Foreclosure Crisis Continues to Worsen
January 21, 2010
By Angie Moreschi:
The number of people dealing with foreclosures reached a record number of nearly 3 million in 2009. Americans saw that dramatic increase despite efforts, like President Obama’s Making Home Affordable Program, to reduce foreclosure filings. So, what’s going wrong? Why can’t our country stem the tide of foreclosures? Some state officials are taking a stab at changing the trend.
A group of state Attorneys General and banking regulators have released a proposal urging loan servicing companies to step it up. The report, by the State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group, said current efforts are failing to keep up with the number of borrowers falling behind on their loans.
It found that more than 70% of loan modifications resulted in an increase in the principal amount owed as unpaid interest, fees and other charges were rolled into the loan amount. Only four in 10 borrowers who are at least two months behind on their payments are involved in any sort of loss-mitigation effort. The report warned that without more aggressive steps, including a focus on principal write-downs, foreclosures will continue to weigh on the economy.
“Despite efforts of servicers, homeowners and the government, the foreclosure crisis continues to worsen. These signs point to more foreclosures in 2010 than in 2009,” the report said.
The states’ report is based on data from 13 mortgage servicing firms. It offered a stark view of the housing market. Through the end of October, there were 1.7 million mortgages at least two months behind on payments, while the number of loans in the process of foreclosure increased by 52% between October 2008 and October 2009, the report said.
Key recommendations in the report include:
Reduce loan principal: State officials say that servicers should cut the loan balances of homeowners, in addition to reducing interest rates and extending the terms of the loan. This is especially true in places where property values have plummeted. Reducing principal will make it less likely that homeowners will default on their modified loans.
Pay attention to option ARMs: More than 40% of these complex mortgages are delinquent. Even worse, over the next two years, many will adjust, driving up borrowers’ monthly payments. Servicers need to address these loans before they fall into foreclosure.
Limit required paperwork: Many homeowners are not receiving permanent modifications under the president’s plan because they haven’t submitted all their documents. Treasury Department officials should reduce the amount of paperwork borrowers are required to file and speed up the debut of a central portal where homeowners can submit the forms. The portal is currently set to launch at the end of March.
Expand counseling and mediation efforts: State should expand their housing counseling and mediation programs, which require homeowners and servicers to meet before the completion of the foreclosure process.
Suspend foreclosure proceedings: Treasury officials should amend the president’s program so that the entire foreclosure process is halted when a borrower applies for the president’s program. Currently, only the sale is stopped.
Help the unemployed: Treasury officials and servicers should do more to assist the unemployed so they do not fall into foreclosure. A growing number of borrowers with good credit backgrounds are behind in their payments because of the weak economy.
Fight Foreclosure: Make ‘Em Produce the Note
January 10, 2010
By Angie Moreschi:
Using the “produce the note” strategy is something all homeowners facing foreclosure can do. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, fight back. We have created templates for a legal request, a letter to your lender and a motion to compel to help you through the process. Read the step by step “how to” under the videos.
Special note: In some states, a lender can foreclose on your home without going to court. These are called non-judicial foreclosure states. You can still use the “Produce the Note” strategy in these states, but it takes a few more steps on your part.
Produce the Note - Steps To Follow:
Getting Tough on Mortgage Lenders Who Won’t Help Homeowners
November 30, 2009
Homeowners facing foreclosure may have a little help on the horizon. Of course, we’ve all heard that before. The Department of Treasury just announced a new ‘get tough’ policy that will punish mortgage lenders with fines, unless they speed up efforts to help homeowners.
With foreclosures still on the rise, the administration says this is an effort to make sure banks come through on offers to lower payments through mortgage modifications. Click here to read an article by Reuters on the new effort.
For many homeowners who have been unable to get their mortgage company to work with them, there may still be hope with the “Produce the Note” strategy. Click here to learn more.
Foreclosures Increase - Produce The Note Offers Hope
October 29, 2009
By Larry Wiezycki:
The third quarter of 2009 has been labeled the ‘worst three months of all time‘ for foreclosures. Even though we’re seeing signs of economic recovery, people are still fighting to stay in their homes. Some get the run-around from banks, some are told by their lender they won’t renegotiate the loan, while others fall prey to lenders profiting from their foreclosures.
Using the Produce The Note strategy has proven successful in cases all across the nation as judges are increasingly holding mortgage lenders more responsible for proving their right to foreclose in the first place.
One bankruptcy court in New York has taken that burden of proof to a whole new level - not only stopping the foreclosure dead in its tracks… but THEN entirely waiving the homeowner’s mortgage debt of $461,263.
We certainly find this encouraging and look forward to how this kind of decision impacts the foreclosure crisis as it continues to unfold.
Foreclosure Help “How To” - Make ‘em Produce the Note
October 27, 2009
By Angie Moreschi:
Using the “produce the note” strategy is something all homeowners facing foreclosure can do. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, fight back. We have created templates for a legal request, a letter to your lender and a motion to compel to help you through the process. Read the step by step “how to” under the videos.
Special note: In some states, a lender can foreclose on your home without going to court. These are called non-judicial foreclosure states. You can still use the “Produce the Note” strategy in these states, but it takes a few more steps on your part.
Produce the Note - Steps To Follow:
Consumer Warning Network Celebration
October 19, 2009
By Angie Moreschi:
This week marks the 2nd anniversary of Consumer Warning Network. Click here for a special behind the scenes look at our team and what we do.
Don’t Get Mad, Get Even: How To Complain Effectively
October 2, 2009
By: John Newcomer
Most people would rather have a root canal than complain about a defective product, an overcharge, or unsatisfactory service. Their reluctance is easily understood. Companies have made it extremely difficult to complain. How many of us dread the thought of the ever present “phone tree.” To successfully maneuver through the tedious steps of the phone tree options requires the patience of Job and the cunning strategy of an Army general.
First you must wait the obligatory 10 minutes, because every company seems to be experiencing extremely high call volume. Then it is “phone tree” time. All the time you are going through punching numbers, listening to the next instruction, punching in the next number, you know deep down inside that you will either get disconnected or there will be no option for complaining.
Foreclosure Judge Helps Homeowners
September 14, 2009
By Angie Moreschi:
In a world where big business and big banks always seem to win, a Brooklyn, New York Judge is giving hope to homeowners who face foreclosure, by banging his gavel for the little guy. Click here to read more and watch this CBS News story about the judge Consumer Warning Network has dubbed “The Foreclosure Judge Who Gets It.”
Fight Foreclosure: Make ‘Em Produce the Note
September 1, 2009
By Angie Moreschi:
Using the “produce the note” strategy is something all homeowners facing foreclosure can do. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, fight back. We have created templates for a legal request, a letter to your lender and a motion to compel to help you through the process. Read the step by step “how to” under the videos.
Special note: In some states, a lender can foreclose on your home without going to court. These are called non-judicial foreclosure states. You can still use the “Produce the Note” strategy in these states, but it takes a few more steps on your part.
Produce the Note - Steps To Follow:
The DIY Myth: Save Now, Pay Later
July 10, 2009
By Larry Wiezycki:
Let’s face it, economic times are tough for everyone right now whether you are unemployed, have lost your home to foreclosure, or can’t afford that next health insurance increase. Just when things seem to be at their worst, something goes wrong with the family car.
Now what? Do you head down to the local ’stealership,’ credit card in hand and plunk down the big bucks for your free coffee, donut, and an estimate from a certified technician (assuming they are still in business)? Or do you grab a flashlight and screwdriver to start poking around under the hood in hopes of saving a few bucks?
Faced with a repair bill potentially in the hundreds - even thousands of dollars - many people are summoning the courage for the first time to take matters into their own hands. Recent search engine data from Yahoo reflects this recent increase in DIY or “do it yourself” repair.
It’s not a bad option, if you have some sort of idea what you are doing. But many people don’t.
With DIY on the rise, it’s giving way to a new phenomenon: an increase in botched do-it-yourself auto repairs. Worse than the unsuccessful repair attempt itself is when the DIY-er breaks something else in the process.
A recent AP story details the mishaps of one owner’s unsuccessful attempt at replacing a burned out tail light, and another whose neighbor’s driveway-brake-job nearly ended in a crash.
Both wound up paying hundreds more to get everything fixed.
Our advice:
- Do your research. Forget the ‘repair manuals’ sold in auto parts stores, most don’t go into enough detail to be helpful. Let Google be your guide to the ever expanding online auto repair discussion groups. Even if you choose to pay a professional, you’ll be better equipped to avoid getting ripped off.
- Call around for the best price. Privately owned shops sometimes charge half the price of a dealership, but usually don’t offer the free coffee.
- As a bonus, some private shops may allow you to source your own parts cheaply online while adding a small fee to offset their normal markup.
- If you do decide to take matters into your own hands, know your limits. Don’t go trying to replace a worn fan belt if you’ve never turned a wrench before!
Banding Together and Fighting Back!
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