Wednesday 4th December
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I’m Fed Up With Almost Everything in this Country
Written on 5 Jun, 2015 at 15:50
I’m fed up with, essentially everything. First of all, we live in a country that, politically speaking, is so comically deadlocked as to be incapable of doing anything. We’re like a quadriplegic, completely paralyzed from the neck down, pretending to... (Continue reading)
What Loan Modifications Have to Do with Leaving Money on the Table and Knowing the Value of a Dollar
Written on 19 May, 2014 at 0:36
We need programs that stop foreclosures and provide reasonable resolutions for borrowers faster than one at a time. I don't want to see another optimistic forecast, like the ones I've been shown every single year since the crisis began,... (Continue reading)
A Visit to the Front Lines: Richmond, California, Eminent Domain & Mortgage Resolution Partners
Written on 11 May, 2014 at 14:46
So, I went to visit Richmond, California, so I could see what the town looked like, and to sit and talk face to face with the CEO of Mortgage Resolution Partners. Join me below and I'll take you on... (Continue reading)
We All Agree: We want to keep people in their homes if possible… sort of.
Written on 10 May, 2014 at 21:33
So, if Wells Fargo was now willing to allow Arthur to sell the home he'd built and lived in since 1988 for $375,000... why not sell the home to Arthur for $375,000, and Arthur would use a reverse mortgage for... (Continue reading)
Four Million Homes Rise Above Water in Q4… Does anyone realize how stupid a headline that is?
Written on 11 Mar, 2014 at 10:19
How about if we start a contest? I'd love to promote the, "Sell your home at the Zillow price and win your mortgage payments for a year" contest. It's not like we'd need any money to do it...... (Continue reading)
Why Can’t We FIX Something About the Loan Modification Process?
Written on 16 Jan, 2014 at 7:28
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)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – 2013
Written on 25 Dec, 2013 at 6:49
'Twas the Night Before Christmas 2013 is an Annual Political and Economic Year in Review I write every year... I've been doing it since 2007, so this year makes it seven years in a row. If you want to... (Continue reading)
Bay Area Homeowner Writes to Say Thank You to Mandelman Matters and Bank of America
Written on 11 Dec, 2013 at 4:38
Ahsan Kushkaki discovered Mandelman Matters after Bank of America denied his loan modification. He was desperately seeking someone who might be able to help him explain the situation to the bank and after finding several of the thank you... (Continue reading)
Thanksgiving Day Memories and What I Want for the Holidays this Year
Written on 28 Nov, 2013 at 19:06
How about if everyone who knows how to postpone a sale date, volunteers to help anyone who needs to postpone a sale date in December or at least for the first two weeks of January... in other words help postponing... (Continue reading)
I SAY GIVE HIM TWO ““ Ernie Banks Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Written on 21 Nov, 2013 at 7:34
Today, Ernie Banks was at the White House being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. It is the highest civilian honor that this country bestows, and this year was the 50th anniversary of the award,... (Continue reading)
NOW AVAILABLE: The RMBS Trust/Modification Analysis Report for Homeowners
Written on 15 Nov, 2013 at 21:11
With this report, when your servicer says they can't do something... you'll know whether what they've said is accurate or not. Imagine the power of being able to show a mediator exactly what's been done to modify the other... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Don’t Be Concerned Martin Is Dead Wrong, by Michael Pines
Written on 14 Nov, 2013 at 8:53
My article was nonsense, according to Michael Pines? Well, that would certainly be disappointing, I wasn't aware that I had ever written an article that was considered nonsense by anyone. I'm not saying that everyone likes what I... (Continue reading)
GLASKI TAKES A HIT: California Court Rejects Reasoning in Glaski Decision
Written on 13 Nov, 2013 at 2:16
It's not a matter of the Diunugala case being considered "binding authority," because it's not. But the question is, will other California courts consider the case persuasive... and tend to follow the more established case law. If that's... (Continue reading)
Realtors & Mortgage Brokers: Toughest Year for Housing Markets Since 2010 Ahead
Written on 11 Nov, 2013 at 16:51
This past September signified the fourth straight month of a decline in existing home sales, while mortgage interest rates hit two-year highs. The Mortgage Bankers Association index of mortgage activity is now at its lowest point since November of... (Continue reading)
Estate Planning Experts Make a To-Do List for the Complete Estate Plan ““ A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 8 Nov, 2013 at 19:30
Survey after survey has shown that at least half of American adults will pass away without a will. In 2007, a study conducted by Harris Interactive®for Martindale-Hubbell® found that, looking back three years, 55% of all adult Americans did... (Continue reading)
The Weather In India – Memorable Moments from the Foreclosure Crisis
Written on 6 Nov, 2013 at 20:14
President Obama said that all I needed to do to avoid foreclosure was get my loan modified. He said to just call my bank directly so I did. And I had the most interesting cultural experience. That... (Continue reading)
Re-Default Redoux… The Debate Over Loan Mods is as Stupid as Ever.
Written on 5 Nov, 2013 at 19:38
Another SIGTARP report shows Treasury knows nothing about loan modifications. Big surprise. Look, stop bothering Treasury... they don't want to know, so leave them alone. ... (Continue reading)
Another Hawaii Homeowner Writes to Thank Me for Helping Her Get a Bank of America Loan Modification
Written on 2 Nov, 2013 at 20:35
Another Hawaii homeowner writes to thank me for helping her with a loan modification at Bank of America. She's the one who did the heavy lifting, and I'm glad I was able to help push it over the finish... (Continue reading)
“Hardest Hit” Funds Apparently Hard for Government to Spend
Written on 2 Nov, 2013 at 12:16
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)
PODCAST: Saving Homes from Foreclosure in Ohio Today… with Ohio’s Former Attorney General Marc Dann
Written on 30 Oct, 2013 at 10:28
Marc Dann Explains What Homeowners Need to Know About Foreclosure in Ohio... on this 12-Minute Documentary-style Video... When I visited with Marc this past year in his Cleveland offices, I interviewed him on camera in order to produce this 12-minute... (Continue reading)
You’re not STUCK with a low credit score. And you CAN’T afford to ignore it.
Written on 29 Oct, 2013 at 16:48
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group showed that nearly 80 percent of credit reports contained inaccuracies, and the mistakes in a quarter of those could result in the individual being denied for credit. 60 Minutes reported that a government study... (Continue reading)
The “It’s Not Real Money” Argument – Perhaps the Best Way to Make the Banks Look Good in Court
Written on 22 Oct, 2013 at 10:37
The harm caused by our government's abominable handling of the foreclosure crisis... inconceivably made worse the complete absence of any communication on the subject by the Obama Administration... has barely begun to manifest itself let alone be understood... well, seemingly... (Continue reading)
The One Number You’re Forced to Care About… Your FICO Score
Written on 22 Oct, 2013 at 7:04
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)
“Double Dipping Docket” is Just a Dumb Idea
Written on 18 Sep, 2013 at 7:18
The payment advanced to the trust by a servicer when a borrower fails to make his or her mortgage payment is simply a loan made pursuant to the contract between the servicer and the trust. The trust is only... (Continue reading)
Armor Guard’s CEO Explains Why he Guarantees Your Smart Phone Won’t Break – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 10 Sep, 2013 at 4:19
I realize that not everyone pays attention to ads, but this is one of those products you'll be glad you found. I thought I'd give everyone a chance to hear about the product from Armor Guard's CEO, Brett... (Continue reading)
I Don’t Care How Much You’re Saving for College… It’s Not Enough
Written on 9 Sep, 2013 at 9:20
Recent estimates are that American consumers owe over $1.1 trillion in such student loan debt, and one look at the cost of college tuition makes it easy to see why. They say the average graduate is coming out of... (Continue reading)
Homeowner Nancy Frost Says Mandelman Made Loan Modification at Bank of America Work For Her
Written on 21 Jul, 2013 at 23:04
It's far from being the only time I've seen Bank of America do something like this when no one is watching. I truly believe that they made the decision to buy back the Frost's loan from Fannie, because they... (Continue reading)
An Invitation to All California Homeowners That Need Help with Bank of America Loans… “¨
Written on 10 Jul, 2013 at 19:41
So, please... accept this invitation from me and from Bank of America... click the link below and make a reservation to attend one of the upcoming homeowner events. Come and meet me and the loan resolution team specialists at... (Continue reading)
Foreclosures Impact One in 10 Children in this Country Today, Report Shows
Written on 10 Jul, 2013 at 14:49
No matter, the more important conclusion reached by the report is that, "Nearly four years later, the problem shows no signs of abating." And isn't that just a lovely thought that made me throw up in my mouth a... (Continue reading)
Our Foreclosure Story Ended Happily because of Martin Andelman and Bank of America
Written on 9 Jul, 2013 at 22:10
Although I'm still not sure why, one moment we were packing our home into boxes and the next Bank of America had bought back our loan from Freddie Mac and given us the loan modification we had prayed to get... (Continue reading)
My Experience with Bank of America, Martin Andelman and Getting My Loan Modified
Written on 8 Jul, 2013 at 20:26
I wrote this to you and other homeowners because I've been a witness to what Martin's help can lead to and what a homeowner can accomplish even when that homeowner has stopped believing that anything can work. Just because... (Continue reading)
SAFE MONEY INVESTING: An Interview with Mike Moorhead of Tippett Moorhead
Written on 8 Jul, 2013 at 13:31
why aren't we all saving more? We know we're not getting younger. Why aren't we all doing more to put money away to ensure a more secure financial future? Maybe not a lot more... but why not... (Continue reading)
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)
Discussing Foreclosure Crisis Solutions with Impac Mortgage CEO Joe Tomkinson
Written on 10 Jun, 2013 at 4:39
I think Impac has proven that it has the capability and desire to be a meaningful part of the solution to the foreclosure crisis... they successfully modified tens of thousands of loans, and in general, they got loans modified in... (Continue reading)
Denial and Avoidance Won’t Fix Housing or Grow Economy
Written on 16 May, 2013 at 6:56
I wish we'd stop with the false bottoms and imaged recovery stories so we could actually concentrate on making some much needed improvements in how we're handling our economic malaise, because that's the only way we're going to see any... (Continue reading)
I’m Back in the Saddle Again… What’d I miss? Nothing, unfortunately.
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)
Homeowner’s Scheme Makes Bad Situation Worse… Ends Up in Jail
Written on 6 Mar, 2013 at 6:40
The problem is that when we start believing things that aren't true... even though do so might make us feel better for the moment... that's when we lose all of our power. No one is powerful when they've got... (Continue reading)
Illinois Latest State to Make Foreclosing Much Harder
Written on 23 Feb, 2013 at 10:22
Okay, so that's GAME OVER for the State of Illinois. Ball four... take a hike... we'll see you back here in 2014 or 2015. Take some time off, you deserve it. ... (Continue reading)
David Min, Part 3 – Housing’s Recovery… Fact or Fiction? A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 22 Feb, 2013 at 7:39
We've lost more than five million homes to foreclosure since 2008, and according to all published data at the end of 2012, we've got millions more seriously delinquent or at risk... but somehow housing is defying all laws of economics... (Continue reading)
End of Credit Markets to Beginning of Bailouts with D.C. Insider, David Min – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 18 Feb, 2013 at 9:29
David takes us through concise and easy to understand explanations of most of the major events since the meltdown began on July 10, 2007... the day the credit markets went into a deep freeze that continues to this day. ... (Continue reading)
About foreclosures, our housing markets, and economic recovery… oh, and lying.
Written on 14 Feb, 2013 at 22:01
Then how in the world can we be "at the bottom," of housing price declines or starting to see ANY sort of "housing recovery" as the MORONS in the media are also reporting TODAY, after receiving your press releases?... (Continue reading)
Take this Awareness Test… BRILLIANT!
Written on 14 Feb, 2013 at 18:27
Take the test yourself right now and see how you do. It only takes a minute or two. The question is... How many times does the team in white shirts pass the ball?... (Continue reading)
SCAM PREVENTION PODCAST: What Isn’t Working for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Today?
Written on 6 Feb, 2013 at 3:59
Foreclosure defense attorneys Matt Weidner and Tom Cox tell Mandelman what's working and what's not for homeowners in foreclosure courts. ... (Continue reading)
The Fed blew it on Foreclosures. Ooops, we ruined the country?
Written on 1 Feb, 2013 at 2:26
If you make a mistake and cause harm on a scale of the Great Depression, what happens to you? Don't you even get fired? Reprimanded? A stern talking to?... (Continue reading)
FOMC Meeting Surprise! Committee Finds Justification to Continue Doing What They’re Doing
Written on 31 Jan, 2013 at 2:27
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)
OCC Foreclosure Review RIP – Anyone Care for Cheese With their Whine?
Written on 17 Jan, 2013 at 13:03
All homeowners are "responsible" people. Or, to be more accurate, 99.9 percent of homeowners are responsible people. Some minuscule percentage of any group make up the small tail of the bell curve. The simple fact, and we... (Continue reading)
$1 TRILLION U.S. COIN – POSITIVELY BRILLIANT!
Written on 12 Jan, 2013 at 6:17
Either we could sell the space to the highest bidder... I bet McDonald's would pay a pretty penny, no pun intended, to put "Ronald the Clown" on the new coin for example. Or, how about we engrave it to commemorate... (Continue reading)
View from Inside the Financial Crisis with Former Treasury Chief Economist Phillip Swagel – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 9 Jan, 2013 at 9:27
Here's your first chance to listen to Phillip Swagel on a Mandelman Matters Podcast... he'll be back again... but you don't want to miss this one because we won't be going backward in time, so click PLAY below and listen... (Continue reading)
Un-Freezing Foreclosures in the Nevada Desert – A Mandelman Matters Podcast on What Nevada’s Homeowners Need to Know
Written on 7 Jan, 2013 at 19:22
Gloria Petroni is concerned that Nevada homeowners may have been lulled into a false sense of security by AB 284 and now aren't familiar with what to do when faced with having to fight for their homes in court. ... (Continue reading)
Recovery? Ho, Ho, Holiday Sales Tell the Tale
Written on 29 Dec, 2012 at 9:29
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)
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)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 2012 – A Political Year-in-Review
Written on 25 Dec, 2012 at 5:19
It my annual political year-in-review, read to the poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Read it yourself, or click 'PLAY' and I'll read it for you.... (Continue reading)
The Quiet Crisis, Part 1. A Foreclosure Bluesical by Mandelman Matters
Written on 22 Dec, 2012 at 15:42
Over time, I hoped, as people came to understand what had actually happened, they would let themselves off the proverbial hook, and once not bound by shame, they would speak out and when in great enough number, our leaders would... (Continue reading)
I never knew joy, anger or sadness until I became a parent – Thoughts following Sandy Hook
Written on 16 Dec, 2012 at 1:34
I pray for the parents of the children that were senselessly taken away on Friday... I pray that those that have other children at home find some way to go on. For a parent who lost their only child... (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)
BYE-BYE DEMARCO! Obama to Replace Director of FHFA
Written on 11 Dec, 2012 at 2:55
The mortgage market is not just dominated by the government, the mortgage market is the government, and that's not just here in the US, it's everywhere. Governments are the lenders of ONLY resort. ... (Continue reading)
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)
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)
If FHA’s losses are due to bad economy, why is Fannie blaming borrowers in lawsuit against Bank of America?
Written on 18 Nov, 2012 at 19:24
Of course, what Bachus fails to mention is that if our government had done ANYTHING RIGHT in terms of dealing with the economic crisis that started in 2007... if even ONE of the programs that have been implemented over the... (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)
No Surprise – Arizona Court Rules Mortgage Settlement Funds Don’t Have to Help Homeowners
Written on 12 Oct, 2012 at 2:39
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
LBO AMERICA with Catherine Austin Fitts, A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 7 Jul, 2012 at 5:50
Catherine Austin Fitts has perspective on the housing and mortgage meltdown like no other. Under President George Herbert Walker Bush, she was Assistant Secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner at HUD, where she basically ran the Federal Housing... (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)
I Would Have Bet Anything Against This 10 Years Ago…
Written on 6 Jul, 2012 at 5:30
If even ten years ago, someone would have tried to tell me that in 2012, young people in Russia would be doing this, while in the U.S.A. our young people would be drowning, I NEVER would have believed it.... (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)
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)
VIDEO: Mandelman Interviews Utah Attorney Walter T. Keane
Written on 12 Jun, 2012 at 18:47
Walter Keane is Mandelman Matters' Trusted Attorney for the State of Utah. He's experienced... creative... caring... and just darn good at his job. He's also a pragmatist... meaning he's practical and above all... he's honest and very candid... (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)
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)
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)
In the Words of Goldman Sachs CEO, Lord Blankcheck…
Written on 2 Jun, 2012 at 22:15
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)
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)