Source: https://id.scribd.com/document/235269084/Offensive-Stance-on-Foreclosures-in-Fl
Timestamp: 2019-10-14 01:17:41
Document Index: 4608131

Matched Legal Cases: ['art, 573', 'art 3500', 'art.\n1', 'art 34', 'art 203', 'art 3500', 'art 203', 'art\n203', 'art 203', 'art 203']

Offensive Stance on Foreclosures in Fl | Foreclosure | Mortgage Law
Good reference for offensive stance on foreclosures in FL complete with supporting law and cases
simpanSimpan Offensive Stance on Foreclosures in Fl Untuk Nanti
HOME FOR JUSTICE
TAKING THE OFFENSIVE STANCE ON
[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the
text box anywhere in the document. Use the Drawing Tools tab to change the formatting of the
pull quote text box.]
Realty Law Resources
Realty Law Resources www.RealtyLawResources.com
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 2
Disclaimer: This manual is meant to be an informational guide. It is not intended
to be an exhaustive, definitive or an all inclusive document.
A mortgage is any instrument pledging an interest in real and/or personal
property to secure a debt. Marcus v. Hull 195 So. 170(Fla 1940).
Florida Statute 697.01 provides:
All conveyances, obligations conditioned or defeasible, bills of sale or
other instruments of writing conveying or selling property, either real or
personal, for the purpose of or with the intention of securing the
payment of money, whether such instrument be from the debtor to the
creditor or from the debtor to some third person in trust for the creditor,
shall be deemed and held mortgages, and shall be subject to the same
rules of foreclosure and to the same regulations, restraints and forms
prescribed in relation to mortgages.
Most balloon mortgages require a bold face disclosure however, there are
some statutory exceptions. Failure to include the special bold face disclosure causes
the lender to forfeit the right to demand the balloon payment. F.S 697.05 (3); Lage v.
Pan American Bank, 529 So.2d 1242 (Fla. 3d 1988); See Slomovic v. Petryk, 341 So.2d
208 (Fla. 4
An equitable mortgage is a mortgage implied by law. Reed v. Dyal, 397 So.2d
389 (Fla. 1
DCA 1981); Kirkland v. Miller, 702 So.2d 620 (Fla. 4
DCA 1997); Holmes
v. Dunning, 133 So.557 (Fla.1931).
A disguised mortgages is still a mortgage. In Florida all mortgages are treated
the same and enforcement is only by judicial foreclosure. Mortgagees cannot avoid the
necessity of judicial foreclosure by disguising the mortgage. Agreements for Deed,
Conditional Sales Contracts and Land Sale Contracts have to be judicially
foreclosed. Such documents usually recite that possession is transferred upon
execution, and title is conveyed only upon payment in full. The payment schedule
usually extends over a term of years and often the right of possession is claimed to the
lender upon default. Such contracts and agreements are considered to be mortgages
and are subject to the same constraints. Equity will declare the true character of the
conveyance whenever property belonging to one person is held by another as security
for a debt. Lunn Woods v. Lowery, 577 So.2d 705 (Fla.2d DCA1991); White v.
Brousseau, 566 So.2d 832 (Fla.5th DCA 1990); Williams v. Roundtree, 478 So.2d 1171
(Fla. 1
DCA 1985); Adkinson v. Nyberg, 344 So.2d 614 (Fla. 2d
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 3
A mortgage creates a lien under Florida law, and because it does not convey an
interest in real property, the requirements associated with its execution are not as
exacting as those of instruments of conveyance, such as a deed. 697.02, Fla.
Stat. [**9] (2005); Marcus v. Hull, 142 Fla. 306, 195 So. 170 (Fla. 1939); Wertkin v.
Wertkin, 763 So. 2d 461 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000); Martyn v. First Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn.,
257 So. 2d 576 (Fla. 4th DCA 1971); see also Great Southwest Fire Ins. Co. v. DeWitt,
458 So. 2d 398 (Fla. 1st DCA 1984).
Free v. Free, 936 So. 2d 699 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006): Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 725.01
(2005), no action can be brought to enforce a contract for the sale of land unless the
contract is in writing and signed by the party to be charged. In order to be an
enforceable land sales contract, the statute of frauds requires the contract to satisfy
two threshold conditions. First, the contract must be embodied in a written
memorandum signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. Second, the
written memorandum must disclose all of the essential terms of the sale and these
terms may not be explained by resort to parol evidence.
Equity: Florida Statute 702.01: All mortgages shall be foreclosed in equity.
All foreclosures are tried by the court without a jury. This is not the rule that applies to
consumer claims brought in opposition to the foreclosure complaint which are often
triable to a jury.
In Florida, an acceleration clause in a mortgage confers a contract right upon
the note or mortgage holder which he or she may elect to enforce upon default.
LRB Holding Corp. v. Bank of Am., N.A., 944 So. 2d 1113 (Fla. 3rd DCA 2006):
[t]o constitute an acceleration after default, where the holder has the option to
accelerate, the holder or payee of the note must take some clear and equivocal
action indicating its intent to accelerate all payments under the note, and such action
should apprise the maker of the fact that the option to accelerate has been exercised."
"Examples of acceleration are a creditor's sending written notice to the debtor, making
an oral demand, and alleging acceleration in a pleading filed in a suit on the debt.
The right of redemption is the mortgagor's valued and protected equitable
right to reclaim his or her estate in foreclosed property. This equity of redemption is an
estate in land. The right of redemption is an incident of all mortgages and cannot be
extinguished except by due process of law.
Once a certificate of title is issued, redemption is precluded, even if the party
asserting the right was not made a party to the foreclosure proceedings. Rones v.
Charlisa, Inc., 948 So. 2d 878 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 4
To vacate a foreclosure sale, the trial court must find (1) that the foreclosure
sale bid was grossly or startlingly inadequate and (2) that the inadequacy of the bid
resulted from some mistake, fraud or other irregularity in the sale.
What is secured by a mortgage: The real property securing a mortgage
normally includes improvements and fixtures. Issues concerning these items are
resolved by focusing on the intention of the parties and whether removal will cause
damage. Goldberger v. Regency Highland Condominium Association, 452 So.2d 585
DCA 1984); Florida Fed. Sav. & Loan v. Britts Inc., 455 So.2d 1345 (Fla. 5
Default: The terms of the mortgage define and give context to default and
authorize the mortgagee to foreclose. Gulf Life Ins. Co. v. Pringle, 216 So.2d 468 (Fla.
2d DCA 1968). Defaults are usually the result of a failure to pay but a non-monetary
breach of the mortgage such as a failure to maintain insurance or the commission
of waste can be the basis of a default. Foreclosure is not appropriate where the
breach is merely technical. Haven Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn v. Carl, 456 So.2d 1290 (
Fla. 2d DCA 1984); Clark v. Lachenmeier, 237 So.2d 583 ( Fla. 2d DCA 1970).
Acceleration: Creditors often specify in the mortgage that if the debtor is
delinquent on an installment or otherwise breaches a condition of the promissory note,
the creditor has the option to accelerate the debt due under the note. The full unpaid
balance of the debt becomes due immediately upon the affirmative exercise by the
creditor of the right of acceleration. Unless a debtor pays off the loan immediately,
acceleration will lead to default on the total balance of the loan. The creditor can
enforce its remedies to recover the total remaining balance of the debt, including
forcing a public sale of the collateral to satisfy the debtors obligation to pay all
the remaining installments as accelerated.
Acceleration can be avoided by tendering the arrears before the lender notifies
the mortgagee of the acceleration. Bensman v. DeLuca, 498 So.2d 645 (Fla. 4
1986); Yelen v. Bankers Trust Co. 476 So.2d 767 (Fla. 3d DCA 1985); New England
Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Luxury Home Builders, 311 So.2d 160 (Fla. 3d DCA 1975).
If the lender accepts part or all of the arrearage, acceleration is waived.
Amerifirst Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn of Miami v. Century 21 Commodore Plaza, Inc., 416
So.2d 45 (Fla. 3d DCA 1982); See Barnes v. Resolution Trust Corporation, 664 So.2d
1171 (Fla. 4
Gus' Baths v. Lightbown, 101 Fla. 1205 (Fla. 1931) (acceptance of past late
payments does not act as a bar to acceleration).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 5
Foreclosure procedure: The owner and holder of the note and mortgage files
an action in either county or circuit court, usually in the county where the property is
located, to obtain a judicial decree authorizing a foreclosure sale. To obtain a
judgment, the forecloser must prove that there is a valid mortgage between the
parties, that the borrower is in default on the note, that the forecloser is the right
party entitled to foreclose and that the proper procedure has been followed.
In Florida, foreclosure is based on statute but granted in equity. Southern
Floridabanc Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn, 529 So.2d 303 (Fla. 4
DCA 1988); Clark v.
Lachenmeier, 237 So.2d 583 (Fla. 2d DCA 1970). Most foreclosures are resolved on
The sale cannot be held less than 20 days or more than 35 days after the
date of the hearing, on terms and conditions specified in the order or judgment.
F.S.A 45.031(1).
Objections to the sale must be filed within 10 days of the sale and if the
objections are filed before the certificate of title is issued, the certificate will not issue
until the objections are heard.
A writ of possession can issue after the sale after the time for filing a motion for new
trial has expired (10 days). Fla. R. Civ. P 1.550 and 1.580.
Elements of the Foreclosure Complaint
1. Execution of a note and mortgage, evidence of recording with copies
3. Documentation of the Plaintiffs status as owner and holder of the note and
4. Joinder of persons with title and/or possessory interests;
5. A description of the default and the balance due;
6. Evidence of acceleration.
Statute of Limitation: Usually within five (5) years of maturation (acceleration)
of the mortgage. F.S.A. 95.281 (1),(3). Travis Co v. Mayes, 36 So.2d 264 (Fla.
1948); Monte v. Tipton, 612 So.2d 714 (Fla. 2d DCA 1993); Locke v. State Farm &
Casualty Co., 509 So.2d 1375 (Fla. 1
DCA 1987).
Service of Process: A lack of personal jurisdiction over the mortgagor renders
a foreclosure judgment voidable and subject to being vacated at any time. Wagner v.
Roberts, 320 So.2d 408 (Fla.2d DCA 1975).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 6
A Notice of Lis Pendens is filed in public records to warn all persons that the
title to the property is in litigation and that they are in danger of being bound by an
adverse judgment. A notice of lis pendens by itself does NOT create a lien.
Fla. Stat. 48.23 (2008) is the Lis pendens statute. No operates as a lis pendens until
a notice of the commencement of the action is recorded with the circuit clerk. The
notice has to contain the names of the parties, the time the action was commenced, the
name of the court, a description of the property and a statement of the relief sought.
The lis pendens notice bars enforcement of all interests and liens including tax
liens and levies against the property that are unrecorded at the time of filing of the
notice of lis pendens unless the holder intervenes in the action within 20 days after the
lis pendens is recorded. When the action is finalized by a judicial sale, the property is
discharged from any unrecorded interests and liens.
A lis pendens has no legal authority for any purpose beyond 1 year from the
commencement of the action unless the relief sought is disclosed by the initial pleading
to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter
When the court determines that the initial pleading does not show that the action
is founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a valid lien, the court has the power to
control and discharge the lis pendens the same way the court grants and dissolves
A motion to strike a sham pleading (must be verified per Rule 1.150), and to
dissolve a lis pendens is appropriate where the action seeking to foreclose lacks
merit. City of Miami v. Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., 849 So. 2d 1095, (Fla. 3
Where the action is not founded on a duly recorded document pursuant to F.
S. 48.23(3), the court has the authority to require the posting of a bond as a condition
of maintaining the lis pendens. Van Coppenolle v. Falcone, 802 So. 2d 462, (Fla. 4
DCA 2001).
Fla. Stat. ch. 48.23 permits the court to deal with the notice of lis pendens as it
dealt with injunctions; and Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.610(c) is authority for the posting of a
bond. CAM Corp. of Broward v. Goldberger, 368 So. 2d 56, (Fla. 4
DCA 1979);
Medical Facilities Dev. v. Little Arch Creek Props., 656 So. 2d 1300 (Fla. 3
F. S. 48.23(3) authorizes court to include attorney's fees that foreseeably were
incurred in discharging a lis pendens in a lis pendens bond. S & T Builders v. Globe
Props., 944 So. 2d 302 (Fla. 2006). An order on a motion to dissolve a lis pendens is
treated as a final order. Loidl v. I&E Group, Inc., 927 So. 2d 1016 (Fla. 2
DCA 2006);
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 7
The trial court properly awarded costs. Tampa Bay 1, L.L.C. v. Lorello Cypress Family
L.P., 821 So. 2d 434, 2002 Fla. 2
DCA 2002).
Corporation's lis pendens was improper where there was no recorded
instrument supporting the lis pendens. Ness Racquet Club, LLC v. Renzi Holdings,
Inc., 959 So. 2d 758, 2007 (Fla. 3
DCA 2007); Schwartz v. Estate of Schwartz, 905
So. 2d 1027 (Fla. 4
DCA 2005). (Property holder entitled to a lis pendens bond
hearing, as cause of action not founded on a duly recorded instrument; court could
control the notice of lis pendens that was filed. Betsy Ross Hotel, Inc. v. A. G.
Gladstone Assocs., 833 So. 2d 211 (Fla. 3
F. S. 48.23 permits lis pendens beyond one year only when the litigation is
based on the terms and provisions contained in the recorded document. American
Legion Community Club v. Diamond, 561 So. 2d 268 (Fla. 1990)
Because F. S. 48.23 was designed to moderate and limit the effect of a common
law lis pendens when not founded on a duly recorded instrument, court required to
review the complaint, the contract, and any other relevant evidence to determine if there
was a fair nexus between the property and the dispute. Aryeh Trading v. Trimfast
Group, Inc., 778 So. 2d 336 (Fla. 2
Proper measure of calculating damages for wrongful filing of a lis pendens
was taken by comparing the fair market value of the property at the time lis pendens
was first filed with the fair market value on the date it was later removed. Haisfield v.
ACP Fla. Holdings, 629 So. 2d 963 (Fla. 4
Summary Judgment: The foreclosing Plaintiff can move for Summary
Judgment 20 days after the action is filed. A summary judgment is granted by the judge
when the forecloser files documents and affidavits with the court that establish that
there are no disputes as to the facts of the case or the applicable law and that the
forecloser is entitled to a judgment without a trial.
Failure to meet Procedural Prerequisites: Foreclosures are seldom contested
by the homeowner. Foreclosers may fail to comply with procedural and substantive
foreclosure requirements. By raising a lack of compliance, the homeowner can force the
lender to rethink the foreclosure process, or at least to correct the defect, providing the
homeowner with additional opportunities for loss mitigation, modification, loan
restructuring, devising a workout, refinancing, a private sale and/or bankruptcy.
Careful review of the mortgage contract, applicable state statutes, and case law
interpreting those statues to determine if the forecloser has fully complied is a necessity.
A mortgage is a contract. Its terms must be strictly followed to validate foreclosure.
Naming the Defendant(s): A foreclosure action must name all the title holders.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 8
Junior and senior lienholders are not indispensable parties to a foreclosure. If
not joined, the interest of the junior or senior lienholder cannot be foreclosed. Cooper v.
Wolkowitz, 375 So.2d 1099 (Fla. 3d DCA 1979).
Co-tenants/mortgagees must be named. Lambert v. Dracos, 403 So.2d 481
DCA 1981).
Persons with a lease or an option to purchase may be joined.
A separate eviction action is not required if the tenant is named and
served in the foreclosure. Redding v. Stockton, Whatley, Davin & Co., 488 So.2d 548
Default: The terms of the note and mortgage or deed of trust define the
elements of a default by the homeowner and what events give the lender the right to
accelerate, demanding payment of all of the remaining payments at once.
Courts refuse to enforce acceleration provisions when the lender accepts late
payments from the homeowner and fails to give notice of the lenders intention to
insist on timely future payments.
When a lenders right to payment is contractually dependent upon
compliance with certain conditions, acceleration and foreclosure should be denied
until the conditions are met. F.A. Chastain Construction v. Pratt, 146 So.2d 910 (Fla. 3d
DCA 1962) affd with directions, 157 So.2d 101 (1963); See also Gomez v. American
Sav. & Loan Assn; 515 So.2d 301 (Fla 4
Compliance with notice requirements is critical to the lenders entitlement to
foreclosure. Rashid v. Newberry Federal Savings & Loan Assn, 502 So.2d 1316 (Fla.
3d DCA 1987), appeal after remand, 526 So.2d 772 (1988) (30 day notice of default not
given); Maniscalco v. Hollywood Federal Savings & Loan Assn, 397 So.2d 453 (Fla. 4
DCA 1981) (Notice required upon subsequent default after prior default cured).
Notice of sale shall be published once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a
newspaper of general circulation in the county where the sale is to be held. The second
publication shall be at least 5 days before the sale. Content must conform with the
requirements of F.S.A 45.031.
Failure to produce the original note and mortgage or to re-establish these
instruments precludes foreclosure. Pastore-Borroto Development, Inc. v. Marevista
Apartments, 596 So.2d 526 (Fla. 3d DCA 1992); Roberts v. Hart, 573 So.2d 12 (Fla. 4
DCA 1990); Emerald Plaza West v. Stalter, 466 So.2d 1129 (Fla. 3d DCA 1985).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 9
A waiver of the right to foreclose occurs when the lender misleads the
homeowner or some other legitimate misunderstanding occurs which causes the
homeowner to not perform according to the terms of the contract. Lunn Woods v.
Lowery, 577 So.2d 705 (Fla. 2d DCA 1991); Parker v. Dinsmore Co., 443 So.2d 356
DCA 1983); See Barnes v. Resolution Trust Corp., 664 So.2d 1171 (Fla. 4
DCA 1995). Under these circumstances, no consideration is required for the waiver to
be effective. Flagler Center Bldg. Loan Corp. v. Chemical Realty Corp., 363 So.2d 344
(Fla. 3d DCA 1978), cert. denied 372 So.2d 467 (1979); Gilman v. Butzloff, 22 So.2d
263 (Fla. 1945).
Estoppel is involved when the conduct of the mortgagee induces the
mortgagor to believe the strict terms of the mortgage will not be enforced and to
act upon such belief. La Boutique of Beauty Academy v. Meloy, 436 So.2d 396 (Fla. 2d
DCA 1983); Lambert v. Dracos: See Bensman v. Deluca, 498 So.2d 645 (Fla. 4
1986); 403 So.2d 481 (Fla. 1
DCA 1981) (Clear showing required).
Defenses To A Foreclosure:
Fraud: To sustain an action for fraud it must be proven that a material
representation of fact was made which was untrue and known to be untrue by the
party making it or else recklessly made and that another party did in fact rely on it and
was induced thereby to act to his detriment.
When parties to a contract have a prior understanding about the contracts
terms and the party responsible for drafting the contract includes contrary terms
and then allows the other party to sign it without informing him of changes, the
drafters conduct is fraudulent. Peoples Trust & Savings Bank v. Humphrey 451 N.E.
1104 (1983)
The general rule is that where a competent, literate person signs or accepts
a formal contract affecting his pecuniary interests, it is their duty to read and
notice its contents will be imputed for negligent failure to do so. This rule only
applies if nothing has been said or done to mislead person sought to be charged
or to put a person of reasonable business prudence off guard. First Chapter
National Bank v. Ross 617 A.2d 909 (1992).
The elements of fraud (misrepresentation or omission of a material fact made with
the intent to deceive and to induce reliance, justifiable reliance and damages)
must be proved by clear and convincing evidence. The remedy is rescission and
cancellation of the mortgage or damages. Deemer v. Hallett Pontiac, Inc., 288 So.2d
526 (Fla. 3d DCA 1974); Bliss and Laughlin Industries Inc. v. Malley 364 So.2d 65 (Fla.
DCA 1978). (The two remedies are mutually exclusive)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 10
Duress: Unjustified pressure to sign a mortgage, particularly in a
home improvement or solicitation setting or upon a refinancing could provide equitable
defenses and counterclaims based on economic oppression.
Unconscionability: The common law contract defense of unconscionability may
be applied to stop a foreclosure, when either the mortgage terms are unreasonably
favorable to the lender and/or other aspects of the transaction render it unconscionable.
Substantive unconscionability deals with the terms of the contract. Procedural
unconscionability concerns the process of making the contract. Both must be proven.
Unconscionability references outrageous tactics and business practices that
abuse, violate and victimize consumers and involves deceitful conduct and bad
acts that result in excessive price, oppressive terms, coercion and a lack of
bargaining power. All shocking to the conscience. Upon finding unconscionability,
the court has the power to refuse to enforce the entire contract or just the
unconscionable provision. The Court can restrict the operation of the terms of the
contract to avoid an unconscionable result. Williams v. Walker-Thomas Furniture Co.,
350 F.2d 445 (D.C. Cir. 1965) is the starter case on unconscionability.
Equity will provide relief to avoid an unconscionable contract. Hunt v. First
National Bank of Tampa, 381 So.2d 1194 ( Fla. 2d. DCA 1980); Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corp. v. Taylor, 318 So.2d 203 (Fla. 1
DCA 1975); Althouse v. Kenney, 182
So.2d 270 (Fla. 2d DCA 1966).
The Judgment of Foreclosure and Aftermath
A judgment of foreclosure generally includes principal, interest, expenses
reasonably incurred and the costs of the action. Pre-judgment interest cannot accrue
interest post-judgment.
A certificate of title issued by the clerk passes title to the purchaser and the title
relates back to the date of the mortgage being foreclosed. The clerk does not warrant
the title and the buyer is subject to any liens not extinguished by the foreclosure. The
buyer is entitled to a Writ of Possession as to all persons joined in the foreclosure and
to receive all rents from the property.
Proceeds from the sale are paid out pursuant to the foreclosure judgment, then
to junior lien holders in order of priority. Any surplus goes to the owner of the equity of
redemption at the time of sale.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 11
If a foreclosure sale price is not enough to pay off the loan balance and
allowable expenses the lender may sue the borrower to recover the deficiency. The
deficiency may not exceed the difference between the sale price and the amount of
indebtedness secured by the final judgment of foreclosure. Hatton v Barnett Bank of
Palm Beach County, 550 So. 2d 65 (Fla. 1989). It is within the discretion of the Court to
issue a deficiency decree in the foreclosure.
Setting aside a Completed Foreclosure Sale
A claim to set aside the sale must be based on more than the inadequacy of
price. Fraud, mistake or some other egregious and material irregularity must be
Redemption: The mortgagee has the right to redeem the property
(thereby extinguishing the underlying debt and mortgage) up to the date of sale.
F.S.A. 45.0315. Redemption requires payment of the amount of the judgment,
together with all costs and attorneys fees and is effective upon tender of the amount
of the judgment with the Clerk. Cain & Bultman, Inc. v. Miss Sam, Inc., 409 So. 2d 114
The property can also be redeemed by a junior lienholder prior to
judgment and by a vendee under contract for deed. White v. Brousseau, 566 So.2d 832
DCA 1990).
Fla. Stat. 817.54 Obtaining of mortgage, mortgage note by false representation
Any person who, with intent to defraud, obtains any mortgage note, promissory
note or other instrument evidencing a debt from any person or obtains the signature of
any person to any mortgage, mortgage note, promissory note or other instrument
evidencing a debt by color or aid of fraudulent or false representation or pretenses, or
obtains the signature of any person to a mortgage, mortgage note, promissory note, or
other instrument evidencing a debt, the false making whereof would be punishable as
forgery, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.
775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084
SB 2848 (Amendments to Florida Fair Lending Act as of 4 2008): Amends Floridas
Fair Lending Act to strengthen consumer protections in mortgage loan transactions to
prohibit certain unfair lending practices including prepayment penalties;
stated/inflated/no doc loans; steering to high cost loans; unfair broker commissions
linked to selling high cost loans; teaser arms; the financing of unnecessary products
including credit life, unemployment and debt cancellation insurance. Coverage of
Floridas lending laws would be expanded to lower triggers to target more high cost
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 12
What is the value of the property and the benefits of delay?
Consumer Loan Restructuring/Special Forbearance
Loss Mitigation/Loan Modifications
Are there opportunities to reinstate?
Is there a possibility of refinancing?
Will the lender accept a discounted payoff?
Can a resale prevent the loss of equity?
Should a deed in lieu of foreclosure be considered? If so, the lender
should waive any deficiency.
Bankruptcy - A Chapter 13 Wage Earner Plan is an opportunity for the
debtor to cure a default over an extended period of time by making
regular mortgage payments and monthly payments on the arrears. At the
very least bankruptcy will delay the foreclosure giving the mortgagor time
to sell the property and possibly avoid losing equity. The Petition for
bankruptcy must be filed prior to the sale and it automatically stops
the foreclosure from proceeding (unless there are prior bankruptcy
filings). A Suggestion of Bankruptcy should be filed in the foreclosure
action giving notice of the filing of the bankruptcy petition. The lender
can pursue adequate protection or relief from the bankruptcy stay to
pursue the foreclosure.
Forgiveness of the debt is not income. The rationale for taxing forgiveness of debt
as income is that there is some initial benefit to the borrower, which is not taxed.
Second, this is a bargained-for exchange, and not a gift. Borrower is giving up her
right to continue legal action in exchange for the debt forgiveness. Her surrender of that
right is something of value, which suggests that the debt has not so much been forgiven
as redeemed.
Third, the code specifically excludes forgiveness of debt income where the debtor is
insolvent or the fair market value of assets is less than liabilities. 26 U.S.C. 108(a)(1)(B)
and (d)(3). The homestead value of the assets is also excluded. See Fifth Avenue-
Fourteenth St. Corp. v. Commissioner, 147 F. 2d 453 (2d Cir. 1944).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 13
Legal arguments to lender against issuing a 1099 for discharge of indebtedness
1. There is no cancellation of indebtedness income pursuant to 26 U.S.C.
5060P, but settlement of a contested liability.
2. There is no discharge of indebtedness income but a nontaxable purchase
3. There is no requirement to issue a 1099 if the borrower is insolvent. 26
U.S.C. 108(a)(1)(B)
4. Lenders only have an obligation to issue a 1099 to report cancellation of
indebtedness, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5060P. The cancellation of
indebtedness doctrine originated in the case of United States v. Kirby
Lumber Co., 284 U.S. 1 (1931).
5. There is no discharge of indebtedness but a nontaxable purchase price
reduction if the debt is reduced because of infirmities in the original sale,
like the sellers inducement of a higher purchase price by
misrepresentation of a material fact or by fraud. Rev. Ruling 92-99,
affirming Commissioner v. Sherman, 135 F.2d 70.
6. No benefit to the borrower. The borrower is not enriched by the
7. There is no penalty in the Internal Revenue Code "with respect to any
failure" to issue an information return "if it is shown that such failure is due
to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect." See 26 U.S.C. 6724(a).
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 : Congress retroactively added a new
108 exclusion ( 108(a)(1)(E)) to the cancellation of debt income. The stated purpose
of the act is to increase the incentives for borrowers and lenders to work together to
refinance loans and allow American families to secure lower mortgage payments
without facing higher taxes:
1. Three year window: The Act is effective for discharges of indebtedness
occurring on or after January 1, 2007 and before December 31, 2009 and
excludes from a taxpayers gross income any discharge, in whole or in part, of
qualified principle residence indebtedness (new term found in 108(a)(1)(E))
2. Recourse v. Nonrecourse debt
a. If a debt is recourse, the debtor is personally liable for the debt
b. If a debt is nonrecourse, the debt is only secured by the property and the
debtor is not personally liable for the balance
c. Non-recourse loans forgiven in foreclosure are treated as the sales price
of the property. Thus no cancellation of debt income occurs.
d. On the other hand, for recourse debt, the debt is only satisfied up to the
fair market value of the property. There is a sale up to that amount. If the
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 14
lender forgives the balance of the mortgage, there has been a cancellation
of debt income, which is taxed as ordinary income.
e. Therefore, the Acts effect it to protect homeowners with recourse
financing from cancellation of debt income.
3. Must qualify as principal residence
a. For the purposes of the Act, the term principal residence has the same
meaning as under 121.
b. Must consider all the facts and circumstances related to determining
whether it is a primary residence:
4. Must be Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness
a. Qualified principal residence indebtedness means acquisition
indebtedness within the meaning of 163(h)(3)(b)
i. Acquisition indebtedness with respect to principal residence
generally means indebtedness which is incurred in the acquisition,
construction, or substantial improvements of the principal residence
(as defined in 121) of the individual and secured by the
ii. It also includes refinancing of such indebtedness to the extent the
refinancing does not exceed the original amount of indebtedness.
iii. It does not include borrowing used for personal purposes
b. There is a dollar limit of 2 million (1 million in the case of a separate
c. Qualified principal indebtedness does not mean home equity
d. If only a portion of the discharged debt qualifies as principal residence
indebtedness, the exclusion only applies the exclusion only applies to to
that amount of the debt which exceeds the portion of the debt which does
e. Insolvent taxpayers may elect the exclusion under the Act or the present-
law exclusion found in 108(a)(1)(B).
a. A short sale is the selling of a home for less than the mortgage balance
and then trying to get the lender to forgive the unpaid balance.
b. A reason for debtors to consider a short sale instead of foreclosure is to
try to protect their credit history.
c. Short sales are taxed under the same rules as foreclosure and have
similar tax consequences as described above.
Quick Checklist for Exclusion of Cancellation of Home Mortgage
Must be principal residence as defined by 121
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 15
Must be acquisition indebtedness as defined by 163
Original or refinanced debt
Secured by the principal residence
Under 2 million of acquisition debt
Not borrowed for personal purposes
Insolvent homeowner may use this provision or 108(a)(1)(B)
Cancellation is not for personal services rendered
Use form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness to report
the exclusion and the basis reduction.
RESPA initially applied to loans subject to a first lien on residential property of
one to four units. In 1992, it was amended to apply to subordinate loans on such
property as well. The implementing regulations are contained in Regulation X, 24
C.F.R. 3500, as well as in Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. 226.19.
RESPA requires good faith estimates of Truth In Lending Act disclosures
before consummation or within three business days after the creditor receives the
consumers written application, whichever occurs earlier. Re-disclosure is required no
later than consummation or settlement. According to 226.19(b), when dealing with
variable-rate loans a booklet on adjustable rate mortgages must be provided along with
other detailed disclosures specified in the regulations.
RESPA prohibits mortgage transaction servicers from giving and creditors from
accepting any portion, split or percentage of any charge made or received for
settlement services other than for services actually performed. 12 U.S.C. 2607(b).
High and unearned fees that are not actionable under RESPA, are still subject to
challenge as unconscionable and that it is an unfair and deceptive practice to represent
a charge as for a specific purpose, when the actual cost of that item is much less.
RESPA also requires servicers of covered mortgages to respond to written
requests from the borrower or the borrowers agent for information or disputes
concerning the servicing of the loan, and to either make appropriate corrections or, after
investigation, explain why the account is correct. Failure to comply with the response
requirements gives rise to liability for actual damages, statutory damages up to $1000 in
case of a pattern or practice of noncompliance and attorneys fees and costs, with
special class action provisions.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 16
The provisions of RESPA which deal with mortgage servicing are generally found
in either 12 U.S.C. 2605 or 2609. Section 2605, known as the Servicer Act,
requires servicers to respond to borrower requests for information and to correct
account errors (referred to as qualified written requests), 2605(e); disclose
information relating to the transfer of servicing operations, 2605(a) and (b); and
make timely payments out of escrow accounts. 2605(g); Section 2609 deals
exclusively with escrow accounts and limits the amount servicers can demand to be
deposited in an escrow account and requires an escrow analysis be conducted to
determine the proper escrow payment. 2609(a); It also requires servicers to provide
an annual escrow statement 2609(c) and a notice of escrow shortages or deficiencies.
2609(b)
There is one requirement imposed by 2605 that does not apply if the
borrower is behind on payments. Section 2505(g) requires a servicer to make
payments from an escrow account for taxes, insurance and other charges in a
timely manner as such payments become due. As long as the borrower's mortgage
payment is not more than thirty days late, the servicer must pay escrow items such
as taxes and insurance in a timely manner even if there are not sufficient funds in the
escrow account to cover the items. Reg. X, 24 C.F.R. 3500.17(k)(2). RESPA creates
an express right of action for a servicer's failure to make payments from an escrow
account for taxes, insurance and other charges "in a timely manner as such payments
become due." 12 U.S.C. 2605(g). Regulation X provides that this obligation to make
timely disbursements out of escrow does not apply when the borrowers payment is
more than 30 days overdue. Reg. X, 24 C.F.R. 3500.17(k)(1), (2) The regulation has
no explanation of this limitation. It could be interpreted to mean that a servicer has no
obligation to timely disburse payments for taxes and insurance or other charges
whenever the home owners mortgage payment is more than thirty days late at the time
the disbursement becomes due, even if there are sufficient funds in the escrow account
to cover the disbursement.
The regulation should not give an exemption to a servicer who wrongly claimed
that the borrower was late with payments at the time the disbursement was required, or
if timely payments are being made under a forbearance or repayment agreement. If
the exemption does not apply, the servicer must pay escrow items such as taxes and
insurance timely even if there are not sufficient funds in the escrow account to cover the
items.[ Reg. X, 24 C.F.R. 3500.17(k)(2) The application of the regulation denies a
servicer an opportunity to force-placed insurance from another carrier in this situation.
The servicer is required to pay the insurance premium on the borrowers policy when
due by advancing funds. Any escrow deficiency resulting from the advance is paid by
the borrower through an adjustment to future escrow payments following an escrow
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 17
RESPA - provides a private cause of action for violation of its prohibitions against
misuse of escrowed funds, kickbacks from companies providing settlement services,
and steering borrowers to title insurance companies. Either treble or statutory
damages plus attorneys fees are available for violations. RESPA also requires
advance disclosures (Good Faith Estimate), and disclosure at settlement of settlement
costs in real estate transactions. While the statute does not create a private cause of
action for disclosure violations, analyzing the disclosures often reveals Truth in Lending
and HOEPA violations.
The bankruptcy mentors say that to avoid the Reg X 30-day default exception, an
argument can be made that the exception does not apply after confirmation of the plan.
The reason is that the confirmation designates the account as reinstated. In re Jones,
2007 WL 1112047 (Bankr.E.D.La. Apr 13, 2007)(plan confirmation "recalibrates" the
amounts due as of the petition date); In re Wines, 239 B.R. 703 (Bankr. D.N.J. 1999)
(post-petition mortgage debt treated like a current mortgage and consists of those
payments which come due after the bankruptcy petition is filed. Ongoing postpetition
payments, including escrow amounts and timely disbursements, should be treated
under the terms of the note and mortgage as if no default exist. The Fannie
Mae/Freddie Mac Single-Family Uniform Instrument for a mortgage or deed of trust
(Section 3, entitled "Funds for Escrow Items"), requires the servicer to maintain the
escrow account in compliance with RESPA. A provision in the plan can require the
servicer to comply with the RESPA escrow account requirements during the
preempted only to the extent of their inconsistency with RESPA. 12 U.S.C. 2616.
State laws providing greater protections to borrowers than RESPA that are not
inconsistent with RESPA are not preempted.
Citation: 12 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.
24 C.F.R. Part 3500 (Regulation X) 64 Fed. Reg. 10079
(HUD Policy Statement on lender paid broker fees)
Liable Parties: Lender
Broker, if not exclusive agent or lender
Actionable Wrongs: Failure to give Good Faith Estimate,
disclose other credit-related information and give
HUD-1 Settlement Statement and servicing
Payment or acceptance of kickbacks or referral
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 18
Making charges for which no identifiable services are
Improper servicing of loan
Remedies: Three times amount of illegal charges
Limitations: 1 year to bring an affirmative claim
No limit if raised by way of recoupment
Hirsch v. Bank of America, 328 F. 3d 1306 (11
Cir. 2003). (provides a two-part test in
analyzing RESPA kickback violations involving a mortgage broker. First, the court must
"determine whether the broker has provided goods or services of the kind typically
associated with a mortgage transaction." Then, the court must "determine whether the
total compensation paid to the broker is reasonably related to the total value of the
goods or services actually provided."
Recently followed by: Culpepper v. Irwin Mortg. Corp., 20 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. C
824 (11th Cir. Ala. July 2, 2007) (applying two part test)
203.508 Providing information.
(a) Mortgagees shall provide loan information to mortgagors and arrange for
individual loan consultation on request. The mortgagee must establish written
procedures and controls to assure prompt responses to inquiries.
(c) Within thirty days after the end of each calendar year, the mortgagee shall furnish
to the mortgagor a statement of the interest paid, and of the taxes disbursed from the
escrow account during the preceding year. At the mortgagor's request, the mortgagee
shall furnish a statement of the escrow account sufficient to enable the mortgagor to
reconcile the account.
(d) Mortgagees must respond to HUD requests for information concerning individual
(e) Each servicer of a mortgage shall deliver to the mortgagor a written notice of any
assignment, sale, or transfer of the servicing of the mortgage. The notice must be sent
in accordance with the provisions of 3500.21(e)(1) of this title and shall contain the
information required by 3500.21(e)(2) of this title. Servicers must respond to
mortgagor inquiries pertaining to the transfer of servicing in accordance with
3500.21(f) of this title.
203.550 Escrow accounts.
It is the mortgagee's responsibility to make escrow disbursements before bills
become delinquent. Mortgagees must establish controls to insure that bills payable from
the escrow fund or the information needed to pay such bills is obtained on a timely
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 19
basis. Penalties for late payments for items payable from the escrow account must not
be charged to the mortgagor unless it can be shown that the penalty was the direct
result of the mortgagor's error or omission. The mortgagee shall use the procedures set
forth in 3500.17 of this title, implementing Section 10 of the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. 2609), to compute the amount of the escrow, the methods of
collection and accounting, and the payment of the bills for which the money has been
In the case of escrow accounts created for purposes of 203.52 or 234.64 of this
chapter, mortgagees may estimate escrow requirements based on the best information
available as to probable payments that will be required to be made from the account on
a periodic basis throughout the period during which the account is maintained.
The mortgagee shall not institute foreclosure when the only default of the mortgagor
occupant is a present inability to pay a substantial escrow shortage, resulting from an
adjustment pursuant to this section, in a lump sum.
When the contract of mortgage insurance is terminated voluntarily or because of
prepayment in full, sums in the escrow account to pay the mortgage insurance
premiums shall be remitted to HUD with a form approved by the Secretary for reporting
the voluntary termination of prepayment. Upon prepayment in full sums held in escrow
for taxes and hazard insurance shall be released to the mortgagor promptly.
1. If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay
the debt or that the consumer wishes the collector to stop calling, the collector must
cease calling after one final communication. 15 USC 1692c(c).
2. If a debt collector knows that the consumer is represented by an attorney and knows
or can readily ascertain the attorneys name and address, the debt collector may not
communicate with the consumer unless the attorney fails to respond to communications
within a reasonable time. 1692c(a)(2).
The FDCPA cannot be used to stop direct collections from creditors because it is
applicable only to third-party debt collectors.
The FDCPA does not apply to creditors collecting debts on their own behalf,
except if they use a name other than their own to do so. Debt collector is defined in
1692a(6) as a person who is collecting on behalf of another and who regularly
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 20
collects or attempts to collect debts. Lawyers often come under this definition of debt
collector. The Supreme Court in Heintz v. Jenkins, 514 U.S. 291 (1995), held that an
attorney who regularly uses litigation to collect consumer debts on behalf of a client is a
debt collector, subject to the FDCPA. Therefore, lawyers who bring suits on behalf
of clients against consumers, seeking payment of debts, need to adopt practices
that comply with the FDCPA and this includes appearance attorneys.
Section 1692g requires that a debt collector send a written validation notice
along with the debt collectors initial communication to the consumer. The notice must
-the amount of the debt;
-the name of the creditor;
- a statement that unless the consumer disputes the validity
- information that verification of the debt will be obtained if
Debt collectors must convey the validation notice in a legible manner that will be
Any debt collector that fails to comply with any FDCPA provisions is liable to the
consumer for any actual damages and for up to $1000 in statutory damages. 15
U.S.C. 1692k(a)(1)-(2). The consumer may recover the costs of the action and a
reasonable attorneys fee as determined by the court. Actual damages include
compensation for emotional distress. State law requirements for recovery of
negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress are inapplicable. See
Maxwell v. Fairbanks Capital Corp., 281 B.R. 101 at 118 (noting that the appropriate
standard for judging unfairness of debt collection practices is from the perspective of
the least sophisticated debtor, suggesting that damages for subjectively-experienced
emotional distress could be recoverable even if that distress is greater than what an
ordinary debtor might experience).
A debt collector is, any person who uses an instrument of interstate
commerce or mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of
any debts, or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts
owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another. 15 U.S.C. 1692a(6).
Repossession and the sale of personal property is not a debt collection activity under
the FDCPA. Likewise, with respect to non-judicial foreclosure of security interests in
houses. See, Bergs v. Hoover, Bax & Slovacek, LLP, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16827, at
1 (N.D. Tex. Sept. 24, 2003); Beadle v. Haughey, 2005 WL 300060, 4 (D.N.H. Feb. 9,
2005) It is not clear whether foreclosing on a mortgage constitutes debt collecting
activity under the FDCPA. Id. at 4. However, the most recent case to discuss whether
proceeding in rem is debt collecting and subject to the FDCPA seems to suggest it is.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 21
Piper v. Portnoff Law Assocs., Ltd., 396 F.3d 227 (3d Cir. 2005). In Piper, the law firm
subjected itself to the FDCPA by attempting to collect a personal liability and requesting
payment to be made directly to the firm instead of to the city. Accordingly, the court
stated that the issue for decision is whether PLAs communications to Piper were
communications by a debt collector with a consumer in connection with the collection
of a [debt]. Id. at 232.
The Seventh Circuit determined that a loan servicer was not a debt collector
under the FDCPA because it was seeking payment currently due under a superseding
agreement. Bailey v. Security Natl Servicing Corp., 154 F.3d 384 (7
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) SUBJ ECT TO UPDATE ATTACHED SEPARATELY Under
TILA, a debtor has a right of rescission as to nonpurchase residential mortgages that
lasts for three days after completion of the transaction or delivery of the disclosure,
which ever occurs later. It is required that each debtor receives two copies of the
notice of their right of rescission. According to Rodriguez v. U.S. Bank (In re
Rodriguez), 278 B.R. 683 (Bankr. D.R.I. 2002), the date of the expiration of the right of
rescission must be filled in. If the notices are not given or other material
disclosures are not made, the rescission right is extended from three days to
three years from the completion of the transaction. See In re Lombardi, 195 B.R.
569 (Bankr. D.R.I. 1996).
Any extension of the right of rescission beyond the three-year period provided by
TILA must come from state law. The Supreme Court in Beach v. Ocwen Fed. Bank,
523 U.S. 410 (1998), held that federal law does not provide an extension of more than
three years, and that equitable tolling does not apply because the three year limit is a
statute of repose, not a statute of limitations. Some states allow rescission in
recoupment beyond the TILAs three-year extension period. See, Fidler v. Cent. Coop.
TILA 1635(b) provides a three-step rescission process:
1. The debtor must first give notice of the rescission. By invoking rescission, the
debtor is relieved of liability for any finance or other charge, and the security interest
2. The creditor must return any money paid or property given, including the down
Courts have considerable discretion concerning the three-step process, and are
able to circumvent the process if they see fit. See, Williams v. BankOne, N.A. (In re
Williams), 291 B.R. 636 (Bankr. E.D. Pa. 2003); Bell v. Parkway Mortgage, Inc. (In re
Bell), 309 B.R. 139, 167 (Bankr. E.D. Pa. 2004).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 22
In the event a court requires that the principal debt be repaid in Chapter 13
bankruptcy, the rescinding borrower/debtor still receives a considerable benefit. In this
case, the creditor must reduce the obligation by the amount the borrower has paid
through any down payment, closing costs, insurance premiums and by the amount of
the finance charges. The obligation to repay only the principal over the life of a Chapter
13 plan is an unsecured claim.
TILA 1640(a) provides for damage actions for violations of its requirements.
In an individual action relating to a closed-end credit transaction secured by real estate
or a dwelling, statutory damages of not less than $200 and not greater than $2000 are
recoverable. Damages can also be recovered where rescission is available. In cases
dealing with personal property loans, although rescission is not available, the statutory
damages are twice the finance charge, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of
$1000. See, Koons Buick Pontiac GMC, Inc. v. Nigh, 125 S. Ct. 460 (2004).
TILA 1640(e) actions for actual and statutory damages are subject to a one-
year statute of limitations, measured from the occurrence of the violation. This
section also states it, does not bar a person from asserting a violation of this title in an
action to collect the debt which was brought more than one year from the date of the
occurrence of the violation as a matter of defense by recoupment or set-off in such
Courts recognize that debtors in bankruptcy can assert damages in recoupment
by objecting to a creditors proof of claim. See, In re Coxson, 43 F.3d 189 (5th Cir.
1995); Roberson v. Cityscape Corp., 262 B.R. 312 (Bankr. E.D. Pa. 2001). Unlike the
three-year right of rescission, the statute of limitations for TILA damage actions can be
equitably tolled. Fraudulent concealment of a TILA violation is a basis for tolling the
one-year statute of limitations, however, mere failure to make disclosures is not enough.
The consumer must prove the creditor concealed the violation and that the consumer
exercised due diligence to discover the facts giving rise to the claim. See, Evans v.
Rudy-Luther Toyota, Inc., 39 F. Supp. 2d 1177 (D. Minn. 1999).
The Truth in Lending Act requires disclosure of credit terms, applies to most
extensions of consumer credit and frequently apply to restructured loans that meet the
definition of a refinancing under the Act and Regulation Z. The Truth in Lending Act
offers actual damages, statutory damages for some violations, and attorney's fees. For
second mortgage, home equity loans, and some other transactions secured by home,
Citation: 15 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.
Liable Parties: Creditor (generally the original lender)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 23
Assignee, if violation "apparent on face" of documents
Actionable Wrongs: Failure to disclose credit information or cancellation
Remedies: Rescission, unless transaction was for purchase or
Statutory damages up to $2,000 (SEE UPDATE PER SUPPLEMENT)
Limitations: 1 year to rescind under TILA, though limit does not apply
to recoupment under state law
Matthews v. New Century Mortgage Corp., 185 F. Supp. 2d 874 (S.D. OH 2002). (An
opinion which includes the facts and claims for a typical predatory lending case
involving elderly homeowners. Claims include descriptions of TILA, HOEPA, Equitable
Tolling, FHA, ECOA, Conspiracy, Fraud, Unconscionability, and Ohio's Rico Statute.)
Anderson v. Frye, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20935. Plaintiff must show each of the
following: (1) that she is a member of a protected class; (2) that she applied for and was
qualified for loans; (3) that the loans were given on grossly unfavorable terms; and (4)
that the lender continues to provide loans to other applicants with similar qualifications,
In re Nat'l Century Fin. Enters., Inv. Litig., Fed. Sec. L. Rep. (CCH) P94,314 (May
2007) [W]hile Plaintiff is required to prove the existence of some unlawful act
independent of the civil conspiracy itself, that unlawful act does not need to be
committed by each of the alleged co-conspirators." Citing Matthews,.
Regulation Z Sec. 226.20 Subsequent disclosure requirements.
(a) Refinancings. A refinancing occurs when an existing obligation that was subject to
this subpart is satisfied and replaced by a new obligation undertaken by the same
consumer. A refinancing is a new transaction requiring new disclosures to the
consumer. The new finance charge shall include any unearned portion of the old
finance charge that is not credited to the existing obligation. The following shall not be
treated as a refinancing:
(2) A reduction in the annual percentage rate with a corresponding change in the
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 24
(4) A change in the payment schedule or a change in collateral requirements as a
result of the consumer's default or delinquency, unless the rate is increased, or the new
amount financed exceeds the unpaid balance plus earned finance charge and
premiums for continuation of insurance of the types described in Sec. 226.4(d).
(5) The renewal of optional insurance purchased by the consumer and added to an
existing transaction, if disclosures relating to the initial purchase were provided as
required by this subpart.
1. Definition. A refinancing is a new transaction requiring a complete new set of
disclosures. Whether a refinancing has occurred is determined by reference to whether
the original obligation has been satisfied or extinguished and replaced by a new
obligation, based on the parties' contract and applicable law. The refinancing may
involve the consolidation of several existing obligations, disbursement of new money to
the consumer or on the consumer's behalf, or the rescheduling of payments under an
existing obligation. In any form, the new obligation must completely replace the prior
Changes in the terms of an existing obligation, such as the deferral of individual
installments, will not constitute a refinancing unless accomplished by the cancellation of
that obligation and the substitution of a new obligation.
A substitution of agreements that meets the refinancing definition will require new
disclosures, even if the substitution does not substantially alter the prior credit terms.
1. Annual percentage rate reduction. A reduction in the annual percentage rate with a
corresponding change in the payment schedule is not a refinancing. If the annual
percentage rate is subsequently increased (even though it remains below its original
level) and the increase is effected in such a way that the old obligation is satisfied and
2. Corresponding change. A corresponding change in the payment schedule to
implement a lower annual percentage rate would be a shortening of the maturity, or a
reduction in the payment amount or the number of payments of an obligation. The
exception in 226.20(a)(2) does not apply if the maturity is lengthened, or if the payment
amount or number of payments is increased beyond that remaining on the existing
Court agreements. This exception includes, for example, agreements such as
reaffirmations of debts discharged in bankruptcy, settlement agreements, and post-
judgment agreements. (See the commentary to 226.2(a)(14) for a discussion of court-
approved agreements that are not considered credit.)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 25
Workout agreements. A workout agreement is not a refinancing unless the annual
percentage rate is increased or additional credit is advanced beyond amounts already
accrued plus insurance premiums.
Insurance renewal. The renewal of optional insurance added to an existing credit
transaction is not a refinancing, assuming that appropriate Truth in Lending disclosures
were provided for the initial purchase of the insurance.
This regulation limits refinancings to transactions in which the entire original
obligation is extinguished and replaced by a new one. Redisclosure is no longer
required for deferrals or extensions.
Citation: 18 U.S.C. 1961, et seq
Liable Parties: Persons (broadly defined) conducting RICO enterprise
Actionable Wrongs: Pattern of racketeering activity as defined in 18 U.S.C.
1961 (a long list of actionable wrongs, but this
is a very complex statute in application)
Remedies: Three times actual damages
Limitations: Four years to bring damages claim under federal law
Five years to bring damages claim under state law
OCC Guidelines Establishing Standards for Residential Mortgage Lending
The OCC issues the Guidelines pursuant to Section 39 of the FDIA, which
provides that, each appropriate Federal banking agency may proscribe such other
operational and managerial standards as it determines to be appropriate.
The guidelines describe terms and practices that are conducive to predatory or
deceptive lending and therefore require a heightened degree of care by lender. 12 CFR
30.3, 30.4, and 30.5. If the OCC determines a national bank has failed to meet the
standards set forth in the Guidelines the OCC may request, through a supervisory letter
or in a report of examination, that the national bank submit a compliance plan. The
request is known as a Notice of Deficiency.
National banks and their subsidiaries are required to comply with the regulations
and Guidelines governing appraisals of residential mortgage loans, as well as, appraiser
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 26
independence. These regulations and Guidelines can be found at 12 CFR part 34,
subpart C, and in the OCC advisory letter dated October 28, 2003
Proposed Statement on subprime Lending: [Docket No. 2007-3005]
(http://www.federalreserve.gov/BoardDocs/press/bcreg/2007/20070302/attachmen
t.pdf) Proposed Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending (Statement) discusses
criteria and factors, including payment shock, that an institution should assess in
determining a borrowers ability to repay a subprime loan. The Statement also
discusses consumer protection issues and practices, including reminders about some of
the existing statutes, regulations, and guidance intended to protect consumers from
unfair, deceptive, and other predatory practices. Finally, the Statement discusses the
need for policies, procedures, and systems to assure that institutions subprime
mortgage lending is conducted in a safe and sound manner.
The Agencies are concerned that subprime borrowers may not fully understand the
risks and consequences of obtaining certain adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products.
In particular, the Agencies are concerned with ARM products marketed to subprime
borrowers with the following characteristics:
Offering low initial payments based on a fixed introductory or teaser rate that
expires after a short initial period then adjusts to a variable index rate plus a margin for
Approving borrowers without considering appropriate documentation of their
Setting very high or no limits on how much the payment amount or the interest
rate may increase (payment or rate caps) at reset periods, potentially causing a
substantial increase in the monthly payment amount payment shock
Containing product features likely to result in frequent refinancing to maintain an
affordable monthly payment;
Including substantial prepayment penalties and/or prepayment penalties that
extend beyond the initial interest rate adjustment period; and/or
Providing borrowers with inadequate information relative to product features,
material loan terms and product risks, prepayment penalties, and the borrowers
obligations for property taxes and insurance.
The consequences to subprime borrowers could include: being unable to afford the
monthly payments after the initial rate adjustment because of payment shock;
experiencing difficulty in paying real estate taxes and homeowners insurance that were
not escrowed; incurring expensive refinancing fees frequently due to closing costs and
prepayment penalties, especially if the prepayment penalty period extends beyond the
rate adjustment date; and losing their home. The Agencies also are concerned about
the elevated credit risk that is inherent in these products.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 27
Institutions marketing subprime mortgage loans should ensure that they do not engage
in the type of predatory lending practices discussed in the Expanded Subprime
Guidance. Typically, predatory lending involves at least one, and perhaps all three, of
Making mortgage loans based predominantly on the foreclosure or liquidation
value of a borrowers collateral rather than on the borrowers ability to repay the
mortgage according to its terms;
Inducing a borrower to repeatedly refinance a loan in order to charge high
points and fees each time the loan is refinanced (loan flipping); or
Engaging in fraud or deception to conceal the true nature of the mortgage loan
obligation, or ancillary products, from an unsuspecting or unsophisticated borrower.
Institutions marketing mortgage loans such as these carry an elevated risk that their
conduct will violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), which
prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
Institutions should refer to the Real Estate Guidelines, which provide underwriting
standards for all real estate loans. The Real Estate Guidelines state that prudently
underwritten real estate loans should reflect all relevant credit factors, including the
capacity of the borrower to adequately service the debt. The 2006 NTM Guidance
details similar criteria for qualifying borrowers for products that may result in payment
Prudent qualifying standards recognize the potential effect of payment shock in
evaluating a borrowers ability to service debt. An institutions analysis of a borrowers
repayment capacity should include an evaluation of the borrowers ability to repay the
debt by its final maturity at the fully indexed rate, assuming a fully amortizing repayment
schedule. One widely accepted approach in the mortgage industry is to quantify a
borrowers repayment capacity by a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. An institutions DTI
analysis should assess a borrowers total monthly housing-related payments (e.g.,
principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, or PITI) as a percentage of gross monthly
This assessment is particularly important if the institution relies upon reduced
documentation or allows other forms of risk layering. Risk-layering features in a
subprime mortgage loan may significantly increase the risks to both the institution and
the borrower. Therefore, an institution should have clear policies governing the use of
risk-layered features, such as reduced documentation loans or simultaneous-second
lien mortgages. When risk-layering features are combined with a mortgage loan, an
institution should demonstrate the existence of effective mitigating factors that support
the underwriting decision and the borrowers repayment capacity.
The higher a loans risk, either from loan features or borrower characteristics, the more
important it is to verify the borrowers income, assets, and liabilities. When underwriting
higher risk loans, stated income and reduced documentation should be accepted only if
there are mitigating factors that clearly minimize the need for direct verification of
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 28
repayment capacity. For many borrowers, institutions should be able to readily
document income using recent W-2 statements, pay stubs or tax returns. A higher
interest rate is not considered an acceptable mitigating factor.
Fundamental consumer protection principles relevant to the underwriting and marketing
of mortgage loans include:
Approving loans based on the borrowers ability to repay the loan according to its
Providing information that enables consumers to understand material terms, costs,
and risks of loan products at a time that will help the consumer select products and
choose among payment options.
When applying these principles to ARMs marketed to subprime borrowers described in
this document, communications with consumers, including advertisements, oral
statements, and promotional materials should provide clear and balanced information
about the relative benefits and risks of the products. This information should be
provided in a timely manner to assist consumers in the product selection process, not
just upon submission of an application or at consummation of the loan. Institutions
should not use such communications to steer consumers to these products to the
exclusion of other products offered by the institution for which the consumer may
Information provided to consumers should clearly explain the risk of payment shock and
the ramifications of prepayment penalties, balloon payments, and the lack of escrow for
taxes and insurance, as applicable. The Agencies strongly encourage institutions that
impose prepayment penalties to structure them in such a way that they do not extend
beyond the initial reset period and, further, provide borrowers a sufficient window of time
immediately prior to the reset date to refinance without penalty.
Similarly, if borrowers do not understand that their monthly mortgage payments do not
include taxes and insurance, and they have not budgeted for these essential
homeownership expenses, they may be faced with the need for significant additional
funds on short notice. Mortgage product descriptions and advertisements should
provide clear, detailed information about all of the costs, terms, features, and risks of
the loan to the borrower. Consumers should be informed of:
Payment Shock. Potential payment increases, including how the new payment
will be calculated when the introductory fixed rate expires.
Prepayment Penalties. The existence of any prepayment penalty, how it will be
calculated, and when it may be imposed.
* Balloon Payments. The existence of any balloon payment.
Cost of Reduced Documentation Loans. Whether there is a pricing premium
attached to a reduced documentation or stated income program.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 29
Responsibility for Taxes and Insurance. The requirement to make payments for
real estate taxes and insurance in addition to their loan payments, if not escrowed, and
the fact that taxes and insurance costs can be substantial.
Institutions should develop strong control systems to monitor whether actual practices
are consistent with their policies and procedures. Systems should address compliance
and consumer information concerns, as well as safety and soundness, and encompass
both institution personnel and applicable third parties, such as mortgage brokers or
Important controls include establishing appropriate criteria for hiring and training loan
personnel, entering into and maintaining relationships with third parties, and conducting
initial and ongoing due diligence with third parties. Institutions also should design
compensation programs that avoid providing incentives for originations inconsistent with
sound underwriting and consumer protection principles, and that do not steer
consumers to these products to the exclusion of other products for which the consumer
Institutions should have procedures and systems in place to monitor compliance with
appropriate laws and regulations, applicable third-party agreements and internal
policies. An institutions controls also should include appropriate corrective actions in
the event of failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, third-party agreements
or internal policies. In addition, institutions should initiate procedures to review
consumer complaints to identify potential compliance problems or other negative trends.
FAIR HOUSING ACT, 42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq., This is often a reverse redlining claim.
The homeowner must be: 1) a member of a protected class, 2) they must have
attempted to engage in a real estate related transaction and qualified to do so, 3)
the lender/servicer must have refused to transact with them on fair terms, and 4)
the lender/servicer must have continued to make loans/servicing available to
others with similar qualifications as the homeowner. However, if the
lender/servicer initiates contact with the homeowner, the final requirement might
LOSS MITIGATION DEFENSES
Consumers have special protections available to them if they fall behind in
their monthly mortgage payments for reasons beyond their control. Borrowers holding
FHA, VA, and other insured loans have special protections available to them if they
become delinquent in their payments. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac owned and/or
underwritten home loans also have specialized regular and default loan servicing
protocols. Generally, borrowers must be given an opportunity to resolve the
delinquency in their mortgage payments through special accommodations. The
consumer must be allowed to participate in this process in a meaningful way as a
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 30
contractual and/or statutory precondition to the filing or pursuit of a mortgage
1. Mortgagee must comply with the payment forbearance, mortgage modification,
and other foreclosure prevention loan servicing requirements imposed pursuant to the
National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 1710(a) and the form FHA mortgage.
2. Mortgagee must pursue effective foreclosure prevention strategies and
evaluate the particular circumstances surrounding the default; determine the borrowers
capacity to pay the monthly payment amount or a modified payment amount; ascertain
the reason for the default, and the extent of the borrowers interest in keeping the
subject property. 24 C.F.R. 203.604.
3. Mortgagee must manage the mortgage as required by FHAs special
foreclosure prevention workout programs which can include and allow for the
restructuring of the loan to allow the borrower to pay out delinquent installments, for
advances to bring the mortgage current or the temporary reduction or suspension of
monthly payment to allow recovery from the specified hardship.
4. Mortgagee is required under federal law to adapt its collection and loan
servicing practices to the borrowers individual circumstances and to re-evaluate these
techniques each month after default. 24 C.F.R. 203.605.
5. Mortgagee must make a reasonable effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting
with the borrower before three full monthly installments are unpaid.24C.F.R.203.604.
6. The requirements must be followed before a mortgagee may commence
foreclosure. 24 C.F.R. Part 203(C).
FHA/HUD FEDERAL REGULATIONS (2007)
24 C.F.R.
203.500 Mortgage servicing generally.
This subpart identifies servicing practices of lending institutions that HUD considers
acceptable for mortgages insured by HUD. Failure to comply with this subpart shall not
be a basis for denial of insurance benefits, but failure to comply will be cause for
imposition of a civil money penalty, including a penalty under 30.35(c)(2), or
withdrawal of HUD's approval of a mortgagee. It is the intent of the Department that no
mortgagee shall commence foreclosure or acquire title to a property until the
requirements of this subpart have been followed.
203.501 Loss mitigation.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 31
Mortgagees must consider the comparative effects of their elective servicing actions,
and must take those appropriate actions which can reasonably be expected to generate
the smallest financial loss to the Department. Such actions include, but are not limited
to, deeds in lieu of foreclosure under 203.357, pre-foreclosure sales under 203.370,
partial claims under 203.414, assumptions under 203.512, special forbearance
under 203.471 and 203.614, and recasting of mortgages under 203.616.
203.600 Mortgage collection action.
Subject to the requirements of this subpart, mortgagees shall take prompt action to
collect amounts due from mortgagors to minimize the number of accounts in a
delinquent or default status. Collection techniques must be adapted to individual
differences in mortgagors and take account of the circumstances peculiar to each
203.602 Delinquency notice to mortgagor.
The mortgagee shall give notice to each mortgagor in default on a form supplied by
the Secretary or, if the mortgagee wishes to use its own form, on a form approved by
the Secretary, no later than the end of the second month of any delinquency in
payments under the mortgage. If an account is reinstated and again becomes
delinquent, the delinquency notice shall be sent to the mortgagor again, except that the
mortgagee is not required to send a second delinquency notice to the same mortgagor
more often than once each six months. The mortgagee may issue additional or more
frequent notices of delinquency at its option.
203.604 Contact with the mortgagor.
(b) The mortgagee must have a face-to-face interview with the mortgagor, or make a
reasonable effort to arrange such a meeting, before three full monthly installments
due on the mortgage are unpaid. If default occurs in a repayment plan arranged other
than during a personal interview, the mortgagee must have a face-to-face meeting with
the mortgagor, or make a reasonable attempt to arrange such a meeting within 30 days
after such default and at least 30 days before foreclosure is commenced
(2) The mortgaged property is not within 200 miles of the mortgagee, its servicer,
or a branch office of either,
(4) A repayment plan consistent with the mortgagor's circumstances is entered into to
bring the mortgagor's account current thus making a meeting unnecessary, and
payments thereunder are current, or
(d) A reasonable effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the mortgagor shall
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 32
consist at a minimum of one letter sent to the mortgagor certified by the Postal Service
as having been dispatched. Such a reasonable effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting
shall also include at least one trip to see the mortgagor at the mortgaged property,
unless the mortgaged property is more than 200 miles from the mortgagee, its servicer,
or a branch office of either, or it is known that the mortgagor is not residing in the
The mortgagee may appoint an agent to perform its responsibilities under this
(2) The mortgagee must also:
(i) Inform the mortgagor that HUD will make information regarding the status and
payment history of the mortgagor's loan available to local credit bureaus and
prospective creditors;
(iii) Notify the mortgagor that if the mortgage remains in default for more than 90 days,
the mortgagee shall request the Secretary to accept an assignment of the mortgage;
(iv) Notify the mortgagor of the qualifications for forbearance relief from the mortgagee,
if any, and that forbearance relief may be available from the Secretary if the mortgage is
(v) Inform the mortgagor of the names and addresses of HUD officials to whom further
communications may be addressed.
203.605 Loss mitigation performance.
(a) Duty to mitigate. Before four full monthly installments due on the mortgage
have become unpaid, the mortgagee shall evaluate on a monthly basis all of the loss
mitigation techniques provided at 203.501 to determine which is appropriate. Based
upon such evaluations, the mortgagee shall take the appropriate loss mitigation action.
Documentation must be maintained for the initial and all subsequent evaluations and
resulting loss mitigation actions. Should a claim for mortgage insurance benefits later be
filed, the mortgagee shall maintain this documentation in the claim review file under the
requirements of 203.365(c).
203.606 Pre-foreclosure review.
(a) Before initiating foreclosure, the mortgagee must ensure that all servicing
requirements of this subpart have been met.
203.610 Relief for mortgagor in military service.
The mortgagee shall specifically give consideration to affording the mortgagor the
benefit of relief authorized by 203.345 and 203.346, if the mortgagor is person in the
military service as that term is defined in the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of
203.614 Special forbearance.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 33
If the mortgagee finds that a default is due to circumstances beyond the mortgagor's
control, as defined by HUD, the mortgagee may grant special forbearance relief to the
mortgagor in accordance with the conditions prescribed by HUD.
203.616 Mortgage modification.
The mortgagee may modify a mortgage for the purpose of changing the amortization
provisions by recasting the total unpaid amount due for a term not exceeding 360
months. The mortgagee must notify HUD of such modification in a format prescribed by
HUD within 30 days of the execution of the modification agreement.
12 USCS 1710 Payment of insurance
(A) Assignment of mortgage. The Secretary may pay insurance benefits
whenever a mortgage has been in a monetary default for not less than 3 full monthly
installments or whenever the mortgagee is entitled to foreclosure for a nonmonetary
(2) Payment for loss mitigation. The Secretary may pay insurance benefits to the
mortgagee to recompense the mortgagee for all or part of any costs of the mortgagee
for taking loss mitigation actions that provide an alternative to foreclosure of a mortgage
that is in default (including but not limited to actions such as special forbearance, loan
modification, and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, but not including assignment of
mortgages to the Secretary under section 204(a)(1)(A) [subsec. (a)(1)(A) of this section
(4) Servicing of assigned mortgages. If a mortgage is assigned to the Secretary
under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary may permit the assigning mortgagee or its
servicer to continue to service the mortgage for reasonable compensation and on terms
and conditions determined by the Secretary.
(6) Forbearance and recasting after default. The mortgagee may, upon such terms
and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe--
(A) extend the time for the curing of the default and the time for commencing
foreclosure proceedings or for otherwise acquiring title to the mortgaged property, to
such time as the mortgagee determines is necessary and desirable to enable the
mortgagor to complete the mortgage payments, including an extension of time beyond
the stated maturity of the mortgage, and in the event of a subsequent foreclosure or
acquisition of the property by other means the Secretary may include in the amount of
insurance benefits an amount equal to any unpaid mortgage interest; or
(B) provide for a modification of the terms of the mortgage for the purpose of
recasting, over the remaining term of the mortgage or over such longer period pursuant
to guidelines as may be prescribed by the Secretary, the total unpaid amount then due,
with the modification to become effective currently or to become effective upon the
termination of an agreed-upon extension of the period for curing the default; and the
principal amount of the mortgage, as modified, shall be considered the 'original principal
obligation of the mortgage' for purposes of paragraph (5).
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 34
12 USCS 1715u Authority to assist mortgagors in default
(a) Loss mitigation. Upon default of any mortgage insured under this title, mortgagees
shall engage in loss mitigation actions for the purpose of providing an alternative to
foreclosure (including but not limited to actions such as special forbearance, loss
mortgages to the Secretary under section 204(a)(1)(A) [12 USCS 1710(a)(1)(A)]) as
provided in regulations by the Secretary.
(b) Payment of partial claim. The Secretary may establish a program for payment of a
partial claim to a mortgagee that agrees to apply the claim amount to payment of a
mortgage on a 1- to 4-family residence that is in default
(1) the amount of the payment shall be in an amount determined by the Secretary, not
to exceed an amount equivalent to 12 of the monthly mortgage payments and any costs
related to the default that are approved by the Secretary; and
(2) the mortgagor shall agree to repay the amount of the insurance claim to the
Secretary upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Secretary.
The Secretary may pay the mortgagee, from the appropriate insurance fund, in
connection with any activities that the mortgagee is required to undertake concerning
repayment by the mortgagor of the amount owed to the Secretary.
Mortgagor bears burden of proving that he or she meets conditions to qualify for HUD's
assignment program (which provides relief from foreclosure to low income homeowners
who, because of temporary financial crisis, default on mortgages insured by HUD under
National Housing Act). Pozzie v United States Dep't of Hous. & Urban Dev. (1995, CA7
Ill) 48 F3d 1026.
Circumstances beyond control of mortgagor
Mortgagor who was fired from her job for excessive tardiness and unauthorized
overtime work was not eligible for HUD's assignment program, because mortgagor
could not prove that her default on mortgage was caused by circumstances beyond her
control. Pozzie v United States Dep't of Hous. & Urban Dev. (1995, CA7 Ill) 48 F3d
Trustee's sale of HUD program participant's home is preliminarily enjoined, where
mortgagor, disabled and suffering from inguinal hernia, will irretrievably lose home and
his equity in it if sale takes place, because mortgagor states facially valid claim that
HUD did not perform its statutory duty under 12 USCS 1715u(d) to provide
homeownership counseling to mortgagor in need of help and potential relief through
HUD "assignment" program. Cronkhite v Kemp (1989, ED Wash) 741 F Supp 822.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 35
Failure to comply with servicing regulations which are mandatory and have force and
effect of law can be raised in foreclosure proceeding as affirmative defense; HUD rules
requiring that no mortgagee commence foreclosure until arrangement of face to face
interview with mortgagor or reasonable effort to arrange such meeting before 3 full
monthly installments are unpaid set forth violations which may be raised as affirmative
defense in foreclosure action. Bankers Life Co. v Denton (1983, 3d Dist) 120 Ill App 3d
576, 76 Ill Dec 64, 458 NE2d 203.
WHAT IS A Federally related mortgage loan?
Pursuant to HUD Regulation X reported at 24 CFR Part 3500 and specifically Section
3500.2(b), Federally related mortgage loan or mortgage loan means as follows:
(i) That is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property, including a
refinancing of any secured loan on residential real property upon which there is either:
(A) Located or, following settlement, will be constructed using proceeds of the loan, a
structure or structures designed principally for occupancy of from one to four families
(including individual units of condominiums and cooperatives and including any related
interests, such as a share in the cooperative or right to occupancy of the unit); or
(B) Located or, following settlement, will be placed using proceeds of the loan, a
manufactured home; and
(A) Is made in whole or in part by any lender that is either regulated by or whose
deposits or accounts are insured by any agency of the Federal Government;
(B) Is made in whole or in part, or is insured, guaranteed, supplemented, or assisted in
(2) Under or in connection with a housing or urban development program administered
by the Secretary or a housing or related program administered by any other officer or
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 36
(C) Is intended to be sold by the originating lender to the Federal National Mortgage
Association, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (or its successors), or a financial institution from which the loan is
to be purchased by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (or its successors);
(D) Is made in whole or in part by a ``creditor'', as defined in section 103(f)
of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1602(f)), that makes or invests in
residential real estate loans aggregating more than $1,000,000 per year. For purposes
of this definition, the term ``creditor'' does not include any agency or instrumentality of
any State, and the term ``residential real estate loan'' means any loan secured by
residential real property, including single-family and multifamily residential property;
(E) Is the subject of a home equity conversion mortgage, also frequently called a
``reverse mortgage,'' issued by any maker of mortgage loans specified in paragraphs
(1)(ii) (A) through (D) of this definition.
(2) Any installment sales contract, land contract, or contract for deed on otherwise
qualifying residential property is a federally related mortgage loan if the contract is
funded in whole or in part by proceeds of a loan made by any maker of mortgage loans
specified in paragraphs (1)(ii) (A) through (D) of this definition.
1. Mortgage must extend to borrower all reasonable means of forbearance,
including an opportunity to apply for a mortgage foreclosure avoidance workout and a
consideration of a temporary suspension of borrowers payments or extension of the
loan. 38 U.S.C. 36.4300 to 36.4393
2. The purpose of the VA Housing Loan Program is to enable veterans to
obtain home loans and to minimize the risk of foreclosure and the loss of home
ownership. U.S. v. Shimer, 367 U.S. 374, 383 (1961);
3. 38 U.S.C. 36.4346(a) and the VA Handbook H26-94-1 requires
Mortgagees to establish a delinquent loan servicing program which, among other things,
provides a process to:
a. have a collection staff trained in techniques of loan servicing and
counseling delinquent borrowers, including the pursuit of alternatives to foreclosure
available to counsel borrowers in their status as delinquent;
b. have guidelines for individual analysis of delinquent borrowers;
c. establish timely, helpful and responsive telephone contact with the
delinquent borrowers to determine why payments were not made on the mortgage;
alternatively, arrange a face-to-face interview with the delinquent borrower to solicit
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 37
information to evaluate the prospects for curing the mortgage default including
determining whether the granting of forbearance or other such relief would be
appropriate to assist the borrower in avoiding foreclosure and avoiding the loss of home
ownership by a veteran and that veterans family;
d. make a reasonable effort to determine the reason for the borrowers
default and whether such reason is temporary or permanent, the income of the borrower
and their monthly household and debt expenses and obligations leading to a realistic
and mutually satisfactory arrangement for curing the default;
e. employ collection techniques flexible to adapt to delinquent borrowers
The Veterans Administration published a Lenders Handbook detailing the
policies and procedures to be followed by lending institutions participating in
government insured VA loans. The provisions of the VA Handbook create an equitable
obligation on the part of the lender to provide the servicing functions described in the
handbook. The consideration for this lender obligation is their ability to participate in the
profits and guarantees of the government-insured loan program. Union National Bank
of Little Rock v. Cobbs, 389 Pa. Super. 509, 567 A.2d 719 (1989).
The Veterans Administration Lenders Handbook Part I Section F.1.c. provides the
Extent of Servicing The VA does not prescribe in detail the manner in which loans
should be serviced. However, holders are expected to follow or to require their
servicing agents to follow accepted standards of loan servicing, such as are employed
by prudent lenders generally in servicing their portfolios of similar type conventional
loans. Good judgment must be exercised in each case, according to particular facts
and circumstances. In almost every case, this must be accomplished by direct contact
(i.e., telephone conversation or personal visit) with the borrower, so that the reasons for
the default can be discussed frankly and the possible alternatives for curing the default
can be explored thoroughly ...
The guaranty or insurance of a loan by the VA is based upon the agreement that
adequate loan servicing will be performed.
Forbearance. It is the policy of the VA, consistent with the beneficial nature of the law,
to encourage holders to extend all reasonable forbearance in the event a borrower
becomes unable to met the terms of a loan ... Accordingly, the regulations give the
holder broad discretion in extending or recasting the terms of repayment in order to cure
a default or to avoid imminent default ... . VA Handbook at page 47
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 38
Minimizing Losses. When it becomes apparent during the course of servicing a
defaulted loan that the situation is hopeless, every effort should be made to minimize
the ultimate loss of all parties concerned. Borrowers in such cases should be urged to
sell their property in order to realize any equity and to avoid termination of loans. A
number of cases may be thus resolved without the necessity of filing a claim or forcing
liquidation of the security... VA Handbook Section F.1.c
Mortgagees who participate in the VA insured program are directed by regulations to
follow specific VA servicing guidelines in dealing with mortgagors. These servicing
regulations appear at 38 C.F.R. 36.4201. Based on these regulations, the VA issued
VA Pamphlet 26-7 dated September 15, 1977. See VA Phamplet 26-7, Lenders
Handbook Union National Bank v. Cobbs, 389 Pa. Super. 510, 511 567 A.2d
719,720.
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac http://www.allregs.com
1. Prior to foreclosure, the mortgagee must provide access to debt
management and relief to borrowers facing temporary financial problems. Such relief
must include, among other things, temporary indulgence, a liquidating plan, and special
forbearance designed to avoid residential foreclosure of single family loans secured by
and/or underwritten by Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.
2. Mortgagee must pursue effective foreclosure prevention strategies by
evaluating the particular circumstances surrounding the borrowers default; the
borrowers capacity to pay the monthly payment amount or a modified payment amount;
ascertain the reason for the borrowers default, and the extent of the borrowers interest
in keeping the property.
3. Mortgagee must contact the borrower before the 30th day of the
delinquency to evaluate foreclosure prevention strategies and must inform the borrower
in writing about the applicable foreclosure alternatives in a timely fashion;
4. Fannie Maes special foreclosure prevention workout programs can
include and allows for a restructuring of the loan allowing the borrower to pay out
delinquent installments or advances to bring the mortgage current or to reduce or
suspend the monthly mortgage payments for a specific period to allow the borrower
time to recover from a financial hardship.
Conventional loans The National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 1701x(c)(5) requires
Mortgagees to advise borrowers of any home ownership counseling the Mortgagee
offers together with information about counseling offered by the U.S. Department of
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 39
2. Mortgagee cannot legally pursue foreclosure unless and until the
Mortgagee demonstrates compliance with 12 U.S.C. 1701x(c)(5) which creates an
affirmative legal duty on the part of the Mortgagee to comply with these regulations pre-
litigation. Non-compliance is an actionable event that affects Mortgagees ability to
carry out this foreclosure.
12 USCS 1701x Assistance with respect to housing for low-and moderate
(5) Notification of availability of homeownership counseling.
(A) (i) Requirement. Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the creditor of a loan
(or proposed creditor) shall provide notice under clause (ii) to (I) any eligible homeowner
who fails to pay any amount by the date the amount is due under a home loan, and (II)
any applicant for a mortgage described in paragraph (4).
(ii) Content. Notification under this subparagraph shall--
(I) notify the homeowner or mortgage applicant of the availability of any
homeownership counseling offered by the creditor (or proposed creditor);
(III) notify the homeowner or mortgage applicant of the availability of
homeownership counseling provided by nonprofit organizations approved by the
Secretary and experienced in the provision of homeownership counseling, or provide
the toll-free telephone number described in subparagraph (D)(i); and
(IV) notify the homeowner by a statement or notice, written in plain English by
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Secretary of
Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury, explaining the mortgage and foreclosure
rights of servicemembers, and the dependents of such servicemembers, under the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 501 et seq.), including the toll-
free military one source number to call if servicemembers, or the dependents of
such servicemembers, require further assistance.
(B) Deadline for notification. The notification required in subparagraph (A) shall be
(ii) before the expiration of the 45-day period beginning on the date on which the
failure referred to in such subparagraph occurs.
(C) Notification. Notification under subparagraph (A) shall not be required with
respect to any loan for which the eligible homeowner pays the amount overdue before
the expiration of the 45-day period under subparagraph (B)(ii).
(6) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection:
(A) The term "creditor" means a person or entity that is servicing a home loan on
behalf of itself or another person or entity.
(B) The term "eligible homeowner" means a homeowner eligible for counseling
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 40
(C) The term "home loan" means a loan secured by a mortgage or lien on
(E) The term "residential property" means a 1-family residence, including a 1-
family unit in a condominium project, a membership interest and occupancy agreement
in a cooperative housing project, and a manufactured home and the lot on which the
home is situated.
(7) Regulations. The Secretary shall issue any regulations that are necessary to carry
50 U.S.C. App. 501-596
Effective December 19, 2003
Purposes of the SCRA:
(1) to provide for, strengthen, and expedite the national defense through protection
extended by this Act to servicemembers of the United States to enable such persons to
devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation; and
(2) to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings
and transactions that may adversely affect the civil rights of servicemembers during
Prevents default judgment except in accordance with its provisions
Reduces interest rates on some obligations to 6%
Gives consumers anticipatory relief option without filing bankruptcy
All Reserve and National Guard members
2004 TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS
Judgment defined: Any judgment, decree, order or ruling, final or temporary.
Waivers of SCRA protections must be in separate writing, not less than 12 point type
Stay provisions (Sec. 522) apply to both plaintiffs and defendants
Default judgments and stays --521, 522, 524, 525
Fines & Penalties in contracts - 523
Statutes of Limitation --526
Maximum rate of interest - 527
Title III (531-538)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 41
Substantive protections against evictions, termination of installment contracts,
foreclosure on mortgages and termination of leases by lessees, protection to
DEFINITIONS -- 511
Servicemember Active Duty Military of 5 services -
includes Reserves and Guard under Title 10
National Guard under 32 U.S.C. 502(f)
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Officers
SMs spouse or child
Person that SM provided more than 1/2 support for 180 days preceding application for
relief under act
All Courts -- including bankruptcy
All Administrative Agencies whether or not of record
SCRA applies to all courts & administrative agencies federal, state and
SCRA applies to civil cases only
PERSONS SECONDARILY LIABLE -- 513
If court grants relief (stay, postponement, suspension of obligation) to servicemember,
the relief may also be granted to persons primarily or secondarily liable with the SM
Members of Reserve component entitled to protection of SCRA from receipt of
WAIVER OF RIGHTS -- 517
Member may waive protections
Waiver must be in a separate writing
Mortgage, trust, deed, lien, other security
Repossession, retention, foreclosure, sale, forfeiture, taking possession of property
Must be made during or after period of service
NON-DISCRIMINATION -- 518
Claiming rights under SCRA cannot be basis for:
Determination by lender that the member is unable to pay
Denial or revocation of credit
Change in terms of existing credit arrangement
Refusal to grant credit to the member
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 42
Refusal by insurer to insure member
Identifying SM as member of NG or Reserve
Changing the conditions or terms of insurance
LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES --519
An attorney acting on the behalf of a Servicemember; or
An individual possessing a power of attorney
Legal representative can take the same actions as a Servicemember
514 - Citizens of the U.S. serving with allied forces if service similar to military
538 - Dependents of SM if dependents ability to comply is materially affected by SMs
military service they may apply for the protections
If unable to determine status - court may require plaintiff to post bond
If defendant is a military member, court cannot enter default judgment until attorney is
appointed to represent military member
STAY PROVISION OF 521
If defendant is in military, court SHALL stay proceedings
Minimum 90 Days on application of counsel or courts own motion
Court must determine that there may be a defense that cannot be presented without
presence of defendant; or after due diligence counsel has been unable to contact
defendant or otherwise determine if a meritorious defense exists
If Real Party in Interest is Not the Servicemember = No Stay
Court SHALL reopen a default judgment entered while SM on active duty or within 60
days thereafter, when SM applies while on active duty or within 90 days thereafter, and
shows material affect, plus meritorious defense
BONA FIDE purchasers protected
Temporary delay in civil actions until servicemember can appear during period of
service plus 90 days
Automatic 90 day stay if: SM shows military duty materially affects ability to appear, and
date when can appear
Commanding officer writes letter stating duty prevents appearance and leave not
Application for a stay under 522 does not constitute an appearance for jurisdictional
purposes and does not constitute a waiver of any substantive or procedural defense
(including a defense relating to lack of personal jurisdiction)
SM may apply for additional stay based on continuing material affect of military duty on
SMs ability to participate in the litigation
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 43
FINES & PENALTIES -- 523
NO penalties under a contract if performance stayed by Court, and if no stay --
Court may reduce or waive fine or penalty if
SM was in military service at time of fine/penalty
Performance materially affected by military service
STAY OR VACATION OF JUDGMENTS -- 524
If military service materially affects compliance with judgment or order:
Court SHALL on application of SM Stay execution;
Court may also act on its own motion
DURATION OF STAYS --525
May be for the period of service plus 90 days, or any part thereof
Court may set the terms and amounts of any installment payments
Plaintiff may proceed against any codefendants not in military service with court
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS--526
Period of Military Service NOT included: In any period limited by law, regulation or order
to bring any action or proceeding (including redemption of real property) by or against
SM or heirs or assigns
Does not apply to IRS
MAXIMUM RATE OF INTEREST--527
PRE-SERVICE loans incurred by SM, or SM and spouse jointly
Cap of 6% per annum; all excess FORGIVEN
Have to recompute payments at 6% rate
Cap rescinded if creditor shows no material affect
SM must give written notice w/copy of orders
Private right of action Cathey v. First Republic Bank
ENFORCE 6% CAP
Notify Lender - See Section 527(b)(1) Notice
Moll v. Ford Consumer Finance and Cathey v. First Republic Bank
EVICTIONS & DISTRESS--531
Can ONLY evict upon court order: no self-help
Applies to SM or dependents
Ability to pay materially affected by service
Court SHALL stay for minimum 90 days, or
Adjust the obligations
Criminal sanctions for violation
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 44
Dependents have right to invoke
INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS FOR PURCHASE OR LEASE --532
In event of breach of contract, no termination or repossession of property without court
Applies to pre-service obligation
Purchase, lease, or bailment of real or personal property
Payment or deposit made prior to service
Misdemeanor offense for violation
After hearing, a court may order repayment to SM to terminate contract, or
SHALL stay the proceeding if SMs ability to comply is materially affected
Length of stay determined by Court
May stay on courts own motion
TAXES RESPECTING PERSONAL & REAL PROPERTY -- 561
Tax or assessment falls due and is unpaid which arose before or during military service
on Real Property occupied by SM, dependents, or employees before entry into military
service, and during period of service tax remains unpaid
Court can order sale only if no material affect
Court may stay for period of service plus 180 days
SM has right to redeem for service plus 180 days
ANTICIPATORY RELIEF-- 591
Anticipatory relief available for: pre-service obligations; or taxes or assessments arising
during period of service
Contract for purchase of real property or secured by mortgage
Court can stay enforcement of obligation during military service plus period equal to
period of military service plus remaining period of obligation
Deferred payments must be paid over extension period plus new payments as they
Must show material affect
Apply during service or within 180 days after
No penalties may be imposed for claiming protections of SCRA
Liberal construction is the rule
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 45
Mortgagee Letter 2006-28
SUBJECT: Mortgage and Foreclosure Rights of Servicemembers under the
This Mortgagee Letter provides information regarding a new legal requirement to notify
homeowners in default of the mortgage and foreclosure rights of servicemembers and
their dependents under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It also provides
guidance regarding the implementation of SCRA requirements in servicing FHA-insured
mortgages. This guidance supersedes prior Mortgagee letters ML 2003-04, Soldiers
and Sailors Civil Relief Act and ML 01-22, The Effect of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil
Relief Act of 1940 on FHA Insured Mortgages. However, the guidance provided in ML
91-20, Effect of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940 on FHA Insured
Mortgages remains valid with respect to the calculation of Section 235 subsidy...
To read this mortgagee letter in its entirety, please visit:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mltrmenu.cfm select 2006 letters and click on the letter
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 46
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 47
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 48
Insights June 2007
Improving Contact with Borrowers
Some servicers hire staff to go door-to-door to contact late-paying borrowers. These
individuals are trained to explain repayment options to borrowers and provide a
brochure explaining these options. The door knockers carry cell phones so they can
contact the loss mitigation and collections departments at the bank when they have
reached a delinquent borrower. This method can result in the door knocker putting
the borrower in direct contact with the servicers loss mitigation staff. They generally
attempt to make contact with the borrower well before the loan is 90 days delinquent.
12 See 15 USC 1692a et seq. Servicers making direct contact with delinquent borrowers and any counseling agencies
acting on behalf of servicers should consider the applicability of the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
1. FAILURE TO STATE CAUSE OF ACTION; PLAINTIFF DOES NOT HAVE
STANDING PLAINTIFF IS NOT REAL PARTY IN INTEREST : The exhibits attached
to Plaintiffs second amended complaint are inconsistent with Plaintiffs allegations as to
ownership of the subject promissory note and mortgage on the date this foreclosure
action was commenced. Plaintiffs have failed to establish that plaintiffs are real parties
in interest and have failed to state a cause of action.
a. The HUD insured promissory note that is the subject of this foreclosure action
is not a negotiable instrument and therefore is not subject to transfer by endorsement
because the note directly and specifically incorporates and directly references and
applies federal regulations issued by HUD that limit the Lenders rights of acceleration,
collection and foreclosure in the case of a borrowers default. The application,
incorporation and reference to the HUD federal regulations which set out specific default
loan servicing and loss mitigation requirements imposed on the lender renders the note
nonnegotiable under the Uniform Commercial Code.
b. The HUD insured promissory note has a boxed FHA case number and states,
in pertinent part, under the section on borrowers failure to pay:
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 49
If Borrower defaults by failing to pay in full any monthly payment,
then Lender may, except as limited by regulations of the Secretary in the case of
payment defaults, require immediate paymentThis Note does not authorize
acceleration when not permitted by HUD regulations. As used in this Note, Secretary
means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
c. It is plain on the face of the HUD insured promissory note at issue in this
foreclosure that is attached to the plaintiffs second amended complaint that the note
does not contain just an unconditional promise to pay. The resulting uncertainty
presented by the terms of the note that specifically apply, incorporate and reference the
HUD regulations defeat any argument that the note is a negotiable instrument subject to
transfer via endorsement.
d. Therefore, the Uniform Commercial Code, F.S.Chapter 673 does not apply to
transfer or enforce the promissory note at issue in this foreclosure action. Nagel v.
Cronebaugh, 782 So. 2d 436 (Fla. 5th DCA 2001), citing United Natl Bank of Miami v.
Airport Plaza Ltd. Partnership, 537 So. 2d 608,609 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988); Thompson v.
First Union National Bank, 643 So.2d 1179 (Fla. 5th DCA 1994); See also, Bankers
Trust v. 236 Beltway Investment, Inc., 865 F. Supp. 1186 (E.D. Va. 1994).
e. The HUD insured promissory note is conditional because it is subject to and
governed by the HUD default loan servicing and loss mitigation regulations. The court
cannot determine the obligations required of the person promising to pay or the person
requiring payment without reference to the HUD regulations. As a result, the note is not
an unconditional promise, is not a negotiable instrument and is not subject to transfer by
endorsement. Fla. Stat. 673.1041.
f. Under Section 3-106(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code a promise or order
is [conditional if it] is subject to or governed by another record, or [the] rights or
obligations with respect to the promise or order are stated in another record. Fla. Stat.
673.1061.
g. To determine whether an instrument meets negotiable instrument definition
of Uniform Commercial Code, only [the] instrument itself may be looked to, not other
documents, even when other documents are referred to in instrument. First State Bank
at Gallup v. Clark, 570 P.2d 1144 (N.M. 1977); Amberboy v. Societe de Banque Privee,
831 S.W.2d 793, 794 (Tex. 1992); Walls v. Morris Chevrolet, Inc., 515 P.2d 1405, 1407
(Okl. App. 1973).
h. No instrument can be negotiable which (1) is subject to another agreement,
(2) refers to another agreement for the rights of the parties, or (3) incorporates another
agreement. Hawkland, Uniform Commercial Code Services 3-105:2. See also, Holly
Hill Acres, Ltd. v. Charter Bank of Gainesville, 314 So. 2d 209, 210-11 (Fla.2
1975) (holding that the incorporation of the terms of a separate writing makes the
promissory note a non-negotiable, conditional promise to pay); Hawkland, Uniform
Commercial Code Services 3-105:2; Dzikowski v. Moreno (In re V.O.C. Analytical
Labs., Inc.) 263 B.R. 156, 160-61 (S.D. Fla. 2001); (The phrase "subject to" or words to
that effect are fatal to negotiability, regardless of the actual provisions of the other
document.) Hawkland, Uniform Commercial Code Services 3-105:2; 28; (An order or
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 50
promise is conditional if either the instrument states that the rights or obligations of the
parties are defined or stated in another writing or that the rights or obligations of the
parties are subject to the terms of another writing.) Anderson, Uniform Commercial
Code 3-106:8 [Rev].
2. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE HUD SINGLE FAMILY
DEFAULT LOAN SERVICING REQUIREMENTS/ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT: Both the HUD insured promissory note and mortgage
that are the subject of this foreclosure action directly and specifically apply, incorporate
and refer to federal regulations issued by HUD that directly limit the plaintiffs rights to
accelerate and foreclose in the case of a borrowers default. The provisions in both the
note and the mortgage direct the plaintiff to engage in special default loan servicing and
loss mitigation in its efforts to collect this debt to avoid foreclosure.
(a) Default: Lender may, except as limited by regulations
issued by the Secretary in the case of payment defaults, require immediate payment
(d) Regulations of HUD Secretary. In many circumstances
regulations issued by the Secretary will limit Lenders rights in the case of payment
defaults to require immediate payment in full and foreclose if not paid. This Security
Instrument does not authorize acceleration or foreclosure if not permitted by regulations
b. Defendant affirmatively defends this foreclosure based on the Plaintiffs failure
to comply with the forbearance, mortgage modification, and other foreclosure prevention
loan servicing requirements imposed on Plaintiffs and the subject FHA mortgage by
federal regulations promulgated by HUD, pursuant to the National Housing Act, 12
U.S.C. 1710(a). As a result, Plaintiffs have failed to establish compliance with a
statutory and contractual condition precedent to this foreclosure because of Plaintiffs
failure to comply with the federal regulations, as set out herein:
1.. Defendant defaulted on this FHA insured residential mortgage which
is the subject of this cause due to reasons beyond her control.
2. Defendant suffered severe a severe financial hardship as a result of
her ex-husband illegally entering her home on November 8, 2002 and causing extensive
physical damage to the subject property.
3. Defendant was forced to move out of her home as a result of the
damage, but she continued to make her mortgage payments for six months while
repairs were under way.
4. Defendant suffered another economic setback and hardship in January
2004 when her car was stolen by her ex-husband.
5. Defendant had to pay for the extraordinary repairs to her vehicle.
6. These circumstances caused the defendant to suffer severe financial
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 51
7. At all times defendant informed and notified the servicer of the subject
mortgage loan about her financial hardship and circumstances.
8. Defendant was in frequent contact with plaintiffs agents,
representatives and employees through Homesavers USA and she informed all parties,
through her contacts and communications with the servicer of her loan of her financial
hardship, her requests for loss mitigation and acceptable terms by which defendant
could reinstate her mortgage.
9. Plaintiffs failed to offer any reasonable offer for or accommodation of
loss mitigation in light of the defendants severe economic circumstances.
10. Defendant timely informed plaintiffs of her extreme hardships, the
nature of dependency on her income, and necessity that plaintiffs not demand
excessive payments in order to work out a modification.
11. Defendant made it clear to the servicer of her home loan that she
could not afford to pay if the plaintiffs demanded hefty increases in her monthly
payment amount in a loan workout.
12. This defendant was taken advantage of by Homesavers, who was
acting at all times as an agent, employee and/or representative of the plaintiffs in the
servicing of the defendants home loan.
13. The interaction between the defendant and Homesavers is not fairly
or accurately characterized as working with because of the failure of Homesavers to
follow the applicable default loan servicing obligations imposed on the plaintiffs.
14. Plaintiffs failed to properly service the defendants federally insured
home loan under the troubled loan servicing regulations imposed on this HUD insured
loan because Plaintiffs failed to offer this defendant any reasonable opportunity for loss
mitigation in light of the defendants severe economic hardships which were not of her
making or under her control.
15. Defendant informed plaintiffs of her financial circumstances and
extreme economic hardship and the need to be able to access a loan workout that was
based on her actual financial circumstances.
16. Instead of providing this defendant with realistic and reasonable loss
mitigation designed to avoid foreclosure, plaintiffs just demanded that defendant agree
to pay excessive payments in order to avoid foreclosure and the loss of her home.
17. Defendant made it clear to the servicer of her home loan that she
could not afford to pay hefty increase in her monthly payment amount that the plaintiffs
were demanding in a loan workout.
18. The plaintiffs did not evaluate the loan for purposes of modification
pursuant to the applicable and controlling federal servicing regulations, but instead,
plaintiffs failed and refused to provide this defendant with access to a modification or
workout of the subject mortgage reasonably as required by federal law.
19. The plaintiffs knew that the payment demands that the plaintiffs made
on the defendant during this difficult time were financially impossible for the defendant
to meet and that such demands were threatening, harassing, completely unreasonable
and totally beyond the defendants means.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 52
20. The plaintiffs did not properly evaluate this defendants troubled loan
for purposes of foreclosure avoidance because when the Defendant defaulted on her
loan due to reasons beyond her control, the plaintiffs failed to adapt their collection and
loan servicing practices to this Defendants individual circumstances.
21. The Plaintiffs also did not make a reasonable effort as required by
federal law to arrange a face to face meeting with the Defendant before three full
monthly installments were unpaid as required by 24
22. The Plaintiffs failed to evaluate all available loss mitigation techniques
and failed to re-evaluate these techniques each month after the defendant missed
23. The plaintiffs failed to properly evaluate this defendants loan for
troubled loan servicing and failed to provide defendant with proper access to evaluation
for a loan modification or for forbearance by the act of filing this foreclosure before
offering Defendant any of the federally required foreclosure avoidance options.
24. Plaintiffs ignored their obligation to provide the defendant access to
her legal right to receive to default loan servicing pursuant to the controlling federal laws
and regulations that govern her HUD insured home loan.
25. Plaintiffs denied this defendant her right to receive forbearance,
mortgage modification, and other foreclosure prevention loan services before the
initiation of this foreclosure action.
26. Plaintiffs failed and refused to provide this defendant with access to
reasonable forbearance during the time she was forced out of her home due to
27. Defendant made it clear to plaintiffs that she needed all the financial
reprieve that she could gain under the troubled loan servicing protocol set out in the
federal law and regulations that apply to her federally insured home loan.
28. The documents that the plaintiffs sent to this defendant were unfairly
and deceptively characterized as a loan modification.
29. The plaintiffs failed to offer a loan modification to the defendant that
followed the applicable default loan servicing requirements; failed to take into account
this defendants financial circumstances; failed to address or deal with the legitimate
disputes and issues this defendant has raised concerning the balance due under the
terms of the subject mortgage loan.
30. The documents that the plaintiffs sent to this defendant in response to
her request for special troubled loan services is evidence of the plaintiffs illegal and
wrongful failure to comply with the servicing obligations imposed under federal law.
31. The plaintiffs failed to offer defendant access to a loan modification,
forbearance, workout, loss mitigation or other relief that complied with the HUD default
loan servicing requirements.
32. The Defendant made every reasonable attempt to get back on track in
regards to the payment of her mortgage taking into account her financial difficulties and
hardship which were due to reasons beyond her control.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 53
c. The Plaintiffs were required under federal law to adapt its collection and loan
servicing practices to Defendants individual circumstances and failed to do so.
d. The Plaintiffs did not make a reasonable effort as required by federal law to
arrange a face to face meeting with Defendant before three full monthly installments
were unpaid. 24 C.F.R. 203.604.
e. The Plaintiffs were required by federal law to evaluate all available loss
mitigation techniques and to re-evaluate these techniques each month after default and
failed to do so. 24 C.F.R. 203.605.
f. HUD has determined that the requirements of 24 C.F.R. Part 203(C) are to be
followed before any mortgagee commences foreclosure.
g. Plaintiffs have no valid cause of action for foreclosure against defendant unless
and until Plaintiffs can demonstrate compliance with the regulations in 24 C.F.R. Part
h. As a result, Defendant was denied access to the foreclosure prevention
services and the mortgage servicing options that the plaintiffs are obligated to follow in
servicing this federally insured home loan which are designed to avoid foreclosure of
this HUD insured mortgage.
i. Defendant did everything she could to keep up with her monthly mortgage
j. Defendant was initially sued in September, 2004 when the defendant was less
than 6 months behind on her mortgage and after defendant had made every reasonable
effort to access forbearance and loan modification based reduced payments.
k. This entire foreclosure and all the extra costs and fees associated therewith
were supposed to be avoided by and through the good faith and timely provision of
default loan servicing and loss mitigation assistance which the defendant was entitled to
receive and which the plaintiffs were obligated to provide under federal law and under
the specific terms of the subject mortgage and note.
l. Plaintiffs denied this defendant any opportunity to access a legitimate HUD
required process to avoid this foreclosure.
3. UNCLEAN HANDS/ESTOPPEL: The Plaintiffs come to Court with unclean
hands and are prohibited by reason thereof from obtaining the equitable relief of
foreclosure from this Court as set forth in the defendants statement of facts contained
in affirmative defense no. 2 incorporated herein. The Plaintiffs unclean hands result
from the Plaintiffs intentional and reckless failure to properly service this mortgage
pursuant to the applicable federal regulations and the contract between the parties
before filing this foreclosure action. Plaintiffs intentionally failed to offer Defendant
access to the special default loan servicing for financially troubled borrowers that the
applicable federal law and the contract between the parties require including
moratorium, forbearance and loan modification. As a matter of equity, this Court should
refuse to foreclose this mortgage because acceleration of the note would be inequitable,
unjust, and the circumstances of this case render acceleration unconscionable. This
Court should refuse the acceleration and deny foreclosure because Plaintiffs have
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 54
waived the right to acceleration or are estopped from doing so because of intentionally
misleading and reckless conduct and unfulfilled conditions.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests the Court dismiss the Plaintiffs second
amended Complaint with prejudice, and for all other relief to which this Defendant
proves herself entitled including an award of reasonable attorneys fees and costs in this
4. FAILURE OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING: UNFAIR AND
UNACCEPTABLE LOAN SERVICING: Plaintiffs intentionally failed to act in good faith
or to deal fairly with this Defendant by failing to follow the requirements of the HUD
mandated standards of residential single family mortgage lending and servicing as
described in these Affirmative Defenses thereby denying this Defendant access to the
residential mortgage servicing protocols applicable to the subject note and mortgage.
5. ILLEGAL CHARGES ADDED TO BALANCE: Plaintiffs have charged and/or
collected payments from Defendant for attorney fees, legal fees, foreclosure costs,
advances, and other fees and charges that are not authorized by or in conformity with
the terms of the subject note and mortgage. Plaintiffs wrongfully added and continue to
unilaterally add these illegal charges to the balance that the Plaintiffs claim is due and
owing under the subject note and mortgage.
Count I - Declaratory and Injunctive Relief
1. This is Defendants action for declaratory and injunctive relief against the
2. Defendant reasserts and alleges, as her statement of facts, Affirmative
Defense No. 2 and 5 as stated above.
3. Defendant contends that the Plaintiffs have no right to pursue this foreclosure
because the Plaintiffs have failed to first provide the defendant with the special troubled
home loan servicing of this FHA insured residential mortgage in accordance with the
terms of the note and mortgage and the applicable federal regulations at 24 C.F.R. Part
203 Subpart C prior to filing this foreclosure action.
4. Defendant contends that she has a right to receive forbearance, mortgage
modification, and other foreclosure prevention loan services from the Plaintiffs pursuant
to and in accordance with the federal regulations before the commencement or initiation
of this foreclosure action.
5. Defendant is in doubt as to her rights and status as a borrower under the
National Housing Act and the above described federal regulations made applicable to
and incorporated in the subject mortgage as a result of the Plaintiffs failure to service
the subject loan pursuant to the contract and the applicable federal law and because the
Defendant is now being subjected to this foreclosure action, all of which the Defendant
contends are illegal acts and omissions of Plaintiffs.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 55
6. Defendant is being denied and deprived by Plaintiffs of her right to access
the special troubled mortgage servicing required under the federal statute and
regulations and the subject note and mortgage. Defendant is being illegally subjected
to this foreclosure action, being forced to defend same, being charged illegal and
predatory court costs and related fees and attorney fees, and is having her credit
slandered and negatively affected, all of which constitute irreparable harm to this
Defendant for the purpose of injunctive relief.
7.As a proximate result of the Plaintiffs unlawful actions, Defendant continues
to suffer the irreparable harm described above for which monetary compensation is
8. Defendant has a right to access the special troubled home loan servicing
prescribed by the federal regulations and the contract which is being denied by the
9.There is a substantial likelihood that Defendant will prevail on the merits of
her counterclaim.
amended Complaint with prejudice, enter a judgment pursuant to Fla. Stat. 86 declaring
that the Plaintiffs provide Defendant with access to the special servicing provided in the
applicable federal regulations and required by the contract and enjoining the Plaintiffs
from charging foreclosure fees and costs and from commencing or pursuing this
foreclosure until such servicing is provided and for all other relief to which this
Defendant proves herself entitled including an award of reasonable attorneys fees and
costs in this action.
Count II - Consumer Collections Act Violation
Defendant reasserts and alleges, as her statement of facts, Affirmative Defense
No. 2 and 5 as stated above.
10. Defendant is a consumer and the obligation between the parties which is the
debt owed pursuant to the subject note and mortgage is a consumer debt as defined in
Fla. Stat. Section 559.55(1).
11. Fla. Stat. Section 559.72(9) provides: Prohibited Practices generally:
(9) claim, attempt, or threaten to enforce a debt
when such person knows that the debt is not legitimate
or assert the existence of some other legal right when such
person knows that the right does not exist.
12. Plaintiffs engaged and continues to engage in consumer collection conduct
which violates Fla. Stat. Section 559.72(g) in the following and other particulars:
a. Plaintiffs continue to enforce this debt and pursue this foreclosure action
even though the Plaintiffs know that no such right exists and this foreclosure action is
threatening and premature because the Plaintiffs have not serviced this federally
insured home loan pursuant to or in compliance with the special foreclosure prevention
loan servicing federal regulations.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 56
b. The Plaintiffs continue to claim, attempt, and threaten to enforce this debt
through acceleration and foreclosure when the Plaintiffs know that such conduct is
premature and in bad faith because such right does not yet exist as Plaintiffs have failed
to meet the contractual and statutory conditions precedent to asserting their right to
collect this home loan debt through foreclosure contained in the subject mortgage and
13. Defendant, as a proximate result of Plaintiffs acts and conduct described
above, has sustained economic damage for which the Defendant is entitled to
compensation from the Plaintiffs pursuant to Fla. Stat. Section 559.77.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests this Court dismiss the Plaintiffs second
amended complaint with prejudice and award this Defendant actual or statutory
damages, whichever is greater, attorneys fees and costs, and for all other relief to
which this Court finds Defendant entitled.
Defendant asserts and alleges her second and fifth affirmative defenses and
paragraph 12 of her counterclaims set forth hereinabove as her Statement of Facts
14. Plaintiffs owed Defendant a fiduciary duty and obligation under the subject
note and mortgage to, among other things, act in good faith and in the best interest of
Defendant by providing the defendant with the special troubled home loan servicing of
this FHA insured residential mortgage in accordance with the terms of the note and
mortgage and the applicable federal regulations at 24 C.F.R. Part 203 Subpart C prior
to filing this foreclosure action.
15. Plaintiffs failed, refused and/or neglected to carry out their fiduciary
obligations owed to Defendant in connection with the servicing of the subject federally
16. As a result of the plaintiffs breach of fiduciary duty, Defendant has sustained
monetary damage which includes having to defend this foreclosure and being charged
illegal and predatory servicing charges, court costs and related fees and attorneys fees,
having her credit slandered and negatively affected.
amended complaint with prejudice and award this defendant judgment against the
plaintiffs for her damages, for an award of attorneys fees and for all other relief as the
COUNT IV: Breach of Obligations of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Defendant asserts and alleges her second and fifth affirmative defense and
17. Plaintiffs owe defendant a duty implied in the note and mortgage to act in
good faith and to deal fairly with defendant by providing the defendant with the special
troubled home loan servicing of this FHA insured residential mortgage in accordance
with the terms of the note and mortgage and the applicable federal regulations at 24
C.F.R. Part 203 Subpart C prior to filing this foreclosure action.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 57
18. Plaintiffs materially breached their duties of good faith and fair dealing as
described hereinabove proximately resulting in damage to defendant as described
plaintiff for her damages, for an award of attorneys fees and for all other relief as the
Defendant hereby demands trial by jury.
REQUEST NO. 1: All documents in Plaintiffs possession or available to Plaintiff that
establish the plaintiffs standing to bring this foreclosure action, including but not limited to:
communications, notes, memoranda and records concerning the note and mortgage that are the subject of
this action, including attorney fee contracts.
B. Copies of all receipts for payments made by or to and/or received by the plaintiff concerning
the note and mortgage that are the subject of this foreclosure action.
REQUEST NO. 2: All documents in Plaintiffs possession or available to Plaintiff that
establish that the plaintiff is the legal, beneficial or equitable owner of the promissory note that is the
subject of this foreclosure action.
REQUEST NO. 3: All documents in Plaintiffs possession or available to Plaintiff that
establish the plaintiff is the servicer of the loan that is the subject of this foreclosure action.
REQUEST NO. 4: All documents in Plaintiffs possession or available to Plaintiff that identify
what entity or entities are the beneficial owner of the subject promissory note that is the subject of this
REQUEST NO. 5: Copies of any communications and/or documents evidencing instructions
and/or directions that the Plaintiff has received concerning the filing of this foreclosure action.
REQUEST NO. 6: Copies of all internal memoranda, instructional or operational memoranda,
training materials and any other materials or documents created or distributed by Plaintiff and/or in the
plaintiffs possession relating to the filing of the subject foreclosure action by the Plaintiff.
REQUEST NO. 7: Copies of any other communication, notice, records, notes, internal
memoranda, or other documents relating to the filing of this foreclosure action by the Plaintiff.
REQUEST NO. 8: All contracts between you and any person or entity responsible for servicing
the Mortgage and/or the Note.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 58
REQUEST NO. 9: All documents in Plaintiffs possession or available to Plaintiff that
establish what entity, if not the plaintiff, that is the servicer of the loan that is the subject of this
INTEROGATORY NO. 1. State the name and address of all parties answering
or assisting in providing answers to these interrogatories.
INTEROGATORY NO. 2. Please state whether you claim to possess legal or
beneficial interest, or both interests, in the note or mortgage or both the note and
mortgage, and if so, explain why you so claim identifying any document(s) and
clauses therein which gives you the interest(s) you claim and specifying whether
you claim rights as an owner or holder of the note or both, and specifying any other
rights claimed. If you do not claim any such interest(s) or rights please explain
why you do not claim such interest(s).
INTEROGATORY NO. 3. Please state whether you claim to possess the
authority or power to file and pursue foreclosure of this note or mortgage or both,
and if so, explain why you so claim identifying any document(s) and clauses
therein which gives you the authority or power you claim. If you do not claim any
such authority or power please explain why you do not claim such authority or
INTEROGATORY NO. 4. Please state from what person or entity
(assignor) you took assignment of the note and/or mortgage specifying the
contact name, full legal name, address, and phone number of the assignor together
with the date you took assignment, and state the same information for any person
or entity to which the Loan was ever assigned.
INTEROGATORY NO. 5. Please state the date, amount and nature of and
fully describe the consideration or value given in exchange for each and every
assignment of the note and/or mortgage and identify from and to what person or
entity such consideration or value was given providing the contact name, full legal
name, address, and phone number of each such person or entity.
INTEROGATORY NO. 6. Please state all parties that took assignment of the
note and/or mortgage between the making of same and your taking assignment of
same and provide the contact name, full legal name, address, and phone number of
INTEROGATORY NO. 7. Please state whether between the time of making
the Loan and the time of your taking assignment of the note and/or mortgage the
original lender maintained ownership of the Loan.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 59
INTEROGATORY NO. 8. Please state whether and on what date the plaintiff
owned the note and/or mortgage, took assignment of the note and/or mortgage,
made an assignment of the note and/or mortgage, or had any interest in the note
and/or mortgage and specify the nature of the interest had on that date.
INTEROGATORY NO. 9. Please state if the note and/or mortgage was ever
subject to or included in a mortgage loan purchase agreement or similar
agreement and if so, please specify the name to the agreement, the date of the
agreement and any amendments, and the parties to the agreement.
INTEROGATORY NO. 10. Please state whether the note and/or mortgage was
ever repurchased or reassigned from the buyer or assignee back to the original
seller or assignor or to any predecessor of the buyer or assignee and if so state the
dates of such and the parties involved.
INTEROGATORY NO. 11. Please explain and describe, for the subject
mortgage loan, the relationships among parties (including you, the original lender,
any servicer, any custodian, any depository, any Special Purpose Vehicle or
Special Purpose Entity etc. etc.), the structure of the securities offered (including
the flow of funds or any subordination features) and any other material features of
any transaction concerning the sale, transfer or assignment of the mortgage loan at
any time between the making of same and your filing of the action at issue herein.
INTEROGATORY NO. 12. Please identify each and every document which
contains an obligation or option to repurchase the subject mortgage loan and
explain fully the terms, conditions, costs to be incurred or paid by each party upon
repurchase and whether and by whom, and from whom, the mortgage loan were
ever repurchased.
INTEROGATORY NO. 13. Please state, for the note and mortgage, whether
and as of what date you secured the originals thereof and from whom providing the
contact name, full legal name, address, and phone number of each such party.
INTEROGATORY NO. 14. Please identify each and every document you
obtained or reviewed in connection with your taking assignment of the note and/or
mortgage and specify for each such document whether you maintain the original or
INTEROGATORY NO. 15. Please state all parties who have provided
servicing of the mortgage loan and provide the contact name, full legal name,
address, and phone number of each such party and the dates each began servicing
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 60
INTEROGATORY NO. 16. Please state for the history of the mortgage loan,
the persons or entity who at any time collected mortgage payments specifying the
applicable dates each such person or entity did so collect and specifying the full
legal name, address, and phone number of each such party.
INTEROGATORY NO. 17. Please state for the history of the mortgage loan,
on whose behalf mortgage payments were collected specifying the applicable dates
collection was made for each such person or entity and specifying the full legal
name, address, and phone number of each such party.
INTEROGATORY NO. 18. Please state for the history of the mortgage loan, a
full description of the disposition of collected mortgage payments specifying any
person or entity to which mortgage payments were delivered, transferred, or paid,
the applicable dates each such person or entity received the payments and further
specify the full legal name, address, and phone number of each such party.
INTEROGATORY NO. 19. Please identify a representative of Plaintiff with
knowledge of the facts necessary to respond to each of the interrogatories
contained herein or if more than one, identify each such representative providing
the name, address and telephone number for each with a brief summary of each
representatives knowledge in this matter.
Dear Ms. Foreclosure Lawyer:
This firm represents Ms. M in the above referenced matter. Please be advised
that Ms. M disputes the amount of this debt because of miscellaneous charges added to
the payoff figures. On her behalf I request verification of the debt per the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act including a written itemized transaction account history.
Should you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at. Sincerely,
I am in receipt of your notice of filing of November 21, 200 of Plaintiffs Proof of
Debt pursuant to the FDCPA. Your notice of filing fails to meet the obligations of the
plaintiff under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. 1692g in
responding to the demand for verification of the amount of the subject consumer debt
which the defendant disputes. As the plaintiff has not yet complied with the FDCPA, the
plaintiff is obligated to cease all collection efforts until complete verification of the
disputed amount of the debt is provided pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1692g(a)(4) & (b).
In support of the defendant's position that the plaintiff is obligated under the Act
to provide a complete and itemized loan transaction history, please consider that the
House Report issued at the time of the passage of this part of the Act specified that the
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 61
verification requirements are satisfied if: the debt collector obtained from the creditor a
statement which includes an itemization of the amount of the debt, and the name of the
creditor, a statement that the debt has not been paid, and a statement that the creditor
(to whom the debt was originally owed), in consideration of the consumers debt, had
either delivered a merchantable product or properly rendered a service. H.R. Rep. No.
131, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 5 (1977).
In Graziano v. Harrison, 763 F.Supp.1269, 1281 (Dist. Ct. N.J. 1990) the court
accepted computerized printouts instead of hard copies of past billing information as
sufficient for verification of the debt because hard copies were no longer kept by
creditors, finding that the type of computer printouts supplied by [the bill collector] as
verifications are routinely accepted by insurers to verify claims and are accepted by
them as the basis for making payments.. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the
District Courts reasoning holding that computerized printouts provided to the consumer
were sufficient to verify the debts because they provided the consumer with [1]
amounts of his debts, [2] the services provided, and [3] the dates on which the debts
were incurred. Graziano v. Harrison, 950 F.2d 107, 113 (3d Cir.1991).
In Chaudhry v. Gallerizzo,174 F.3d 394, 406 (4
Cir.1999), the fourth circuit held
that a copy of the banks computerized summary of the Chaudhrys loan transactions,
which included: [1] a running account of the debt amount, [2] a description of every
transaction, and [3] the date on which the transaction occurred was sufficient to satisfy
the 1692g verification requirement.
In Clark v. Capital Credit and Collection Servs., Inc., 460 F.3d 1162, 1173-74 (9
Cir. Aug. 24, 2006), the ninth circuit adopted the fourth circuits ruling in Chaudhry and
held that an itemized statement provided to the consumer was sufficient to fulfill the
creditors 1692g verification requirement.
Likewise, in Stonehart v. Rosenthal, 2001 U.S. Dist. Lexis 11566 (S.D.N.Y.) the
district court held that a computer printout sent by a bill collector satisfied the 1692g
verification requirement because it contained (1) the services provided, (2) the dates the
charges were incurred, and (3) the amount of the debts., citing to the third circuits
decision in Graziano in support of its opinion.
In Recker v. Central Collection Bureau, Inc., 2005 U.S. Dist. Lexis 24780
(S.D.IND.), the district court held that a copy of the executed contract, along with
computerized printouts can be sufficient verification if they inform the [p]laintiff of the
debt amount, the services provided, and the dates the debts were incurred.). The court
determined that the computer printout that was provided listed the total amount of the
debt as well as itemized totals of the principal, interest, and court costs and that this
level of verification of the debt was acceptable under the Act.
The defendant is entitled to a complete itemized transaction history under the
federal statute. The defendant is unable to resolve the dispute as to the balance
claimed due by the plaintiff without the life of loan history. Recently, Judge Cole denied
the plaintiffs motion for a protective order in another foreclosure action finding in favor
of the defendants entitlement to obtain a complete loan history in discovery where the
amount of the debt as alleged by the plaintiff was in dispute.
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 62
Please advise when I can anticipate receiving the complete and itemized loan
history as demanded by the defendant pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices
Act. Sincerely,
STANDING/FRAUD ON THE COURT:
The Ohio federal cases: In Re Foreclosure Cases, Case No. 1:07-CV-2282, et
al., U.S. Dist. Ct., Southern Dist. of Ohio, Eastern Div. (Oct. 31, 2007 Judge Boyko); In
Re Foreclosure Cases, Case No. 3:07-CV-043 et al., U.S. Dist. Ct., Southern Dist. of
Ohio, Western Div. (Nov. 15, 2007 Judge Rose); In Re Foreclosure Actions, Case No.
1:07-CV-1007, U.S. Dist. Ct., Northern Dist. of Ohio, Eastern Div. (Nov. 14, 2007 Judge
OMalley); Deutsche Bank Natl. Trust Co. v. McCarthy, Case No. 1:07-CV-3071, U.S.
Dist. Ct., Northern Dist. of Ohio, Eastern Div. (Oct. 30, 2007 Judge Dowd, Jr.); In Re
Foreclosure Cases, Case No. 07-CV-166, et al., U.S. Dist. Ct., Southern Dist. of Ohio,
Eastern Div. (Dec. 27, 2007 Judge Holschuh); Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v.
Flachbart, Case No. 1:07-CV-2559, U.S. Dist. Ct., Northern Dist. of Ohio (Nov. 29, 2007
Judge Gwin).
The Ohio state court decisions: Winafeld v. Mainsource Bank, 2007-Ohio-
6117 (5
Appellate Dist. 2007)(affirming sanctions against plaintiff for filing foreclosure
complaint without standing); Wells Fargo Bank, NA v. Byrd, Case No. A0700643 (CCP
Hamilton Co. Dec. 12, 2007)(dismissing complaint and requiring counsel to file
documentation showing that their client is the real party in interest in all future cases
filed by plaintiffs counsel); Manufacturers Traders Trust v. White, Case No. 02CV-
7179 (CCP Franklin Co. April 17, 2003)(denying plaintiffs motion for summary judgment
and dismissing complaint); Wells Fargo Bank v. Heiskell, Case No. 02CVE-10-11149
(CCP Franklin Co. Jan. 28, 2003)(same).
Cases in other jurisdictions: holding that the plaintiff in a foreclosure action
must have standing at the very date the foreclosure action is commenced. The concept
of relation back does not apply to standing. E.g. Progressive Express Ins. Co. v.
McGrath Community Chiropractic, 913 S.2d 1281 (Fla. 2
DCA 2005); In Re Maisel,
2007 WL 4029094 (Bankr.D.Mass. Nov. 15, 2007)(financial institution did not have
standing where, at the time motion was filed, it had not yet obtained assignment from
original mortgage lender).
In re Stewart, Not Reported, (Bkrtcy E.D. La 2008)
The court may award monetary damages due to
1) abusive imposition of unwarranted fees and charges (late fees,inspection costs)
2) illegal imposition of fees disguised as costs (BPO charges)
3) negligent imposition of fees, costs not due (legal charges,deposit reimbursed)
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 63
4) the improper calculation of escrow payments
5) the misapplication of payments contrary to the terms of the Note and Mortgage
6) the failure to notify Debtor of fees and charges on the account
7) the improper payment of unnoticed fees and charge during pending bankruptcies
The court ordered sanctions
1) for presenting a consent adequate protection order to the court which did not
reflect the agreement between the parties
2) for filing erroneous proof of claim and misrepresenting the costs
3) to offset the debtors attorneys fees
1) wells fargo (bank) to file an amended proof of claim in accordance with the
findings in the Opinion
2) Wells Fargo (bank) conduct an audit of all proofs of claim filed on its behalf in this
District for cases still pending and provide a complete loan history on every accounting
3) The loan histories shall be filed into the claims register
4) Proof of claims already filed must comply with the principle in Jones or be
5) Wells Fargo (bank)is to deliver to Debtor, Debtors counsel and trustee copy of
from the courts order:
In order to rectify this problem in the future, the Court orders Wells Fargo to audit every
proof of claim it has filed in this District in any case pending on or filed after April 13,
2007, and to provide a complete loan history on every account. For every debtor with a
case still pending in the District, the loan histories shall be filed into the claims register
and Wells Fargo is ordered to amend, where necessary, the proofs of claim already on
file to comply with the principles established in this case and Jones. For closed cases,
Wells Fargo is ordered to deliver to Debtor, Debtors counsel and Trustee a copy of the
The Court will enter an administrative order for the review of these accountings and
proofs of claim. The Court reserves the right, if warranted after an initial review of the
accountings, proofs of claim and any amended claims filed of record, to appoint experts,
at Wells Fargos expense, to review each accounting and submit recommendations to
the Court for further adjustments based on the principles set forth in this Memorandum
Opinion and Jones.
New Orleans, La, April 10, 2008. Hon. Elizabeth W. Magner U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
Schuessler v Chase Home Finance LLC, Bk.SDNY, April 10, 2008
Gotha, FL 34734 Info@RealtyLawResources.com Page 64
Dokumen Serupa dengan Offensive Stance on Foreclosures in Fl
March 4 Credit Digest
Lainnya Dari Donna Evers
CO Rule 120 Response Form
Fontes Memo 9th Ciruit Bap Judge Jury a Member of the Panel