Here are links to some of the things we covered today.
Here’s a link to the free, HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in WA State and the link with more info for ppl who might qualify for free legal aid.
Marie mentioned a HUD lottery system that took place in the 1970s when HUD had a large amount of foreclosed homes to sell. It looks like that system is back in place in some areas.
Here’s a link to a blog post I wrote about the two new forms from DFI and DOL, the Short Sale Seller Advisory and the Short Sale Guide
Here’s the FTC MARS Ruling on short sale negotiators and upfront fees….and the recent exemption of real estate licensees….but remember, WA State has tougher guidelines (see number 4) than Federal Law on who can/cannot collect upfront fees for negotiating loan mods or short sales.
Here’s the IRS website on the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. This page speaks to tax-related questions.
Here’s the WA State Foreclosure Fairness Act and here’s the new WA State Foreclosure Resource Guide This is a VERY GOOD PDF for distressed homeowners.
I recommend reading the Seattle Weekly story about Shawn Portmann….and here’s the local story about the indictment of two loan processors that came out last week. Shawn Portmann was finally arrested/indicted a few weeks ago.
Here’s the Liza Bautista story from the KING 5 Investigators.
Here’s a link to the Freddie Mac page on their website describing Short Sale Fraud
And here’s a recent blog post I wrote about a scam program called Assignment of Mortgage Payment Systems….as well as the Predatory Mortgage Litigation scams.
Here’s the press release on the sentencing of Melody Redondo.
Here’s more info on the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA)
Here’s the NMLS Consumer Access registry to check on the status of a loan originator’s license…remember, all third party short sale negotiators must hold an LO license or be otherwise exempt (attorneys and their employees as well as free HUD non-profit counselors are exempt.)
Here’s that fantastic article called “The Fleecing of the Short Sale Buyer” by Findwell.
A question was asked today: If I’m the listing broker on a short sale and a buyer approaches me and wants to make an offer, can I refer the buyer to a different real estate broker and receive a referral fee from that real estate broker after the close of escrow? Or does the referral have to be disclosed to the lender being shorted?” I’ve turned this question in to my contact at HUD and will post the answer when I receive it.
Let homeowners know that taking rent and not paying the mortgage may constitute equity skimming…Here’s the reference for equity skimming in WA