Wednesday 4th December
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Painless Saving: Tricking Yourself into Saving a lot More Money
Written on 9 Oct, 2013 at 9:03
So, now I'm going to attempt the impossible. I'm going to show you how to beat back the obstacles to saving more... by tricking yourself into saving more... painlessly. Without you feeling it at all. Seriously... you... (Continue reading)
Homeowner Says Martin Andelman Helped Save Home After She Was Scammed Three Times
Written on 24 Jul, 2013 at 20:48
He did not take advantage of us, he worked with us without charging us any money! He gave us hope and made our dream come true. Home loan modifications do work you just have to have the right... (Continue reading)
Hawaii Homeowner Writes to Thank Mandelman for Helping with Bank of America Loan Modification
Written on 22 Jul, 2013 at 23:17
Diane and John Bobek, homeowners in Hawaii that I was able to help with their Bank of America mortgage, writes to thank me. ... (Continue reading)
What people NEED to know about the foreclosure crisis in 2013 & 2014
Written on 27 Jun, 2013 at 5:50
My point is that the increasing sales volume of non-performing loans means the unthinkable... that it's going to get even worse for homeowners who are seriously delinquent and need to get their loans modified in order to keep their homes.... (Continue reading)
PART TWO – How to Take Your Power Back When at Risk of Foreclosure
Written on 10 Jun, 2013 at 18:48
Understand... I'm not telling you which path you should choose, but I am saying that you should choose one and then do everything in your power to achieve the goals that lie at the end of that path. Just... (Continue reading)
I’m Back in the Saddle Again… What’d I miss? Nothing, unfortunately.
Written on 13 May, 2013 at 13:40
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)
SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST #3: With the One and Only Max Gardner
Written on 13 Feb, 2013 at 9:02
Now, as anyone will tell you... Max Gardner knows this subject like the back of his hand, and he should... he's been at it for some 30 years... before the rest of us had any idea this sort of economic... (Continue reading)
In Case You’re of a Mind to Help…
Written on 28 Dec, 2012 at 23:00
If you're a homeowner who would be interviewed about your specific experience saving your home from foreclosure, or if you have clients you've helped avoid foreclosure and they are okay with me calling to record an interview with them, let... (Continue reading)
We’re Just Not Going to Fix the Foreclosure Crisis in Court
Written on 13 Dec, 2012 at 14:06
In all but a very small number of cases, homeowners have continued to find the courts either unwilling or incapable of dispensing what they would consider fair and just solutions, and while the federal government has remained essentially mute on... (Continue reading)
Homeowners: Start Your Emails… This is Your Chance for $50 Billion Principal Reductions
Written on 13 Dec, 2012 at 11:22
Please take this chance to make your voice heard, and tell everyone you know whose home is underwater they should do the same. We screamed our heads off about AIG bonuses, both in the streets and in the tens... (Continue reading)
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’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)
Last Minute Reminder: I’m Speaking at Meeting in Seattle This Evening
Written on 27 Sep, 2012 at 14:25
For those in the Seattle area... I'll be speaking to homeowners, lawyers and anyone else interested in the foreclosure crisis at a meeting this evening from 6:00pm - 8:00pm...... (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)
Special Report for Oregon Homeowners – A MM Podcast With Portland Attorney Clarke Balcom
Written on 31 Jul, 2012 at 5:49
Everybody says the new law and recent decision are going to provide protections and in general make things better for Oregon's homeowners at risk of foreclosure., and for the people of thee state as a whole. They're wrong.... (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)
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)
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)
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)
FTC Shuts Down Forensic Audit Scam that claims: 95% of mortgages may be legally unenforceable. (Where have I heard that before?)
Written on 18 Jun, 2012 at 7:28
So, I'm certainly not going to say that the FTC shutting down a forensic loan audit scam in LA is anything but a terrific thing... one less scam is one less scam... regardless of what others are still around. ... (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)
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)
For My Birthday… Love, Your Broken Home. By Tim Miller
Written on 3 Jun, 2012 at 7:15
Tim Miller, is a singer/songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Here he is performing a song he wrote after reading a news story about a family who lost their home, the victim of predatory lending.... (Continue reading)
A New Low for the California State Bar – HOMEOWNER & LAWYER ALERT!
Written on 29 May, 2012 at 15:24
Homeowners should take great care when hiring a lawyer for any reason. And I HATE it when anyone gets ripped off for anything, especially when their home is on the line. But this article is a blatant attempt... (Continue reading)
How to Strategic Default? Ask the MBA.
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 7:15
How to strategic default? There's just one little, teeny-tiny, almost insignificant smidgeon of a problem with what the Mortgage Bankers Association's CEO was saying: He was completely full of shit. ... (Continue reading)
What is Strategic Default? A Moral Dilemma?
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 7:06
What is a strategic default? These days, it occurs to me, there would be even less morality involved in the decision to walk away from a mortgage. I can't believe anyone actually feels morally obligated to a bank today.... (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)
What’s wrong with your loan? Jay Patterson on a Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 19 May, 2012 at 20:26
Jay Patterson teaches lawyers how to use the SEC Edgar database, among others, in order to find out who owns a loan. How to identify the trust a loan is in and find the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. how... (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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Arizona’s SB 1451 – Does Arizona Have the Right to Save Itself from Drowning in Underwater Loans?
Written on 19 Feb, 2012 at 6:11
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)
MM EXCLUSIVE: AZ Bill Writes Down Underwater Loans for Homeowners – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 5 Feb, 2012 at 20:23
"In Arizona we don't ignore problems, nor do we pretend they aren't there," Sen. Reagan explains. "Obviously, the federal programs aren't going to address our state's needs, and that's fine. We're perfectly capable of doing what's best for... (Continue reading)
Credit Suisse Tells Bloomberg: “Mortgage Principal Cuts Don’t Help Homeowners?”
Written on 22 Jan, 2012 at 18:53
Reducing mortgage balances is a risky idea that hasn't been shown to keep borrowers who owe more than their property's worth in their homes, according to Credit Suisse Group AG. (CSGN). Suspending accounting rules is a risky idea that hasn't been... (Continue reading)
Arizona’s Rep. Jack Harper Says Walk Away and You’ll Pay
Written on 14 Dec, 2011 at 2:02
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)
Strategic Defaults Don’t Really Exist… Who would have thought that? Oh, that’s right… ME.
Written on 12 Jan, 2011 at 8:29
I don't like to do this, but I've been trying to point this nonsense out for so many months now, I can't even keep track. I didn't need a study to know this, I come up with my conclusions... (Continue reading)
You Better Watch Out, I’m Telling You Why… BofA is Coming to Town… And, they might just break your door down!
Written on 22 Dec, 2010 at 10:49
Well, I'd have to say nicely done there, Bank of America, all around. I mean, you managed to take a woman from sending you $15,000 to take over the home out of probate after her husband died... her "haven"... (Continue reading)
Howie Hubler’s Loan Value Group… Proof That Wall Street Has No Idea What’s Happening on Main Street
Written on 1 Nov, 2010 at 9:13
Want to know who Howie Hubler is? Did you read Michael Lewis' book, "The Big Short," because if you did, you might remember Lewis mentioning a bond trader at Morgan Stanley that lost the investment bank $9 BILLION... more... (Continue reading)
Short Sale Lease-Backs Make Total Sense – Fannie, Freddie and Servicers Are the Problem
Written on 8 Sep, 2010 at 17:30
So, what's not to love? Banks win by getting more for the property than would otherwise be the case. Investors win through earning a return that averages 15% on their investment. Banks win by getting more for the... (Continue reading)
Worst June EVER for New Home Sales
Written on 27 Jul, 2010 at 7:12
Adjusted down to a rate of 267,000 annual sales was the worst month on record. That "rate," and I do love the way they report monthly numbers as an "annual sales RATE," means that 22,250 new homes were... (Continue reading)
Greenspan Says Housing is Nowhere Near Bottom
Written on 26 Jul, 2010 at 22:13
It's amazing how different it is when you're the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, as opposed to being the retired Chairman of the Federal Reserve. ... (Continue reading)
Elizabeth Warren on the Foreclosure Crisis
Written on 19 Jul, 2010 at 8:58
Elizabeth Warren: "It's about respect. I believe that the American people ought to be part of the conversation about what's happening in our economy, and what's happening in Washington D.C. and what's happening on Wall Street. I truly... (Continue reading)
Mandelman a Guest on Short Sale Power Hour!
Written on 16 Jul, 2010 at 5:52
Actually, Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver are the two guys behind and in front of the camera on Short Sale Power Hour, an Internet video show that airs every day online, 5 days a week. They're smart and funny... (Continue reading)
California Court Rules: MERS Can’t Foreclose, Citibank Can’t Collect
Written on 16 Jul, 2010 at 3:39
This decision means that if a foreclosing party in California, that is not the original lender, claims that payment is due under the note, and that they have the right to foreclose on the basis of a MERS assignment, they're... (Continue reading)
FHFA Subpoenas Data from 64 Issuers of Mortgage Backed Securities
Written on 13 Jul, 2010 at 5:25
Uh oh. Someone's gonna' be in big trouble... as in... Lucy, you got some "˜splainin' to do. Is it warm in here all of a sudden?... (Continue reading)
The Great Unwind and the Final Redemption, by O. Max Gardner III
Written on 8 Jun, 2010 at 18:58
As my readers know, I've never had guest columnists or posted what others have written, but when I read the article that follows, which was written by Max on June 1st of this year, and then found myself reading sections... (Continue reading)
HEY, CHASE! YEAH, YOU… JPMORGAN CHASE! One of Your Customers Asked Me to Give You a Message…
Written on 3 Jun, 2010 at 13:25
Just to make it interesting... and fun... I'm going to do my best to really paint a picture of the situation, so the reader can feel like he or she is there... in the picture at the time of the... (Continue reading)
Who is Freddie Mac to Strategic Defaulters? Well, I Have a Message for Freddie Mac.
Written on 12 May, 2010 at 9:00
What is Freddie Mac anyway? I've personally spoken with several thousand homeowners from all over the country, hundreds that have considered walking away from their mortgages, or are now in the process of doing so, and let me assure... (Continue reading)