New data shows promising trends in California, where the foreclosure rate is down to its lowest in years. According to information from data bureau DataQuick, the rate of foreclosure starts (the first step in the foreclosure process) is down over 50% from previous quarters and over 60% from the previous year. This is very promising  … Read more

In today’s erratic housing market, many homeowners are finding themselves saddled with mortgages they simply can no longer afford. If you find yourself in a situation in which your mortgage payment is threatening your livelihood, it is good to know that you have options. Consulting with a foreclosure attorney is always a great step, whether  … Read more

Applying for credit cards is the same as applying for a loan, and as such should not be taken lightly. Banks will run a credit check and analyze your credit history before issuing you any kind of card. Here are a few simple things you can do, in order to ease the process of applying  … Read more

If you are falling behind on your monthly mortgage payments and are struggling to meet minimums, or if you have already missed payments and are anxiously awaiting a letter from your mortgage servicer, it can be difficult to look at things from your lender’s point of view. Imagine you are the lender facing a non-paying  … Read more

If your mortgage is owned by the mortgage giants Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or if the loan is guaranteed through mortgage backed securities through these companies, it’s possible that you will be eligible to refinance through the government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). HARP is not a loan modification program, but a refinancing program;  … Read more

Negotiating with creditors can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Knowing your options and exercising the right tools can be a great help in the debt settlement process, and successful credit negotiations may even result in your getting completely debt free without resorting to bankruptcy or other measures. Here are  … Read more

All too many taxpayers are familiar with the concept of back taxes. Expenses pile up and sometimes it becomes impossible to make the tax payments you know you need to. If you find yourself saddled with years of unpaid taxes and the IRS is looking to collect, you have a few options at your disposal.  … Read more

Recently the IRS made a tax policy about-face when it announced in early 2013 that banks could write off tax expenses related to home foreclosure immediately in the year incurred. This results in more up front tax benefits for the foreclosing bank and has caused a stir in the community. IRS Deduction Law Favors Banks  … Read more

For many individuals struggling with back taxes, dealing with the IRS is just another daunting headache. But does it have to be that way? While working with a tax attorney will certainly help make dealing with your tax debt easier, the IRS is also trying to overcome negative stereotypes. The Fresh Start Program by the  … Read more

If you’re seeking a mortgage modification to avoid foreclosure, it’s vital to understand the intricacies to enhance the probability of achieving the results you want. One of the key points of seeking a mortgage modification is to write a hardship letter to your creditors. Unfortunately, many poor habits and strategies backfire as homeowners write their  … Read more