To the Students from the Sept 19, 2012 Short Sale Fraud Class at Preview Properties Marysville

Here’s the follow up Q&As from today’s class.

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.

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. UPDATE: Shawn Portmann plead guilty last night in Federal District Court. Sentencing will be in Jan of 2013 with a min recommended sentence of 10-14 years.

Here’s the mortgage fraud case on Liza Bautista.

Here’s a link to the Freddie Mac page on their website describing Short Sale Fraud

Here’s the press release on the sentencing of convicted short sale fraudster 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.)

and here’s a fantastic article called “The Fleecing of the Short Sale Buyer” by Findwell.

Here’s a link to the state’s Distressed Property Law. Look for equity skimming under Definitions.  (1) (a) iii.
This came up in Monday’s class.