Friday 9th May
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Follow the Bouncing Home Price Statistics
Written on 22 May, 2012 at 5:09
So, demand is rising while prices are falling... fascinating. Perhaps it's because of a combination of factors, such as incredibly tight credit markets, an ongoing avalanche of foreclosures coming onto the market, a worsening jobs market, higher unemployment, and... (Continue reading)
“Tim, could you get the door?” “Sure, honey… are we expecting company?” “Not that I know of…”
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 12:19
As many as 1,000 surprise guests visited the Bethesda home of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Sunday around 5:00 PM. ... (Continue reading)
California Foreclosure Laws Need Homeowner Bill of Rights
Written on 21 May, 2012 at 5:53
Now, as we're facing a crisis of unprecedented proportion, we're learning the hard way that our rights as borrowers are almost non-existent. In California and around the country, foreclosure defense lawyers saw that mortgage servicers could far too often... (Continue reading)
Arizona Foreclosure News – More like a motivational pep talk for Realtors
Written on 19 May, 2012 at 8:39
RealtyTrac is so entirely full of horsey do-do that the entire organization should be lined up against a wall and shot a dawn for pedaling garbage statistics in a state still being decimated by the foreclosure crisis.... (Continue reading)
Foreclosure crisis now includes “Irresponsible Churches”
Written on 18 May, 2012 at 7:09
Praise the Lord, and please pass the foreclosures, right? We need to get through the foreclosures... clear the market... let it hit bottom... isn't that what Mitt Romney, Rick Santelli, House Republicans, quite a few Democrats too... and a... (Continue reading)
Wells Fargo gives $22,000 to Suicide Hotline… A gift the bank can use too.
Written on 16 May, 2012 at 13:01
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?
Written on 15 May, 2012 at 8:18
Just to make sure I understand what you said there... the problem is that there aren't enough homes for people to buy? We're having a shortage of houses for sale, are we? Wow... you know, I was sleeping... (Continue reading)
Husband’s Suicide Yesterday, Wells Fargo to Evict Wife Tomorrow Anyway
Written on 14 May, 2012 at 14:03
You're a liar, Wells Fargo. Either you knew you weren't going to approve their loan modification, or you're the most incompetent financial institution in the history of the world. And you don't just do this sometimes, you do... (Continue reading)
Attention Homeowners & Lawyers: AG Mortgage Settlement Launches Online Complaint Sites
Written on 11 May, 2012 at 7:02
I for one am glad to see that this country is finally taking the foreclosure crisis seriously and that my tax dollars are being put to good use, and I really do hope that everyone take advantage of the new... (Continue reading)
Former NACA Home Save Counselor Says Commissions Create Complaints
Written on 9 May, 2012 at 15:51
I'm not sure why, but meeting with a "Home Save Counselor" doesn't make me feel like I'll be talking with a commissioned salesperson who will be potentially making up to $1,000 on my loan modification case? A "Home Save... (Continue reading)
California Homeowner in Foreclosure Wins Quiet Title – It’s a Free House!
Written on 7 May, 2012 at 7:11
For one thing, filing quiet title did work out well for Denise Saluto, and since I would never have predicted it happening in her case, I'm certainly not going to tell you it won't happen again in yours, because as... (Continue reading)
Debt Forgiveness – The IMF, Iceland, and the U.S. of the 1930s all say it works
Written on 7 May, 2012 at 6:25
Iceland's mortgage write-down program happened as a result of thousands of its citizens taking to the streets demanding that something be done about the debts the people had incurred buying homes during the bubble at what turned out to be... (Continue reading)
Bar Defense Atty David Carr Exposes the CA Bar on Scammers and SB 94 – A MM Podcast
Written on 2 May, 2012 at 1:40
If you're a lawyer or real estate licensee that has been involved in helping homeowners save their homes from foreclosure over the last few years, or a homeowner struggling to understand the crisis at hand... I PROMISE... YOU DO NOT... (Continue reading)
White Powder in Envelopes Mailed to Wells Fargo in NYC – Idiots happy it’s not toxic
Written on 1 May, 2012 at 10:21
AP reported that the powder in the envelopes caused evacuations at bank branches, but no injuries, as if that last part mattered in the least. Idiots appear to be happy that the powder was found to be cornstarch... as... (Continue reading)
DOER UPDATE: Patricia Martin v. Wells Fargo – Court Grants Injunction, Injustice on Trial Ahead
Written on 1 May, 2012 at 8:06
Zanides estimates that the bank has spent a significant amount already on legal fees and now is certain to spend a whole lot more. Patricia Martin's home is worth no more than $275,000. How can it be worth... (Continue reading)
An Important Message about 2012 for both President Obama & Mitt Romney
Written on 30 Apr, 2012 at 8:15
In 2012, the road to the White House runs directly through the states hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis, most notably Ohio and Florida, but also Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina, et al. For the Obama campaign, I would... (Continue reading)
30 Minutes of Talking: Has Housing or Our GDP Hit Bottom?
Written on 29 Apr, 2012 at 2:49
This week on 30 MINUTES OF TALKING I'm looking at the contradictions that are being thrown at us almost every day now... this past week it was the housing market that hit bottom, according to quite a few. But... (Continue reading)
We know they’re not evil, because they’re simply not smart enough to be evil.
Written on 23 Apr, 2012 at 14:06
The European bankers are no different than is the FHFA, which is led by Ed DeMarco, the guy stopping Fannie and Freddie from reducing principal balances of mortgages. He says he won't do it because his job is to... (Continue reading)
Introducing 30 MINUTES OF TALKING – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 20 Apr, 2012 at 19:46
This week's show focuses on the Obama Administration's handling of the foreclosure and housing crisis, by examining the statements made during the press conference the administration held to announce the settlement between the 49 state attorneys general and the five... (Continue reading)
Phoenix Officers Who Shot Homeowner Needed Better Training
Written on 18 Apr, 2012 at 3:15
First of all, I realize that I wasn't there. And I understand that the guy had a beer in one hand and a gun in the other. But he was obviously thinking pretty clearly... after all, a couple... (Continue reading)
An Insider’s View of an Actual RMBS Securitization at Mandelman U.
Written on 2 Apr, 2012 at 8:15
What follows below are slides from an actual presentation of a Residential Mortgage-backed Securities - RMBS/REMIC deal... but NOT the slides from a "road show" presentation to potential investors... what you're about to see are slides from an INTERNAL meeting... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: A Letter to President Obama, from James Deal, Attorney at Law
Written on 29 Mar, 2012 at 11:28
I write to identify a policy change that would add trillions of dollars of liquidity to the housing market overnight. It would stimulate home sales, stabilize home prices, and reduce the number of home foreclosures.... (Continue reading)
MUST SEE TV: WA State Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Against MERS
Written on 29 Mar, 2012 at 11:07
The video below puts you in the courtroom to watch as both sides of the debate present oral arguments related to MERS' involvement in the foreclosure process in front of the nine justices of the Washington State Supreme Court.... (Continue reading)
MM PODCAST: From Fannie Mae to FHA – Edward Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance
Written on 28 Mar, 2012 at 20:50
On this Mandelman Matters Podcast, I ask Ed about the results of his extensive research into the FHA, which he refers to as the "new sub-prime," and "the next bailout." His extensive study of the FHA's data in terms... (Continue reading)
You’ve got to give it up for the Spaniards… unless they’re bankers.
Written on 26 Mar, 2012 at 19:11
Clearly, today's news from Spain shows that when it comes to protesting, Americans have lost some of our creativity and are simply not up for it as often as we once were. Frankly, many have expressed concern about... (Continue reading)
Ellen Brown, President of the Public Banking Institute, Has a Plan – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 24 Mar, 2012 at 14:39
If you're not already familiar with Ellen Brown, then I might as well just go ahead and say: "Your welcome," because I can't imagine anyone not liking this prolific blogger, author of 11 books, attorney, and President and Chairman of... (Continue reading)
GUEST POST: Good for the Banks, Good for the Borrowers by Law Professor, Lauren E. Willis
Written on 21 Mar, 2012 at 11:52
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
Written on 21 Mar, 2012 at 10:14
Also, I'm wondering something... when you say that, "foreclosures are a necessary ingredient to the housing market's recovery," how many do you figure we're going to need in order to "recover?" ... (Continue reading)
Frank & Brian in Arizona for Spring Training: Think… Not, Work… Not.
Written on 21 Mar, 2012 at 7:42
Who knows... trying to pick the bottom has long since proven itself to be a fool's errand anyway, right? It certainly should have by now. My advice would be to buy on the way up. Missing the... (Continue reading)
Atty. Bruce Levitt of Kemp v. Countrywide – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 20 Mar, 2012 at 11:07
Join me and New Jersey bankruptcy and foreclosure defense attorney, Bruce Levitt as we talk about Kemp v. Countrywide, a much anticipated New Jersey Supreme Court from 2010 that really made it clear that there were some problems with the... (Continue reading)
Wells Fargo Warns Shareholders – it’s own behavior may hurt the bank’s performance.
Written on 8 Mar, 2012 at 12:05
Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including mortgage lending practices, servicing and foreclosure activities, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer... (Continue reading)
Mandelman on “Saving the California Dream” on Fox 11 News KTTV Los Angeles
Written on 29 Feb, 2012 at 4:13
Heidi Cuda, a producer from Fox 11 News in Los Angeles produced a week long series on the foreclosure crisis for the Channel 11 news and asked to interview me. I didn't like Part 1, but Part 2 was... (Continue reading)
America Needs Buddy for President in 2012!
Written on 26 Feb, 2012 at 8:12
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)
It’s Gretchen Morgenson from The New York Times – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 21 Feb, 2012 at 7:47
Lately, Gretchen has been really going strong on foreclosure-related topics... the fraudulent document scandal, the Fannie report, DocX, the AG settlement, so I thought now would be a good time to have her on a Mandelman Matters Podcast.... (Continue reading)
Bringing Up the Rear – Dale Westhoff, Credit Suisse Group AG
Written on 16 Feb, 2012 at 1:17
Apparently, right before you made your idiotic comments about moral hazard, saying that principal write-downs won't save homes, Credit Suisse had just won the bidding process and as a result bought $7.014 billion in face value RMBS from the Federal... (Continue reading)
The Top Twelve Reasons Why You Should Hate the Mortgage Settlement – Yves Smith
Written on 9 Feb, 2012 at 12:09
Here's the deal... I wrote a year ago when the whole AG/banker political circus started that I was not going to follow it, not going to write about it, and certainly not care about it. It was a colossal... (Continue reading)
Foreclosing on Oscar… Mandelman’s List of Best Picture nominees
Written on 9 Feb, 2012 at 9:16
I haven't actually seen any of them, but I've gone ahead and described them, so you can see the candidates through my somewhat jaded perspective... and my list is likely a little different than the others you'll run across... I... (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)
Foreclosure Politics Here and Across the Pond – Professor David Coates on a Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 3 Feb, 2012 at 19:06
This Mandelman Matters Podcast with Professor David Coates is not the same thing you've heard before, as he covers the foreclosure crisis both here in the U.S and in the UK. He also talks about the global financial crisis... (Continue reading)
Freddie Mac’s Crimes Against Homeowners are NOT an Isolated Incident
Written on 30 Jan, 2012 at 18:35
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)
Our DOERS DID IT Again… One West Bank Stops Sale in East!
Written on 30 Jan, 2012 at 15:37
DOERS... you did it again. That's 7 out of 7 DOERS... we really are DOING it and making a real and very meaningful difference not only for the homeowners whose homes we've saved by helping them get sustainable loan... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: OneWest Bank Needs to STOP a Foreclosure Sale Monday Because It’s WRONG
Written on 29 Jan, 2012 at 20:31
In just two days from now, on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 3:00 PM... a terrible, tragic and yet easily avoidable event is scheduled to occur... and MUST BE STOPPED. OneWest Bank is scheduled to conduct a foreclosure auction... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: Wells Fargo this is Unnecessary, Unreasonable and Unthinkable
Written on 28 Jan, 2012 at 1:42
Because I just can't believe that anyone would intentionally do this to the parents of an autistic 12 year-old girl... invite them to apply for a loan modification, and then after six months, leave them over a weekend with the... (Continue reading)
Bank of America Does the Wright Thing – DOERS Did It Again. JOIN US, BE A DOER!
Written on 26 Jan, 2012 at 6:23
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.
Written on 24 Jan, 2012 at 12:28
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)
DOER ALERT: Dear Bank of America…
Written on 23 Jan, 2012 at 20:03
The man's wife passed away in 2006. They were married for 53 years. Your bank explained that a request for postponement went in on the 23rd of December 2011 on a loan which Bank of America agreed to... (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)
Calling All Lawyers to 5,000,000 Crime Scenes
Written on 20 Jan, 2012 at 10:21
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)
I’ve found the problem in Washington… it’s some sort of time warp, or they’re just dumb.
Written on 17 Jan, 2012 at 9:34
How does the Fed write a white paper and present it to the United State Congress that is packed with proof positive of an entirely inadequate level of knowledge, understanding... education, even? Am I going to find out that... (Continue reading)
My Name is Martin.
Written on 16 Jan, 2012 at 1:35
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)
Are they lying or are they stupid?
Written on 14 Jan, 2012 at 15:51
Look... are you feeling me here? Do you see what I'm saying? What's the deal? Are they lying or are they stupid, because there's no way in the world we should be talking about whether the FOMC... (Continue reading)
The Quiet Man… Utah Attorney Walter Keane – A Mandelman Matters Podcast
Written on 13 Jan, 2012 at 16:01
Utah Attorney Walter Keene is the lawyer that filed four quiet title claims last year, which means he was seeking to obtain a court order granting clear title to the properties in question. And all four were granted by... (Continue reading)
MY DOERS DID IT AGAIN! But it’s not over yet. (And Holly Says Thank You!)
Written on 31 Dec, 2011 at 19:50
I don't usually do this, but with Holly's permission, I've posted the three emails I received from her today. I get a lot of very flattering emails from homeowners across the country, and I appreciate them all very much...... (Continue reading)
DOER ALERT: Wells Fargo Bank… How could you do this to a mother of four?
Written on 30 Dec, 2011 at 11:37
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)
OhioFraudclosure Blog Warns… Fannie & Freddie Eviction Moratorium Ends January 3rd
Written on 30 Dec, 2011 at 2:49
So, below is a video that Marco just put together. It's dramatic... disturbing even. It includes footage of the sheriff coming to evict a family, obviously without notice... or at least without adequate notice. Marco put the... (Continue reading)
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – 2011
Written on 21 Dec, 2011 at 9:15
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
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)
Mandelman Speaks at California State Bar’s Annual Discipline Hearings
Written on 14 Dec, 2011 at 17:04
I also spoke to the members of the panel about the need for the State Bar to give more careful consideration to how it can better support the legitimate and ethical attorneys that could provide representation to homeowners in need... (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)
Letter Bomb Sent to Deutsche Bank CEO
Written on 10 Dec, 2011 at 0:06
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)
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)
THE NEWS: What’s Occupying My Mind is Making Me Dizzy
Written on 29 Nov, 2011 at 11:14
What you are about to read has not been smoothed out or otherwise homogenized, it's just the news as it's coming at me... and you. Go ahead... read it and then tell me everything's just fine. ... (Continue reading)
Bringing UP the Rear – Neil Lipschutz, Managing Editor, Dow Jones Newswire
Written on 28 Nov, 2011 at 10:54
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
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)
Sitting in at Max Gardner’s UCC Seminar at New York Law School…
Written on 23 Nov, 2011 at 5:51
So... if you're wondering why I'm writing this right now, as education is raining down all around me? Well, it's because this is like being at the All-Star Game of the foreclosure crisis. It's just packed with high... (Continue reading)
I, Robosigner… A three act play about affidavit fraud in AG Masto’s Nevada
Written on 18 Nov, 2011 at 17:52
... Faster than a NINJA loan originating at Wamu... More powerful than an unlimited warehouse line at Lehman Bros... able to see swaps and synthetics even when inside an SPE... Look, up in the sky... It's a bird... It's 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)
We’re Going to Need a Bigger Horse… Portland police back down, rather than engage Occupy Portland protesters
Written on 15 Nov, 2011 at 9:57
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…
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)
Consumer Spending Up? Come on get happy…
Written on 9 Nov, 2011 at 8:31
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
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)
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)
Mainstream media waking up to foreclosures being a big problem – And by big problem, I mean Geithner
Written on 25 Oct, 2011 at 17:41
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)
Public sector shedding 35k jobs a month — Republicans block bill to prevent further losses
Written on 25 Oct, 2011 at 8:03
State budgets have to be suffering from reduced income and sales taxes, don't they? Higher unemployment obviously means fewer people working and those that are still working... are making less money, so it stands to reason that income tax... (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)
From Bevilacqua to Fontenot, It’s Coast-to-Coast Confusion
Written on 20 Oct, 2011 at 18:38
As shocking as it may be to some, apparently if you start with MERS, mix in some robo-signing, have total disregard for the PSA, and entirely ignore each and every law along the way, well... you end up destroying the... (Continue reading)
Optimism Lost, and by Optimism, I mean Ben Bernanke and the NYT
Written on 19 Oct, 2011 at 8:54
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?
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)
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)
The Recession is Over! Long Live the Recession!
Written on 11 Oct, 2011 at 12:33
Look people... don't get bummed out about this study, because a few years from now the NBER is probably going to refer to today as having been a peak. ... (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)
There’s Pain in Spain as Banks Go Down the Drain… Let Me Explain
Written on 29 Sep, 2011 at 9:12
I wonder what will happen in the next few years as more loans default and the condition of Spain's banks deteriorates further. You don't suppose that will mean fewer loans and tighter credit, which will reduce the demand for... (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)
Bringing Up the REAR: House Speaker Rep. John Boehner
Written on 19 Sep, 2011 at 19:46
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
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)