Monday 20th May
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Mandelman on The News Dissector Radio Show with Danny Schechter
Written on 20 Dec, 2011 at 20:11
I was a guest on the News Dissector radio show with Danny Schechter out of NYC. And I was joined by one of the Occupy Wall Street organizers and Capt. (Ret.) Ray Lewis. Check it out... given the... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure Fraud North by Northwest with Attorney Shawn Newman, A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 20 Dec, 2011 at 14:40
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)
GUEST POST: Dear Colleagues, by Thomas A. Cox, Esq.
Written on 16 Dec, 2011 at 20:40
This letter was written today by attorney Thomas Cox of Portland Maine, and posted on several legal listservs. It was totally unexpected and more than moving. Tom is the lawyer whose work and depositions of GMAC's Jeffrey Stephan... (Continue reading)
Neil Barofsky and American Banker Finally Catch Up to Mandelman Matters
Written on 15 Dec, 2011 at 19:54
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
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)
The Stalinist Era of Consumer Protection
Written on 12 Dec, 2011 at 15:58
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)
Register of Deeds, Jeff Thigpen, Is Not Playing Around – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 10 Dec, 2011 at 18:16
Well, I caught up with Jeff after receiving a "friend request" from him on Facebook... I recognized the name right away and sent him a note asking him to join me for a podcast... and he said yes, of course.... (Continue reading)
Author Michael Hudson Knows The Monster – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 4 Dec, 2011 at 12:59
Here's something you can't do anywhere else... listen to author Michael Hudson not only talk with me about his book, but listen to how he applies his vast knowledge of the subject matter to what's going on today in our... (Continue reading)
DeMarco of the FHFA… Like when the baby gets a hold of a hammer.
Written on 1 Dec, 2011 at 13:37
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
Written on 30 Nov, 2011 at 17:15
In this edition you'll find: 1. Robo-signing KILLS... 2. OCC proposes credit rating duties go to banks - A real conversation with a banker-friend of mine. 3. PMI Files Bankruptcy - Regulators step in and take over yet another mortgage... (Continue reading)
A Foot Soldier in the Foreclosure Wars – Matt Weidner, A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 27 Nov, 2011 at 10:53
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
Written on 24 Nov, 2011 at 20:00
So, whether you're a homeowner fighting to keep your home... or a lawyer who represents homeowners in foreclosure, here's an opportunity to hear what April has to say about where we've been, where we are today, and where she thinks... (Continue reading)
Home sales contracts are falling apart 2X as fast as last year
Written on 23 Nov, 2011 at 18:32
Why? Well, according to the Realtors, it’s credit scores and appraisals coming in too low. Well shave my head and call me Baldy… what do you know about that? I certainly do declare, how can such a... (Continue reading)
Professor Learns the Hard Way About Loan Modifications at Bank of America
Written on 15 Nov, 2011 at 22:38
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)
Our future hinges on just ONE thing…
Written on 14 Nov, 2011 at 12:06
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
Written on 11 Nov, 2011 at 6:19
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)
OCC’s Independent Foreclosure Review for Homeowners is Ready – But, so are the Scammers
Written on 4 Nov, 2011 at 3:42
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
Written on 2 Nov, 2011 at 10:40
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH INVESTORS? WHO ARE THEY? ARE THEY LOSING MONEY ON FORECLOSURES? What do the investors think about all these foreclosures? What's the relationship like between investors and servicers? Do investors want to modify loans? Do... (Continue reading)
THE CRAVEN, A Halloween Trick-or-Treat, With Apologies to Edgar Allen Poe
Written on 2 Nov, 2011 at 0:18
Quoth the Craven, "Nevermore."... (Continue reading)
Bull… meet China Shop. SB 94 and the California State Bar, Two Years Later
Written on 30 Oct, 2011 at 8:25
At the California State Bar Association's 84th Annual Meeting, September 17, 2011, Susan Anderson presented what she said is the bar’s official interpretation of SB 94, precluding a lawyer from being paid for services related to a loan modification until... (Continue reading)
What Shall We Tell Our Children, Mr. President?
Written on 27 Oct, 2011 at 9:19
What shall we tell the children, Mr. President? How can we tell them the truth? How can we tell them we’ve lost faith in America… that our government has abandoned us… that we no longer feel like a... (Continue reading)
Attorneys: Foreclosure Defense at a Whole New Level – Max Gardner In-person or On video
Written on 26 Oct, 2011 at 9:02
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)
Obama’s New Plan to Help Housing Isn’t Worth Waiting For
Written on 22 Oct, 2011 at 8:17
Even Edward J. DeMarco, acting director of the independent Federal Housing Finance Agency says his fix will be more of a tune-up than an overhaul, with reduced “frictions” and “enhancements.”... (Continue reading)
Are Homeowners Suffering from LAS – Legal Abuse Syndrome?
Written on 19 Oct, 2011 at 1:24
Homeowners who have been forced into litigation in an attempt to save their homes, whether choosing to represent themselves, or hire an attorney, are battling against the largest financial institutions in the world in a court system that’s anything but... (Continue reading)
MERS Has Trouble, Right There in Ohio, With a Capital ‘T’…
Written on 18 Oct, 2011 at 18:28
“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)
What Obama Should Have Done – Ezra Klein, Part 2
Written on 17 Oct, 2011 at 21:07
I mean, here we had our “smart” president, and the first thing he does upon taking the reins of a nation in real economic peril, is throw together a spending bill whose numbers were pulled directly from the hindquarters of... (Continue reading)
CA’s Democrats in Congress Wake Up to Need to Address Foreclosures
Written on 16 Oct, 2011 at 22:39
Apparently, this past week, the sound of the economy’s ship going down must have awoken the majority of House Democrats from California who then just jumped all over the Obama Administration for “failing to deliver on promises to curb foreclosures.”... (Continue reading)
WSJ Surveys Economists… US Incomes Won’t Make Up Lost Ground Before 2021
Written on 16 Oct, 2011 at 19:29
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)
Inside the Obama Administration with Ezra Klein … and Mandelman
Written on 15 Oct, 2011 at 6:43
Klein seems to think that it’s important to understand how the administration got it so wrong… but I could care less. I think the salient point is that they knew they had gotten it wrong soon enough, and yet... (Continue reading)
Only One Paycheck Away from Disaster… No kidding, really? Go figure.
Written on 5 Oct, 2011 at 17:19
Since then, we’ve been bubbled into financial ruin. We bought high and sold low, until our 401(k)s turned into 201(k)s, and then we doubled down on shares of Pets.com, never bothering to question how the company planned to deliver... (Continue reading)
Attitudes on Wall Street: Dear God, Give Me Strength
Written on 4 Oct, 2011 at 6:03
Brancaccio asked about whether these Wall Street types recognized that bonuses are usually paid on profits, but that profits are "radically down," and Bethany replied that they don't. She said that there's a widespread belief that "it wasn't my fault,... (Continue reading)
Two Top Tier Lawyers Ready to Sue Servicers for Defrauding Homeowners
Written on 3 Oct, 2011 at 16:24
It's no secret to anyone close to the crisis that homeowners in distress are routinely lied to by servicers... often homes are lost as a result of those lies... and what's even more shocking than that is how so... (Continue reading)
The Birth of Robo-Signing…
Written on 3 Oct, 2011 at 6:43
My office will investigate whether other banks engaged in such practices because these failings involve much more than mere technicalities, as GMAC/Ally has claimed. As a consumer advocate and attorney, I am dismayed and shocked that the bank blatantly skirted... (Continue reading)
AM I DREAMING ALL OF THIS? (If you can read this, please let me know.)
Written on 23 Sep, 2011 at 20:21
Is it possible that I’m only dreaming all of this? Like, maybe I don’t really blog about the financial and foreclosure crises… maybe it’s all just part of a reoccurring, and incomprehensibly maddening dream? ... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 15.0
Written on 20 Sep, 2011 at 9:30
1. Obama Administration Leaps Into Action on the Foreclosure Crisis. 2. Nation's poverty rate climbs to 15.1%, highest in 18 years. 3. Obama Says Government to Help More People Refinance… Again. 4. Mortgage Defaults Skyrocket 33% Nationwide in... (Continue reading)
Obama Says Post Office Should Cut One Day of Mail Delivery… Now there’s change we can believe in.
Written on 20 Sep, 2011 at 2:53
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)
Irresponsible Borrowers Documentary Trailer 2 – We Need Your Support
Written on 15 Sep, 2011 at 22:25
Watch it. Link to it. Post it. Support it. Everyone who contributes will be listed in the credits and we plan to take the film all the way to the Academy Awards. If "Inside Job"... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Prove Fannie & Freddie Innocent Before Suing the Banks – And Here Is How
Written on 7 Sep, 2011 at 13:29
For twelve years during and after the Savings & Loan crisis (1988-2000), I led the group of business analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers that was responsible for monitoring Ginnie Mae’s $600 billion portfolio of mortgage-backed securities. During that period, I learned... (Continue reading)
Geithner is Allowing Banks to Recapitalize on Backs of Homeowners, or… Games Bankers Play
Written on 7 Sep, 2011 at 8:37
I’ll say one thing for Secretary Geithner: He’s great at distraction. He goes, “Lookie over here.” Then he points his finger towards China… and a pigeon flies out of his ass. You really have to watch this... (Continue reading)
The Case Against Philip Kramer, Et Al
Written on 7 Sep, 2011 at 8:00
You have to understand that while I’m happy to see any and all deceptive sales practices targeting homeowners stopped, I take no pleasure in seeing Philip Kramer prevented from suing Bank of America or any of the other banksters, all... (Continue reading)
Upcoming Max Gardner Seminar: UCC’s Impact on Securitization and Foreclosure Defense
Written on 3 Sep, 2011 at 5:06
Max Gardner, along with his faculty of expert guest speakers, will be delivering two specially designed in-depth sessions each one laser focused on the topic of the UCC’s impact on mortgage securitization - and each of the seminars is specifically... (Continue reading)
If Your Economic Forecasts are Wrong All the Time, Aren’t You Just Guessing?
Written on 8 Aug, 2011 at 14:31
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)
From Insult to Injury and Back to Insult… A New Twist on the Demolition Derby
Written on 3 Aug, 2011 at 6:47
I remember a year or two back when Warren Buffett quipped that one solution was to “blow up a lot of houses -- a tactic similar to the destruction of autos that occurred with the â€cash-for-clunkers’ program.’” He was... (Continue reading)
And the Beat Goes On… Yeah, the Beat Goes On…
Written on 23 Jul, 2011 at 2:05
And call me crazy, but I found the news oddly reassuring… you know… like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and an ice cold glass of milk. ... (Continue reading)
GOING UP… The Rising Bar of Homeowner Rage
Written on 20 Jul, 2011 at 7:08
The fact is that the path we’re on can only end badly, and although I quite proud of how this nation has managed to hold it together until this point at least, as the man said, it’s all downhill from... (Continue reading)
A Walk Down Memory Lane With President Obama & the Mortgage Crisis
Written on 12 Jul, 2011 at 18:00
As a result, homeowners who begin the process of obtaining a loan modification with expectations largely set by the President, are likely to be disappointed at the outcome, regardless the outcome. ... (Continue reading)
Mandelman SHOCKS Online Community, Says: “I don’t care about my readers anymore.”
Written on 9 Jul, 2011 at 0:54
And the best part of the whole thing is that even if you’re weren’t a DOER this time around… even if until now you’ve just been a “reader,” it doesn’t matter… ANYONE CAN BECOME A DOER AT ANY MOMENT. ... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 14.0
Written on 2 Jul, 2011 at 7:28
Happy Independence Day! 1. Bank of America... The wrong house AGAIN? 2. Let's call it: Bernankeconomics. 3. Fifty Million for 7,000 Short Sales, Cash for Sunkers? 4. The OCC says fewer than 5,000 principal reductions in... (Continue reading)
Bringing Up the Rear: Tom Deutsch, Executive Director, American Securitization Forum
Written on 1 Jul, 2011 at 2:52
I asked a friend of mine who is a fairly senior executive at a major bank, although not one of those mentioned here, and he said that he can’t imagine the banks losing them. He explains that the truck... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Stop HAMP Discrimination Against the Disabled and the Elderly
Written on 30 Jun, 2011 at 18:46
Retirees and the handicapped experience higher living expenses, including home maintenance, spiraling healthcare costs, utilities, and other expenses associated with age, disability, and/or deteriorating health. That fact progressively reduces their disposable income and ability to make mortgage payments. ... (Continue reading)
Ohio’s Former AG Marc Dann Talks Hawaii & Fighting Banks – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 30 Jun, 2011 at 4:06
While Marc was in office he was a very vocal opponent of Wall Street, and the mortgage servicers who were... and still are... destroying his state with unnecessary and even illegal foreclosures. And since he's left office, he's defended... (Continue reading)
Ocwen Loan Servicing Takes Home from Handicapped Because There’s Equity
Written on 27 Jun, 2011 at 5:44
Also, call me naïve, but I have to believe that this is all some sort of gigantic oversight, and you’re going to learn of it… correct it immediately… and the Giangregorios are going to live in their home… happily ever... (Continue reading)
Bringing Up the REAR – Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Written on 19 Jun, 2011 at 16:47
“You have exactly 11 hours to sign and notarize this form. Then deliver three copies to one of three addresses in your home city between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM on Thursday. The catch is that you must... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: President Obama, please don’t let them take Grandma’s house!
Written on 17 Jun, 2011 at 21:00
A Guest Post by Chicago attorney, Rick Rogers of Rogers Law Group. Rick and I met last year when we attended Max Gardner's Boot Camp in North Carolina last year; we actually shared the Riverview Cabin on Max's ranch... (Continue reading)
The Definition of Dichotomy
Written on 15 Jun, 2011 at 3:25
So, now the Attorneys General from New York and Delaware are investigating in order to find out whether trillions of dollars in loans were seriously mishandled and therefore are not in the trusts, as the banksters said they were. ... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 13.0
Written on 12 Jun, 2011 at 3:11
In this issue: 1. Banker-Speak... A new language. 2. An Interesting List. 3. Lessons from History... How we handled foreclosures during the 1930s. 4. I wanted to like Bruce Marks of NACA... but I can't. 5.... (Continue reading)
Fannie Responds to Hawaii’s New Foreclosure Law – Says… WE’RE OUT!
Written on 12 Jun, 2011 at 0:35
So, I really didn't know what the banking industry was going to do... I only knew one thing with certainty, even if everyone didn't agree... no way would they conform to the new law governing non-judicial foreclosures. Mediation sounded... (Continue reading)
NBC/MSNBC.com Try to Cover the Foreclosures Crisis
Written on 10 Jun, 2011 at 6:34
No matter, at least you're understanding that today the people falling into foreclosure did nothing to cause their fate. It's now happening at every socio-economic level of our society, and you may be assured that it will spread and... (Continue reading)
Treasury Official: “HAMP’s Incentives Meaningless” – SO, PROGRAM WASTED $560 MILLION?
Written on 9 Jun, 2011 at 21:59
If that’s the case, and I have no reason to believe that it isn’t, then I would only like to suggest that perhaps some of the millions eligible for withholding could have been withheld prior to paying them the $560... (Continue reading)
Please Call the White House Today for Elizabeth Warren… Here’s the Number and a Script. Please Call.
Written on 9 Jun, 2011 at 14:06
I had the privilege of meeting Elizabeth Warren about a month ago when she was in San Diego and here are a few of the things she said to me... I wrote them down at the time so I'd have... (Continue reading)
Bank of America forecloses on un-mortgaged Florida home… that’s hardly news. Is EVERYONE missing the point here?
Written on 8 Jun, 2011 at 18:50
What the heck is going on around here? We’re now passing around a story about a stupid PR stunt by a lawyer that ended up making Bank of America look REASONABLE? Oh my God, people… listen to me... (Continue reading)
Dear Banking & Government People Who Are Reading This…
Written on 8 Jun, 2011 at 5:47
You guys all now know that this thing had about as much to do with sub-prime borrowers as World War II. Unless you can point out a sub-prime borrower who was selling synthetic CDOs in Iceland, I think we're... (Continue reading)
MAX GARDNER from the Front Lines of the Battle… A Mandelman Matters PODCAST!
Written on 5 Jun, 2011 at 16:43
Click the button below... and you'll hear a Mandelman Matters PODCAST... A PODCAST THAT MATTERS, if you will. From start to finish, it's unquestionably MAX GARDNER at his candid best. ... (Continue reading)
Hey Everybody… It’s “Pretend You’re Surprised About the Economy Day!”
Written on 1 Jun, 2011 at 9:51
Falling Home Prices, the Next Financial Crisis is Near, Defaulters Aren't Deadbeats After All, the Economy with Gwen Ifill and MERS has No Clothes.... (Continue reading)
Dylan Ratigan on “Fraudclosure” Still Seems to be “Lite” on Servicers
Written on 1 Jun, 2011 at 4:59
I'm not kidding about this... every morning I wake up, get my coffee, turn on some cable news show, look over at my wife and say: "Look at that, honey... BofA didn't blow up again today! Will wonders never... (Continue reading)
On Friday I turned 50 years old, and although I haven’t changed, this country sure has…
Written on 29 May, 2011 at 17:01
What’s changed is this country. It’s not at all the same as it’s been throughout my lifetime, in fact it’s very different in quite a few substantive ways… do you feel it too, or is it just me? ... (Continue reading)
If You Think the Meltdown Was the Fault of Homeowners, Think Again…
Written on 25 May, 2011 at 18:46
So... in “Pillage,” Nomi Prins explains in terms anyone can understand that factoring in the leverage at 11:1, we're looking at a $140 TRILLION economic problem... yes, you read that correctly... that's trillion, with a 'T'... (Continue reading)
Marques LIVES! Homeowner wins, then loses, then WINS!
Written on 25 May, 2011 at 8:11
Okay, so Mr. Marques is nothing if not persistent, apparently, and God bless him for that, because this time out… his third time at bat… he hits one out of the park! ... (Continue reading)
Breaking Down the Real Cause of the Foreclosure Crises
Written on 23 May, 2011 at 7:29
In 2014, it will be seven years since the meltdown began in the summer of 2007, and something in the neighborhood of 15 million homes will have been lost to foreclosure. And there’s no reason to believe that foreclosures... (Continue reading)
When Auditing Foreclosures, the OCC’s Definition of the Word “Thorough” is “Hidden”
Written on 21 May, 2011 at 9:50
The findings of the independent reviews will be… sealed… closed to the public… whatever the independent reviews uncover or determine will remain a well-publicized secret. ... (Continue reading)
KILL BILL: Arizona Mortgage Lender’s Association Takes Credit for Killing SB 1259
Written on 19 May, 2011 at 6:33
Hagen went on to explain that he had lobbied “the individual that issued the strike everything amendment, which I would say would have to be Rep Nancy McClain, but I suppose it could also have something to do with Sen.... (Continue reading)
Over There… Over There… Send The Word, We’ll Foreclose, While You’re There
Written on 16 May, 2011 at 18:52
So, what exactly is the problem here, banker-people? Don’t you have enough homeowners under consideration for a loan modification that you can foreclose on without notice that aren’t active duty military? No one, save a handful of foreclosure... (Continue reading)
KPHO Channel 5 Arizona Airs Story on Rep. Seel’s Principal Reduction
Written on 12 May, 2011 at 10:46
Spolier Alert: Rep. Seel, who wonder of wonders... serves on the... wait for it... BANKING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE... DENIES that his $100,000 principal reduction had anything to do with his decision to run late that day and not propose the... (Continue reading)
The Care Bair – FDIC’s Sheila Bair Wants Principal Reductions from Banks With Loss Sharing Agreements
Written on 12 May, 2011 at 6:22
I know… you think not modifying those loans is punishing the homeowners for getting in over their heads… but in realty, it’s not punishing them… it’s punishing you… you are running about, commenting on blogs, advocating the kicking of your... (Continue reading)
Is Bank of America Worth $200 Billion?
Written on 12 May, 2011 at 1:30
Bank of America bought Countrywide for $4 billion and change. That sounds funny to me now. You’ve got to admit it. The idea that someone would PAY money for Countywide has to make you giggle at least... (Continue reading)
Mandelman’s Monthly Museletter – Version 12.0
Written on 11 May, 2011 at 8:59
In this issue: 1. Treasury reports 84% of HAMP loan mods current after 12 months. 2. Surprise, Surprise... Falling Home Values. 3. State AGs Beg Servicers for Crumbs. 4. Iowa's AG, Miller Calls B.S. 5. Banks... (Continue reading)
A case of major lending institutions with no respect for the law… Part of the system that destroyed the American economy
Written on 7 May, 2011 at 8:20
Thigpen says that a large number of national banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, HSBC and others repeatedly filed documents with forged signatures illegally notarized and other false information, and not only in his Register of Deeds office, but... (Continue reading)
SB 729 Fails – California Homeowners Get Banked but not Kissed Once Again
Written on 6 May, 2011 at 1:36
Tweet California Senate Bill 729 failed to pass in the Senate Banking Committee for the second time in the last two weeks. In a related story, it seems that the rights of chickens have suffered yet another blow, with the... (Continue reading)
Governor Abercrombie Signs SB 651 – Toughest Foreclosure Bill in Nation NOW LAW!
Written on 6 May, 2011 at 0:17
The new law makes mediation prior to foreclosure MANDATORY if requested by the borrower, and requires mortgage servicers attempting to foreclose to submit to the mediation board, 14 days prior to mediation, proof that the chain of title is intact,... (Continue reading)
The Most Damaging Propaganda Campaign in History. And its Aimed at You and Me
Written on 4 May, 2011 at 1:12
Debt is a status symbol… debt is a sign of success… debt is cool… you should want as much debt as you can get… being approved for more debt means you’ve made it. I want to be a gold... (Continue reading)
BREAKING NEWS: HAWAII PASSES SB 651 – NATION’S TOUGHEST FORECLOSURE BILL
Written on 3 May, 2011 at 23:43
It’s official! Just hours ago, the Great State of Hawaii’s legislature has passed the nation’s toughest foreclosure prevention bill, SB 651. The bill proved to have overwhelming support, with the senate voting to pass the bill, 23 to... (Continue reading)
Hawaii 2011 – My Prayer for Hawaii’s Homeowners and SB 651
Written on 3 May, 2011 at 0:16
But then... the people in Arizona... well, they don't have Brudda IZ... now do they? Click play... turn up your speakers... close your eyes... and pray for SB 651 to pass tomorrow. Amen.... (Continue reading)
Hawaii’s Legislature Poised to Pass Nation’s Strongest Foreclosure Protection Bill
Written on 2 May, 2011 at 7:33
The dialog about the foreclosure crisis began when FACE member ministers began talking openly about there being no dignity for the families trying to save their homes from foreclosure by the mainland banks. That’s what motivated FACE to get... (Continue reading)
Please Stop Bernanke’s Transparency – He’s Frightening the Children
Written on 30 Apr, 2011 at 7:55
Okay, that’s it… I’m convinced… Ben has never actually been to a “troubled community.” Would someone in Washington D.C please take him on a tour of pretty much anywhere Southeast will do… Minnesota Avenue, Lincoln Heights, I’m sure Anacostia... (Continue reading)
THEY ONCE WERE LENDERS – Understanding government’s failure to stop bankers OR scammers from destroying homeowners.
Written on 25 Apr, 2011 at 21:47
And, to add insult to injury, our government has stood by obtuse and witless as these same banks have been permitted to lie, mislead, abuse, disrespect, malign and outright torture homeowners trying to apply for a government program funded by... (Continue reading)
Ex-Asst. Treasury Secretary Herb Allison Back at Beautiful Connecticut Home
Written on 18 Mar, 2011 at 12:04
See, because in the old days public servants, those that worked for the government, seemed to make less money than Phil Donahue or Marlo Thomas. They didn't used to have 7,379-sq.ft. 1911 wood and stucco $25 million Greens... (Continue reading)
Republicans Leap to the Aid of Banker-Servicers Over AG Settlement Proposal
Written on 10 Mar, 2011 at 9:52
But, unquestionably, the best part of Senator’s Shelby’s largely unintelligible rant, was when he threw down the “don’t fine them or there’ll be no lending” card. He draws that card like a gun, doesn’t he? He even sounds... (Continue reading)
Fannie Mae’s Latest Housing Survey Shows Many Have No Idea What’s Happening
Written on 1 Mar, 2011 at 6:33
When that is understood by the majority of Americans, I believe we will finally be ready to throw away the meaningless distinctions, "responsible homeowners and irresponsible homeowners," and we'll return to just being American homeowners. ... (Continue reading)
Man Drives Car Through Bank of America’s Lobby – Police Investigate, Unsure of Motive
Written on 28 Feb, 2011 at 23:26
So, wait a minute here… he drove into the bank… into it… he was inside a Bank of America at 4:00 AM… and police are still trying to determine if any property was taken… but he’s only being charged with... (Continue reading)
If at first you don’t succeed, CRIME, CRIME again.
Written on 27 Feb, 2011 at 10:32
I’m not going to attempt to write some scathing or potentially insightful commentary about Mr. Mozilo, I’m sure that’s been done many times before, and frankly… he bores me to no end. But, at the same time I felt... (Continue reading)
Is HAMP Poised to Improve in Year 3?
Written on 27 Feb, 2011 at 6:53
Laurie, as “the architect” of the HAMP program, are you aware that these servicers you’re pandering to at the Mortgage Bankers Association conference, have been nothing short of torturing America’s homeowners relentlessly, mercilessly, and without rhyme or reason for three... (Continue reading)
Bankers Apoplectic Over Arizona’s Republican Dominated Senate Passing Chain of Title Bill, 28-2
Written on 24 Feb, 2011 at 23:37
The only reason this bill is being pushed through the Arizona legislature is that one of that state’s senators actually tried to rescind her own predatory loan and found out first hand what it’s like to have to deal with... (Continue reading)
Ice, Ice Baby – Iceland’s people give cold shoulder to paying for acts of reckless bankers.
Written on 21 Feb, 2011 at 8:21
Now, the British and Dutch governments want their money back, but Iceland’s people are saying, well… no, not to put too fine a point on it. You might even say that the Icelanders are saying: “Hell no!” ... (Continue reading)
New Bankruptcy Court Decision Sounds the Alarm – The USS MERS is Going Down
Written on 14 Feb, 2011 at 10:07
Now, clearly this is a decision that’s worth reading for one’s self… Judge Grossman is one heck of a writer and not one to play patty-cake with MERS or those of the banking persuasion, but I thought I’d at least... (Continue reading)
CalHFA’s $2 Billion Home Rescue Program… Here’s How Stupid They Think We Are.
Written on 10 Feb, 2011 at 10:14
You see, it’s a very well thought out no-lose proposition, this new California foreclosure rescue program… because if the banks refuse to participate in it, which would kill the whole principal reduction aspect of the plan, it’s really not a... (Continue reading)
California Appeals Court Rules Homeowners Can Sue Banks for Fraud Over Broken Loan Modification Promises
Written on 29 Jan, 2011 at 9:36
See… this is an excellent example of why I’m starting to think we’ve become too civilized a society. I was born back in Brooklyn, New York, I mostly grew up in Pittsburgh, and my wife’s from the City... (Continue reading)
KA-BOOM! INVESTORS FILE SUIT: Bank of America, Countrywide and named executives committed “MASSIVE” SECURITIES FRAUD related to Mortgage-backed Securities
Written on 25 Jan, 2011 at 10:24
So, if the investors that are supposed to own the loans that are supposed to be assigned to the trusts say the notes were never assigned to them, and therefore they say they don’t have the right to foreclose… how... (Continue reading)
$160 Million to DEFEND Fannie & Freddie? Now, if I could only find that damn rabbit hole I must have slid down…
Written on 24 Jan, 2011 at 10:42
So, we the taxpayers have spent $160 Million DEFENDING them? Defending them? Gretchen… I think you must have a typo there, right? Shouldn’t the question be, how much are we spending to PROSECUTE them? I mean,... (Continue reading)
GMAC… Payments or Not, The Foreclosure Machine that Just Won’t Stop
Written on 15 Jan, 2011 at 1:55
The first time GMAC foreclosed on the couple’s home was back in 2001. Totally current on their mortgage payments, it must have come as quite a shock. Once in foreclosure, GMAC wouldn’t accept their monthly payments, so... (Continue reading)
Last person out, turn off the lights, and bring the flag…
Written on 13 Jan, 2011 at 15:13
The overriding theme was that this country missed the opportunity “to rein in (our) largest financial institutions,” and they are now driving our national bus. Even in light of what’s transpired over the last few years, we’ve allowed them... (Continue reading)
