Problem: Principal Write-Down or Principle Write-Down?

In late March, there was an analysis and recommendations in the American Banker which comprised the most succinct commentary on the current mortgage/foreclosure Bank-Owned real-estate problem and how to begin to solve it. I went through the Maryland S&L crisis running failed institutions. The last thing I wanted in any of them was more real estate. It's just a messy way to waste resources.

Perhaps the most important portion of the author’s comments is "if mortgage lenders and servicers undertake the challenge of developing teams of highly trained loss-mitigating experts, each able to professionally and sensitively work through an increasingly complex range of loan modification, restructuring, or short sale options with troubled borrowers, then real progress can be made." To this point, not one mortgage company with whom I have dealt, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Ally Bank, HSBC/HFC/Beneficial, and the OCWENs, GreenTrees etc has such a unit in place. The Call Centers read from a script and require the patience of a saint to negotiate. There is no Unit of specialists! Mention workout and you get transferred for 30 minutes+

One of the major program additions, as proposed by the most recent housing stimulus is the concept of allowing principal reductions. The issue is not new, nor are the arguments against it. 1 ½ years ago I began researching and discussing the Home Equity Fractional Interest ("HEFI") program as a way to get houses back above water without sacrificing the possibility of recovering what the market won't support today. Kevin Hardin, and his company Equi Debt Solutions (http://www.equidebtsolutions.com) had produced a slide show (http://www.slideshare.net/equidebt/h-option) describing how the program works. Basically, the Mortgage Company agrees to a reduction of the principal balance, but in exchange gets a second mortgage. This allows the mortgage company and the homeowner to share in any appreciation of the property. Once the write down is recovered, due to a sale or maybe (in the distant future) a refinance, the homeowner and the Mortgage Company split the excess 50/50 or by whatever other agreement they reach at the time the transaction originally takes place. Although the program was accepted at the federal level, it withered on the vine and not one of the above-cited entities has ever discussed it with me or anyone else I know.

Banks can maintain their moral high-ground and insist borrowers pay; either with cash or their house. Their bottom line - don’t worry - "we already have a reserve for the loss". Let us agree that we had the perfect storm scenario and no one is to blame. Let's fix the problem not nip at its heels like a Yorkie puppy.

Author's Copyright by Richard I Iaacoff, Esq, April 2012

rii@isacofflaw.com
www.isacofflaw.com

Mortgage Settlement - Banks Get "Free Pass"

As the details of the Mortgage Settlement Agreement, the deal between 49 of 50 states and the U.S. on one side, and BanK of America, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, Ally Financial, and JP Morgan/Chase on the other, become analyzed, it a HUGE win for the Banks. The not only received a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card but are now assured that there will no jail and the cost will not hurt profits.

Quoting from the March 13, 2012 American Banker's article about the agreement

"The settlement includes releases from certain federal claims, including errors related to servicing conduct; origination; and errors specifically related to servicing loans for borrowers in bankruptcy

The claim "fully and finally" releases the company and any affiliated entities, from any civil or administrative claims and any civil or administrative penalties -- including punitive or exemplary damages--for:

Servicing claims under the: Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act; False Claims Act; the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act; Fair Credit Reporting Act; Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; Truth in Lending Act; Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act and certain sections of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Origination claims under RESPA, TILA, Fair Credit Reporting Act; and Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, and certain claims made under FIRREA.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau agreed to release servicers from any claims related to servicing or origination conduct that took place prior to July 21, 2011, when the bureau became an independent agency. But the agency reserved the right to obtain information related to conduct" (emphasis by this writer)

Perhaps the biggest issue for DEBTORS in the long term will be that Servicers and Lenders etc are released from any liability from servicing errors during a Bankruptcy. This is a huge WIN for the mortgage industry. Most servicers cannot keep track of payments for money owed before a bankruptcy and payments made AFTER the bankruptcy was filed. Pre and Post-petition debt transaction history is generally a nightmare. Even Gordion would not have a sword capable of solving his problem.

As with all such programs we will have to wait for the regulations. The settlement is one thing - the details of administration is another.

Author's Copyright by Richard I. Isacoff, Esq., March 2012

rii@isacofflaw.com

www.isacofflaw.com

Mortgage Settlement - Not For Everyone

Hooray! We have a Mortgage Settlement - $26B worth but who gets help and where does the rest of the money go? NO ONE KNOWS yet, and no one know who is covered and will get assistance of any kind!

What we do know is that the 5 major servicers, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Ally Financial (the old GMAC), CitiBank/CitiMortgage etc, and Wells Fargo are funding the settlement (there may be others later).

We DO KNOW that if you live in Oklahoma you opted out of the settlement, and if your loan is owned by FannieMae (FNMA) or FreddieMac (FHMC) YOU ARE NOT INCLUDED. Below is a link to the website for the Settlement where you can check to see if your loan is owned by either of these GSEs (Gov't Sponsored Enterprises).

We also know that 1. if your case falls into the included category and you lost your house in what would be deemed an improper foreclosure you may be entitled to $2,000+/-. 2. If your mortgage payments are current but your house is worth less than you owe, you may be eligible for a refinance to a low rate. 3. If you need a modification, you might get a Principal Reduction so you owe less and therefore your payment may be lowered. (No items 2 and 3 ARE NOT reversed - seems like they should be however).

Nothing will be ready for 6-9 months, and most of the programs will be administered through the States' Attorneys General's Offices - the program will be implemented over the next 3 years.

Some perspective on the Settlement amount: 2011 - Bk of Amer earned $17B after loan loss reserves ("net" income $1.4B); JPMorgan "Net" Income $19B; Citi "Net" Income $11B; Wells Fargo $16B. Just these 4 banks had a "Net" Income of $47B for 2011 and that is without stripping reserves for the Settlement that have already been put aside and reduced income.

Last - the official word is "Wait, you will be contacted" or, if you are in the foreclosed category being handled by your State's Attorney General, contact that office through the link provided on the National Mortgage Settlement site.

http://www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com/help

Author's Copyright by Richard I. Isacoff, Esq., February 2012

rii@isacofflaw.com

www.isacofflaw.com