http://scbankruptcyblog.com Helping South Carolina Consumers When They Need it Most Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:17:17 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The Protecting Tenants At Foreclosure Act of 2009 went into effect on May 20, 2009, offering some protection, and at least a little time, for those renters who find themselves drawn into foreclosure despite paying their rent.  In short, the act allows such tenants to stay in their rental homes ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/06/12/you-renting-a-house-thats-in-foreclosure-now-you-have-some-protection/ Here's a good starting place for the Making Home Affordable programs, the so-called HAMP and HARP mortgage modifications or refinancing, respectivly.  Go to the Making Home Affordable web site, and look up your lender to see whether they've signed on to participate, or look up your loan to see if ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/05/14/making-home-affordable-web-portal/ For the second time in a couple of weeks, the South Carolina Supreme Court has acted to support the rights of consumers.  This time, the court unanimously decided in favor of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affiairs, ruling that a Utah law firm operating as a credit counseling service ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/05/14/sc-supreme-court-blocks-utah-credit-counselor/ Late Monday afternoon, the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court took the unusual step of issuing a temporary restraining order stopping foreclosure sales where the underlying mortgage is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or where the lender has signed on to the Home Affordable Modification ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/05/06/south-carolina-supreme-court-steps-into-foreclosure-fray/ The mortgage modification bill, which would have allowed bankruptcy judges to force lenders to re-write mortgages in certain circumstances has been defeated by a wide margin in the Senate.  The vote was 45 in favor, 51 against, making me wonder who really controls the Senate. http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/05/06/mortgage-modification-bill-dies-in-senate/ Here's a great resource--a list of contact numbers for mortgage companies and mortgage servicers.   When you are behind on mortgage payments or are looking to try and modify your mortgage, one of the most frustrating issues to deal with is trying to get to someone who can really help (as ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/04/24/how-to-contact-your-mortgage-company/ Recently I got an e-mail from one of our Chapter 13 trustees, asking that I express her condolences to my client on the death of his wife.  That was very nice, but the problem is that this was news to me.  My client called the Chapter 13 office to ask ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/03/25/who-you-gonna-call-your-attorney/ A bill which will allow mortgages to modified by bankruptcy judges has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.   One piece of the puzzle which will help to stem the tide of foreclosures, leading to a stronger economy overall, the fight now moves to the Senate.  We'll post further developments as ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/03/10/mortgage-modification-measure-passes-house/ This is just too good not to share.  Creative, funny and not too technical, it's a good way to gain a better understanding of why we are where we are.  Hat tip to David Liebowitz for this one. Crisis of Credit Visualized http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/02/28/credit-crisis-visualized/ The U.S. House of Representatives has postponed a vote on the Help for Homeowners Act, apparently because of fears there weren't enough votes to pass.  Clearly, mortgage industry lobbyists are having an effect.  My colleague David Liebowitz expressed the frustration of many proponents of the legislation: I am extremely disappointed with ... http://scbankruptcyblog.com/2009/02/28/vote-postponed-on-help-for-homeowners-act/