Mortgage Modifications Top Gripe Of Consumers Of Boise Real Estate
As Boise real estate foreclosures rose in 2009, so did the number of complaints from residents seeking mortgage loan modifications. Foreclosures were up 89 percent from the previous year, but complaints about modifications leapt from a handful in 2008 to 353 in 2009, according to the attorney general’s office. These types of filed complaints made up one fifth of all complaints received by the AG’s office this year.
Idaho’s Attorney General has gone so far to say that the types of fraud being reported are outrageous. “Some of these operators took advantage of desperate homeowners by charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars in upfront fees, while taking no action to modify the mortgage.” In response, his office filed lawsuits against two modification and foreclosure consultants and made settlement agreements with three. This kind of criminal act leaves nearly all homeowners in the Boise real estate market without any avenue to keep their homes.
The Attorney Generals office even brought in a counselor to help Boise real estate owners avoid foreclosure through modifications or other foreclosure remedies. Two free consumer handbooks were published.
Recovering restitution in the amount of $7.4 million from various consumer complaints, which amounts to $12.14 for every tax dollar allocated to the program, the Attorney Generals office worked hard for consumers. The attorney general also recovered $5.9 million in civil penalties, fees and costs, also the largest amount ever recovered by the office in that category. The state received $31 million in 2009 from the tobacco master settlement agreement negotiated between the office and tobacco manufacturers in 1998. So far, this agreement has brought Idaho $254 million it wouldn’t otherwise have.
While only costing the state of Idaho $833,000 and bringing in a total of $44 million, the consumer affairs operations are a very positive force for citizens in general, but specifically for those who own Boise real estate. No matter the category, the AG’s office was efficient and effective in 2009. Regardless of the size of the business, the attorney general pursued claims against pharmaceutical giants and small businesses alike. In topics as broad as illegal monopolies to anti-trust issues, Wasden is not one to back off or step aside. Not even price fixing vitamin companies were immune from their pursuit.
Phone solicitors have had to adjust their tactics as well, with over 900,000 new phone numbers being added to the “do not call” list to avoid solicitations. Soon the office will release an important DVD which teaches children how to avoid sexual predators online, called “ProtecTeens”.
The author enjoys writing articles about boise real estate & Boise real estate source. To learn more about these topics click on the links above!
Gavin J. King :: Mar.08.2010 :: Uncategorized :: No Comments »
