Rent vs Buy in 2022: What’s Worth It?
Steve Rhode tackles the most common question he gets: rent or buy? Using real 2022 data, he explains why buyers in markets like Austin need 6+ years to…
Real Estate Related
Should You Buy or Rent a Home? Take the Quiz
Quick Answer: The rent vs. buy decision depends on individual financial circumstances, with renting offering flexibility and lower upfront costs while buying builds equity over time. The post promises a quiz to help evaluate factors like maintenance responsibilities, mobility needs, and long-term financial goals.Purchasing a home may be the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make, …
Real Estate Debt Funds: What They Mean for You
Quick Answer: Real estate debt funds are private equity-backed capital sources that provide short-term loans for commercial property projects, filling the lending gap created after banks pulled back from asset-based lending following the 2008 financial crisis. These funds represent a small but profitable niche in commercial real estate, offering borrowers alternative financing while providing investors …
CFPB Holds Debt Collectors Accountable for Evictions
Quick Answer: The CFPB issued a rule requiring debt collectors to provide written notice to tenants about CDC eviction moratorium rights and prohibiting misrepresentation of eligibility protections. Violations can result in federal prosecution under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, with nearly 9 million households currently behind on rent payments.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) …
Sanctuary Belize Review: Is It Legit?
Quick Answer: Sanctuary Belize appears illegitimate based on FTC court filings alleging the founders conspired to defraud consumers and violate court orders. The FTC is seeking over $100 million in consumer refunds and contempt charges against the three principals.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just filed a motion to hold Andris Pukke, Peter Baker, and …
CFPB: Some Mortgage Servicers Really Suck
Quick Answer: The CFPB found that some mortgage servicers violate federal rules due to deficient technology and process breakdowns, particularly with loss mitigation and servicing transfers. The Bureau emphasized that servicers cannot use outdated systems as excuses for non-compliance with servicing rules that took effect in January 2014.Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released …
Andris Pukke: Is Marc Romeo Legit or a Scam?
Quick Answer: According to 2015 court testimony, Andris Pukke admitted to using the false identity “Marc Romeo” until 2010, confirming scam allegations. Sanctuary Belize homeowners report ongoing concerns about missing funds, lack of transparency in accounting, and transferred land ownership issues.Way back in 2013 I wrote an article Sanctuary Belize, Andris Pukke, Todd Cook, Peter …
Debt Relief Scam: Consumers Get Pennies 4 Years Later
Quick Answer: Four years after California shut down a debt relief enterprise for exploiting mortgage modification consumers, a court-appointed receiver distributed just $375 to each of 1,707 approved claimants. The case demonstrates how consumers may wait years to recover only pennies from fraudulent debt relief companies.Four years ago now the California Department of Justice swooped …
Attorney Mitchell Stein: 17 Years for Fraud
Quick Answer: Attorney Mitchell Stein was sentenced to 204 months (17 years) in federal prison for securities fraud related to a mass joinder mortgage litigation scheme. With his criminal case resolved, California authorities can now proceed with a restitution program to refund victims using previously seized assets.It’s hard to believe it has been nearly four …
Free Mortgage Modification: What It Means
Quick Answer: Free mortgage modification involves working directly with lenders using no-cost online tools and proper documentation, avoiding companies that charge upfront fees. The FTC’s MARS rule prohibits mortgage relief companies from collecting fees until they secure a written offer from the lender that the homeowner accepts.I’ve seen and covered so many mortgage modification scams …
