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Trend Alert: Decline in Foreclosure Activity in U.S. Metro Areas

Posted on August 11, 2011by Admin

It has been reported that the nation’s largest metropolitan areas are seeing a sharp drop in foreclosure activity as banks take longer to move against homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments. According to Realty Trac Inc. in the first half of this year, 84 percent of metropolitan areas with a population of at least 200,000 saw their foreclosure rate drop versus the same period last year.

In total, foreclosure activity declined in 178 of the country’s 211 largest metropolitan areas during the first six months of the year. The decline is due to delays in the foreclosure process as lenders work through foreclosure documentation problems that first surfaced last fall. Those problems prompted them to resubmit paperwork on many properties that had been slated for foreclosure and led to a slew of government investigations of the mortgage industry. Mortgage banks also have put off taking action against newly delinquent borrowers in order to try loan modifications or other tactics aimed at avoiding foreclosure.

This has resulted in some 1.7 million potential foreclosures being held up. The slowdown in foreclosure activity has been pronounced in states like Florida, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Illinois, where courts play a major role in the foreclosure process and are only beginning to sort through the backlog of cases.

Foreclosure defense attorney, Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

What the U.S. Credit Rating Downgrade means for Consumers

Posted on August 11, 2011by Admin

The global rating agency Standards & Poor’s recently downgraded the United States esteemed “AAA” debt rating, a rating it has held since 1917. The nation’s credit rating has now been reduced to a less favorable “AA+,” after S & P said the compromise made by Congress and President Obama to cut spending and boost the debt ceiling fell short.

S&P repeatedly warned the U.S. rating was at risk if Washington did not agree to reduce deficit spending by $4 trillion over 10 years. This week’s agreement would cut spending by about $900 billion and create a joint congressional committee to find $1.5 trillion more by Thanksgiving.

The downgrade comes at a treacherous time for financial markets, which are already unnerved not only by mounting concerns about government debt and the economy in the U.S., but also in Europe. The move could undermine confidence in our country and has the potential to pull the rug from under investors who are already on the edge. Financial experts say American consumers will most likely see higher interest rates in adjustable rate mortgages, car loans, student loans, and credit cards.

To read more on this topic visit:
• http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/130177/13/What-the-US-Credit-Rating-Downgrade-Really-Means
• http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2011-08-05-s-and-p-downgrades-credit_n.htm

If you have any questions on this topic or are in need of a financial fresh start, please contact our experienced team of bankruptcy attorneys at (305) 285-9100. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Special Report Reveals Banks are still relying on Robo-signers and Questionable Foreclosure Documentation

Posted on July 23, 2011by Admin

A recent investigation by Reuters revealed that some of America’s leading mortgage lenders and other “loan servicers” are taking the same short-cuts they promised to abolish just one year ago. The investigation found questionable foreclosure documents being filed with courts and county clerks, along with the continued use of “robo-signers” to speed up the process. These are the same tactics that last year triggered multiple investigations and placed temporary holds on a number of foreclosures.

In recent months, the investigation revealed that servicers have filed thousands of documents that appear to have been fabricated or improperly altered, or have sworn to false facts. Reuters also identified at least six robo-signers, individuals who in recent months have each signed thousands of mortgage assignments and legal documents which pinpoint ownership of a property. The companies that Reuters found that have filed foreclosure documents of questionable validity include: One West, Bank of America, HSBC Bank USA, Wells Fargo and GMAC Mortgage.

Reuters reviewed records of individual county clerk offices in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina. They also examined hundreds of documents from court case files, some obtained online and others provided by attorneys.

To read more on the story visit:

http://news.yahoo.com/special-report-banks-continue-robo-signing-003758223.html

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

A New Ruling Requires Lenders Show Consumers their Credit Score

Posted on July 23, 2011by Admin

A recent ruling now requires lenders who deny a borrower credit or offer a higher-than-normal interest rate show the borrower their credit score. The new rule is part of an amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was passed one year ago. The law requires creditors to provide additional information in adverse action notices if a credit score was used in making a credit decision.

A poor credit score can impact your ability to get a car loan, prevent you from being approved for a home mortgage, and can mean higher interest rates and less than favorable loan terms. This new law adds a level of protection for consumers, giving them access to crucial information that will give them the facts needed to make a change in their spending habits or seek debt relief alternatives. Fair Isaac and
Company, or FICO, the developer of the software that generates most of the credit scores used by U.S. lenders, estimates the new provision will result in more than 500 million credit score disclosures each year.
To read more on this story visit:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/credit-score-rule-takes-effect-today/story?id=14118699

At Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. we help clients analyze their finances and determine the best path to debt relief. This past year our firm handled more than 1,500 bankruptcy cases, bringing debt relief to individuals, families and business owners throughout South Florida. If you are struggling with insurmountable debt do not wait any longer, set up your FREE office consultation today by calling (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Two of the Nation’s Largest Lenders are offering Delinquent Homeowners in Florida a Deal to Complete Short Sales

Posted on July 17, 2011by Admin

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. are offering delinquent homeowners a deal that will give select borrowers behind on their mortgage payments $10,000 to $20,000 for agreeing to short sales, which means the homes are sold for less than what’s owed on the mortgages.

In addition, Florida homeowners are entitled to $3,000 of government money if they complete short sales through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative program. Wells Fargo and Chase say that they are cutting their losses choosing to forgo the potentially lengthy process of foreclosure.

The average foreclosure in Florida took 619 days for cases completed in the first three months of 2011, according to RealtyTrac Inc. That’s more than 30 percent longer than cases completed a year ago. Some analysts speculate the money for short sales is an effort by the lenders to be viewed as good corporate citizens as they expand aggressively in Florida after the banking takeovers.

To read more on the story visit:

http://therealdeal.com/miami/articles/chase-bank-offers-florida-homeowners-incentive-to-short-sell

Foreclosure defense attorney, Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure or short sales, please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Two Foreclosure Fraud Investigators Released from Florida Attorney General’s Office- The Firing is linked to their involvement in uncovering evidence of suspicious foreclosure practices on the part of law firms, banks and loan servicers

Posted on July 17, 2011by Admin

Accordingto a recent story in the Palm Beach Post, a lead foreclosure fraud investigator for the state said she and a colleague were forced to resign from the Florida attorney general’s office. Former Assistant Attorney General Theresa Edwards and colleague June Clarkson had been investigating the state’s so-called “foreclosure mills,” uncovering evidence of legal malpractice that also implicated banks and loan servicers.

Despite positive performance evaluations, Edwards said the two were told during a meeting with their supervisor in late May to give up their jobs voluntarily or be let go. Edwards said no reason was given for the move. In sworn statements taken by Edwards and Clarkson as part of their investigation of the Law Offices of David J. Stern, former employees described conditions where signatures were regularly forged on foreclosure documents, paperwork was notarized by non-notaries, and flawed files were hidden from auditors of federal mortgage backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

To read more about this story visit:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/foreclosures/foreclosure-fraud-investigators-forced-out-at-attorney-generals 1603854.html?viewAsSinglePage=true

Foreclosure defense attorney, Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on this topic or would like to schedule a FREE office consultation, contact our experienced team of foreclosure defense attorneys today at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What Debt is Dischargeable through Bankruptcy?

Posted on June 27, 2011by Admin

Bankruptcy laws specify that only particular types of debts can be discharged through bankruptcy. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy allow borrowers to eliminate their unsecured debts. Unsecured debts include items such as credit card debt, medical bills, utility bills, service bills, personal loans, payday loans and judgments. Secured debts which are backed by some form of collateral, like a house, and debts incurred through fraudulent activity, student loans, tax debts, child support and alimony are typically not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

When you hire Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. our attorneys will provide a complete evaluation and give you an honest and accurate assessment of your financial circumstances. We help clients analyze their finances and determine the best path to debt relief. This past year our firm handled more than 1,500 bankruptcy cases, bringing debt relief to individuals, families and business owners throughout South Florida. If you are struggling with insurmountable debt do not wait any longer, set up your FREE office consultation today by calling (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Foreclosure Relief Effort Finally Kicks Off- But there’s a Catch

Posted on June 25, 2011by Admin

A long-awaited $1 billion program designed to provide the unemployed with loans to assist them in avoiding foreclosure is finally underway. But there’s a catch: Homeowners will have only one month to apply. The new Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program aims to help unemployed homeowners with their mortgage payments by providing zero-interest loans of up to $50,000. The program is expected to aid 30,000 borrowers, and the loans can be forgiven over five years. Homeowners will need to apply by July 22 to be eligible for the program. Borrowers must be approved by September 30. At this point, the government’s authority to make new loans will have run out, so timing is everything!

Foreclosure defense attorney, Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on this topic or would like to schedule a FREE office consultation, contact our experienced team of foreclosure defense attorneys today at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Gamblers in Debt have Luck on their side as a result of New Bankruptcy Laws

Posted on June 17, 2011by Admin

In the past, bankruptcy courts have found gambling debts as non-dischargeable. However, due to recent changes in the law, gambling debts owed to a casino can be eligible for debt discharge through bankruptcy. Gamblers often get trapped in a vicious cycle, taking cash advances in the hope that future earnings will pay them off. Gambling can be a slippery slope and can lead to addiction and financial devastation. However, gamblers have some luck on their side if they take advantage of the current bankruptcy laws, as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing can eliminate gambling debts.
At Kingcade & Garcia, we understand the need for a legal means of escaping overwhelming debt. What if you could eliminate your gambling debts and take a huge step toward taking control of your finances and your life? By taking advantage of our free consultations and speaking with our experienced team of bankruptcy attorneys, you can.
If you have any questions on this topic or are in need of a financial fresh start, please contact our experienced team of bankruptcy attorneys at (305) 285-9100. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. Helps Small Businesses take the right action when filing for Bankruptcy

Posted on May 26, 2011by Admin

Many business owners assume that when financial challenges strike their business the only option is to file under business bankruptcy protections such as Chapter 11 – a process that can be highly complex and exceedingly costly. In reality, small businesses have a range of options, including filing under Chapter 7, which can provide a broader range of benefits and protections for individuals.

Chapter 7 can be a powerful tool for business owners who wish to:

• Put an immediate end to creditor harassment
• Eliminate credit card debts
• Stop creditor judgment proceedings
• Stop wage garnishment and repossession

Whether you run a retail business, restaurant or a web-based business from your home, in many cases you can handle your issues through traditional consumer bankruptcy protections. Many of our clients are professionals who provide services, such as accountants, architects, lawyers, real estate brokers, electricians and plumbers. With no hard assets, it can be difficult to keep a business running as lines of credit, loans and other forms of debt begin to accumulate. Our goal is get you back to selling services and not paying overhead costs. While you may be hesitant to file bankruptcy with an SBA loan, don’t be.

Before you are up-sold into an expensive and time-consuming Chapter 11 bankruptcy, make sure that there isn’t an easier and smarter way to resolve your problems. If you are a small business owner, there may be a real opportunity to pursue your debt relief through the Chapter 7 process.

Contact Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. at 305-285-9100 to arrange a free consultation if you have any questions on this topic or are in need of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy for your business. It is extremely important that you hire an attorney who is experienced in the field of bankruptcy and focuses exclusively on representing the interests of individuals and their businesses in bankruptcy matters. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.