the country believes that irresponsible borrowers are the problem, nothing will change for borrowers... not enough lawyers will join... (Continue reading)

Arizona’s Rep. Jack Harper Says Walk Away and You’ll Pay

Arizona's Rep. Jack Harper Says Walk Away and You'll Pay

The Arizona Bankers Association has been trying to change that for years so banks could go after the homeowners for the amount of the deficiency, and finally they've found their boy in Jack Harper. Inconceivably, Harper says he will... (Continue reading)

GUEST POST: Welcome to Freddie and Fannie’s Mortgage Shell Game, By Shawn T. Newman, J.D.

GUEST POST: Welcome to Freddie and Fannie's Mortgage Shell Game, By Shawn T. Newman, J.D.

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)

The Stalinist Era of Consumer Protection

The Stalinist Era of Consumer Protection

Now, when right in front of our eyes, the banking lobby is pushing to make the only federal agency whose role is to protect consumers entirely toothless, once again we’re failing to make our voices heard. I know this... (Continue reading)

Letter Bomb Sent to Deutsche Bank CEO

Letter Bomb Sent to Deutsche Bank CEO

The FBI has issued a statement saying that the Bureau is, "working with German authorities to assess the incident in Frankfurt and any potential threat to facilities or people here." NYPD has increased security around the Deutsche Bank locations in... (Continue reading)

Author Michael Hudson Knows The Monster – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Author Michael Hudson Knows The Monster - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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)

DeMarco of the FHFA… Like when the baby gets a hold of a hammer.

DeMarco of the FHFA... Like when the baby gets a hold of a hammer.

So, I’m bringing all of this up because Mr. Edward DeMarco, who is just the "acting" director of the independent federal agency that placed both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship in the fall of 2008, has actually become... (Continue reading)

Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 16.0

Mandelman's Monthly Museletter - Version 16.0

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)

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Bringing UP the Rear – Neil Lipschutz, Managing Editor, Dow Jones Newswire

Bringing UP the Rear – Neil Lipschutz, Managing Editor, Dow Jones Newswire

Obviously, either Neal has the cognitive abilities of a fruit loop soaked in milk, or he’s just disturbed. What do you suppose he thinks “spread” to Europe and its banks? I mean, I don’t think loans can spread…... (Continue reading)

A Foot Soldier in the Foreclosure Wars – Matt Weidner, A Mandelman Matters Podcast

A Foot Soldier in the Foreclosure Wars - Matt Weidner, A Mandelman Matters Podcast

I wanted to have Matt on a podcast so both homeowners and other lawyers would have an opportunity to hear his views on the crisis today, and specifically what he's seeing in the Florida courts. And sure enough, Matt... (Continue reading)

Unmistakably April Charney – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

Unmistakably April Charney - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

Home sales contracts are falling apart 2X as fast as last year

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)

Professor Learns the Hard Way About Loan Modifications at Bank of America

Professor Learns the Hard Way About Loan Modifications at Bank of America

MEMO TO BANK OF AMERICA… Why do you do these things to me? I was just sitting here minding my own business, perfectly content to write about Chase or Wells or anything else for that matter… but no, you... (Continue reading)

We’re Going to Need a Bigger Horse… Portland police back down, rather than engage Occupy Portland protesters

We're Going to Need a Bigger Horse... Portland police back down, rather than engage Occupy Portland protesters

We need, as perhaps the late, great Steve Jobs might have said... to think differently, to fight differently. We need to scare them by making them realize that we are their source of power and just as we bestow... (Continue reading)

Our future hinges on just ONE thing…

Our future hinges on just ONE thing...

You know the stereotype… we all do… reckless and greedy people who bought homes they could never hope to afford by signing their names on nothing down, 80/20 “liar loans” with negative amortization and teaser rates of 1%. And... (Continue reading)

Two Movies I Want to See… Bailout! and Margin Call

Two Movies I Want to See... Bailout! and Margin Call

Two movies I really want to see, and I think you will want to see them as well. One is Bailout, and it looks funny and great. The other is Margin Call, and it look dramatic and really... (Continue reading)

Consumer Spending Up? Come on get happy…

Consumer Spending Up?  Come on get happy...

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)

OCC’s Independent Foreclosure Review for Homeowners is Ready – But, so are the Scammers

OCC’s Independent Foreclosure Review for Homeowners is Ready – But, so are the Scammers

The bottom-line is that this does appear to be a chance for people who were treated unfairly as part of the foreclosure process (and Lord knows there are plenty who fall into that category) to get a shot at some... (Continue reading)

The World of the Investor with Attorney Talcott Franklin – A Mandelman Matters Podcast

The World of the Investor with Attorney Talcott Franklin - A Mandelman Matters Podcast

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

THE CRAVEN, A Halloween Trick-or-Treat, With Apologies to Edgar Allen Poe

Quoth the Craven, "Nevermore."... (Continue reading)

Attorneys: Foreclosure Defense at a Whole New Level – Max Gardner In-person or On video

Attorneys: Foreclosure Defense at a Whole New Level - Max Gardner In-person or On video

Max basically gives attorneys his thirty-year law practice in a box with easy to follow assembly instructions and ongoing support. And there's nothing theoretical about what Max teaches attorneys at his workshops and seminars. In fact, I've seen... (Continue reading)

Mainstream media waking up to foreclosures being a big problem – And by big problem, I mean Geithner

Mainstream media waking up to foreclosures being a big problem - And by big problem, I mean Geithner

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)

Optimism Lost, and by Optimism, I mean Ben Bernanke and the NYT

Optimism Lost, and by Optimism, I mean Ben Bernanke and the NYT

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?

Are Homeowners Suffering from LAS – Legal Abuse Syndrome?

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)

MERS Has Trouble, Right There in Ohio, With a Capital ‘T’…

MERS Has Trouble, Right There in Ohio, With a Capital ‘T’…

“This case asks court very directly whether the MERS system complies with state law. If it doesn’t then I’m going to go back and reopen all of the foreclosures alleging that the transfers were invalid,” says Dann without hesitation. ... (Continue reading)

CA’s Democrats in Congress Wake Up to Need to Address Foreclosures

CA's Democrats in Congress Wake Up to Need to Address Foreclosures

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)

WSJ Surveys Economists… US Incomes Won’t Make Up Lost Ground Before 2021

WSJ Surveys Economists… US Incomes Won’t Make Up Lost Ground Before 2021

Yesterday, for the first time since the recession began, the Wall Street Journal survey of 50 economists now say that incomes in this country have been falling since 2000 and they don’t expect us to make up the lost ground... (Continue reading)

Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 15.0

Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 15.0

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)

Obama Says Post Office Should Cut One Day of Mail Delivery… Now there’s change we can believe in.

Obama Says Post Office Should Cut One Day of Mail Delivery... Now there’s change we can believe in.

Obviously, Obama has been hard at work on this very important subject, and I think we have to give credit where credit is due. And he’s got more ideas than just cutting a day of mail delivery, oh yes... (Continue reading)

Bringing Up the REAR: House Speaker Rep. John Boehner

Bringing Up the REAR: House Speaker Rep. John Boehner

Look, I’ve been an “employer” for some 20 years, and I’d just like to assure everyone that breaking the collective back of our nation’s middle class is precisely what is stopping America’s employers from spending the massive amounts of cash... (Continue reading)

Irresponsible Borrowers Documentary Trailer 2 – We Need Your Support

Irresponsible Borrowers Documentary Trailer 2 - We Need Your Support

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)

We’re Simply Not Going to Win this Battle in Courts Alone…

We plan to release the final film by the end of this calendar year. This is an election year. We can’t afford to wait. Please help me change how this country views the tragedy that is the... (Continue reading)

I Failed… and I’m So Very Sorry

I Failed... and I’m So Very Sorry

I don’t know what to say except that I am so very sorry that I let them down. So deeply sorry… and I’ll never forget them… I’ll try never to let something like that happen again. ... (Continue reading)

Mandelman’s Reluctant Analysis of Obama’s Speech – The American Jobs Act

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)

GUEST POST: Prove Fannie & Freddie Innocent Before Suing the Banks – And Here Is How

GUEST POST: Prove Fannie & Freddie Innocent Before Suing the Banks - And Here Is How

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

Geithner is Allowing Banks to Recapitalize on Backs of Homeowners, or... Games Bankers Play

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)

If Your Economic Forecasts are Wrong All the Time, Aren’t You Just Guessing?

If Your Economic Forecasts are Wrong All the Time, Aren't You Just Guessing?

Mark Zandi is not only misleading the American public, but he’s also misleading the American government, because he appears to have become the favorite economist of the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department and the Senate and House Budget and Finance... (Continue reading)


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