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Tag Archives: Nevada

What Homeowners Must Know About Mortgage Fraud & Restitution

10 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by BNG in Banks and Lenders, Case Laws, Case Study, Foreclosure Crisis, Foreclosure Defense, Fraud, Judicial States, Legal Research, Litigation Strategies, Mortgage fraud, Mortgage Laws, Non-Judicial States, Pro Se Litigation, Restitution, State Court, Your Legal Rights

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Foreclosure, homeowners, Law, Lawsuit, Loan, Monetary Restitution, Mortgage fraud, Nevada, Ninth Circuit, Pro se legal representation in the United States, Restitution

During the peak of the housing boom in Las Vegas, Russell, a mortgage loan processor for a large bank, reviewed a mortgage application. Everything appeared to be in order: this particular type of mortgage loan required no income verification because the buyer had excellent credit and the home would be an owner-occupied property. Russell approved the loan for the bank.

Unbeknownst to Russell and the bank, the applicant was actually a “straw buyer,” using his name and credit to buy the house at the insistence of his business partner, but not actually intending to live in the house. All the applicant had to do was sign a few documents and both the applicant and his business partner would profit from exploding housing prices. The applicant’s credit would allow the pair to purchase a single-family residence for $295,000, and then, before the first mortgage payment came due, they would flip the property, that is, immediately sell the home, and profit from the home’s extraordinary short-term appreciation. The applicant never planned on living in the house nor making any mortgage payments, despite his execution of loan documents to the contrary.

Unfortunately, housing prices did not continue their fantastic escalation and the pair were unable to sell the home. Not surprisingly, neither the applicant nor his business partner made any mortgage payments and the home went into foreclosure. At the time of the home’s foreclosure, the house had a fair market value of $265,000. However, the bank that relied on the applicant’s information had too many similarly situated properties at the time of the foreclosure and decided to keep the home in inventory until it could sell the home at a later date.

Meanwhile, the financial institution became suspicious of the applicant and realized he never even moved into the house, despite claiming on his Uniform Residential Loan Application that this would be an “owner-occupied” property.

Concerned with an increase in mortgage fraud, the lender tipped off authorities, who subsequently investigated and arrested the straw buyer and his business partner. Almost a year later, the partners pled guilty and were sentenced, inter alia, to pay restitution to the financial institution. At the time of sentencing, the home had a fair market value of $145,000.

The court ordered restitution based on the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (MVRA) concerning fraud and property. The victim, in this case the bank, argued its amount of loss equaled $295,000 (the amount originally borrowed) less the current fair market value of the property returned, $145,000; thus, the court should order the defendants to pay restitution of $150,000. On the other hand, the defendants argued that at the time the property was returned to the financial institution, the value of the home was $265,000. And because the bank had control over the property since that point in time, and had the ability to sell it any time, the defendants should not be liable for the further declining
market conditions. Thus, the defendants argued they only owed restitution of $30,000. Alternatively, the judge could consider a third possibility: recent  recommendations from US Sentencing Guidelines. Under these new guidelines,
the court determines the fair market value of the home on the defendants’ sentencing
date.

But, if the bank had not sold the home by that date, that fair market value would be based on the county’s assessed value of the property. In Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated, the Assessor’s Office updates property values annually and, depending on the specific time frame in this hypothetical, the assessment value can range from a lagging property assessment valuing the home at $280,000 to a more current assessment valuing the home at $125,000.

Which measure of restitution and subsequent calculation is best? That is, which value most adequately compensates the injured victim without unfairly burdening the defendants? The Ninth Circuit would side with the defendants in this case, having previously held that the value of the home on the date the bank gains control is the proper measure of restitution. Accordingly, the defendants in this case would be ordered to pay only $30,000 in restitution. On the other hand, the Seventh Circuit would hold that the “property” stolen was the money used to finance the home purchase, and not the actual home.

Subsequently, the “property” is not returned to the victim until the bank sells the
house and gets the entire amount it loaned to the defendants back. For that reason, if the bank sold the home by the sentencing date for $145,000, the defendants would be ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution. And if a judge considered the US Sentencing Guidelines, she would look to the local assessor’s office to determine the correct value. Thus, the amount of restitution a defendant pays depends on where the mortgage fraud takes place and whether the presiding judge considers the US Sentencing Guidelines. Accordingly, mortgage fraud restitution is not uniform throughout the United States.

This note discusses the circuit split in applying the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996 to mortgage fraud crimes—specifically, the difference in the mortgage fraud restitution formula. In Part I, I provide an introduction to mortgage fraud. In Part II, I provide background on the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996, which established a directive to courts to order restitution to identifiable victims. Further, the Act indicated, albeit imprecisely, that the restitution amount is based on the property’s value on the sentencing date, less the property’s “value” on the date the property is returned. Regrettably, the Act does not provide a definition of the word property,” which has resulted in a circuit split. Three circuit courts calculate the mandatory restitution as the property’s “value” based on the date the property is returned—that is, the property’s fair market value on that date. On the other hand, four circuits insist that the “value” of the property can only be determined when the bank actually sells that property. In Part III, I will discuss the circuit split where courts disagree on the “appropriate” restitution calculation.

In an effort to provide a uniform calculation, last year the US Sentencing Commission proposed changes to the US Sentencing Guidelines. While the Guidelines are only advisory and not mandatory, these recent amendments result in a third possible calculation that I discuss in Part IV.

Finally, in Part V, I critique each of the three imperfect approaches. In addition, I provide comparisons to various state foreclosure deficiency statutes as an illustration of alternative calculations. I conclude by proposing an amendment to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act that, in the cases of collateralized loans obtained by fraud, defines “property” as the actual property fraudulently obtained: cash. In addition, I propose an additional “good faith” clause to the amendment to prevent banks from holding onto a foreclosed property longer than necessary. The sooner a property is sold, the sooner the bank recuperates some of its lost funds and the sooner a defendant knows the restitution
amount he must pay.

A. What is Mortgage Fraud?

In the hypothetical above, the partners executed mortgage fraud by using the applicant’s name and credit as a “straw buyer.” That is, a person who allows his name to be used in the loan process but has no intention of actually making any mortgage loan payments. Mortgage fraud comes in a variety of forms. For example, a person commits loan origination fraud when he misrepresents or omits information on a loan application upon which an underwriter ultimately relies to write a loan. Mortgage fraud can also occur with illicit programs aimed at current homeowners who are having trouble with their payments. Lately, this type of foreclosure rescue fraud is increasing. These types of scams focus on homeowners on the verge of foreclosure. Criminals promise to “stop or delay the foreclosure process,” and, in return, homeowners sign over their property to the criminals.

Mortgage fraud can also include “flopping.” Flopping occurs when a bank agrees to a short sale with the homeowner who then attempts to get the lowest price possible by purposefully damaging the soon-to-be-sold house. The house is then bought by an accomplice, cleaned up, and immediately flipped for a profit of upwards of 30 percent. In 2011, Nevada ranked second to Florida in the Mortgage Fraud Index (MFI), a ranking of states based on reported fraud and misrepresentation investigations. The FBI investigates mortgage fraud through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) filed by financial institutions.

The number of mortgage fraud SARs filed in 2011 was 93,508. To put this in perspective, in 2003 the number of reports filed was less than 7,000. However, mortgage fraud may be decreasing: 2012 SARs are down 25 percent compared to the previous year.

B. Why Does Mortgage Fraud Matter?

Mortgage fraud is a “significant contributor” to our economic crisis. Mortgage fraud has contributed to an increasing number of home foreclosures, decreasing home prices, and tightening of credit because of investor losses attributable to mortgage-backed securities. Further, “[t]he discovery of mortgage fraud via the mortgage industry loan review processes, quality control measures, regulatory and industry referrals, and consumer complaints lags behind economic indicators—often up to two years or more, with the impacts [of the fraud] felt far beyond these years.” Undeniably, reports of mortgage fraud persist and are continually emphasized in the news.

Lenient underwriting standards and a booming housing market have shaped a perfect backdrop for fraud to thrive. However, “[b]y 2007, real estate values began to fall and mortgage lenders began experiencing large losses due to fraud, reducing their ability to fund new mortgage loans.” The economic implications of mortgage fraud are staggering. The actual dollar amount attributed to mortgage fraud is unknown, however in 2010 alone “more than $10 billion in loans originated with fraudulent application data.”

Moreover, in fiscal year 2012, 70,291 SARs were filed with losses of $2.69 billion. And while the number of mortgage fraud instances has decreased, the dollar amounts involved in instances of fraud has increased.

C. Why Restitution?

Until the early 1980s, courts did not habitually consider restitution as part of sentencing guidelines. In fact, if a court ordered restitution, it was usually based on the defendant’s ability to pay. The passage of the Victim and Witness Protection Act (VWPA) in 1982, its subsequent revision in 1986, and later the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (MVRA) in 1996 empowered federal judges to order restitution to victims of certain crimes without consideration of the defendant’s ability to pay. Unfortunately, victims receive only a fraction of the costs from crimes through restitution, as not all defendants have the resources to pay the restitution and their income potential diminishes significantly once they are in jail. However, as courts consider both the MVRA and the frequently cited public policy argument for restitution (making the victim whole), courts consequently order restitution awards to mortgage fraud victims. Indeed, “[v]ictims in mortgage fraud cases are statutorily entitled to restitution.

D. The Split

When a court convicts a defendant of mortgage fraud, and the defendant’s return of the property alone is not enough to fully restore the identified victim, the court will try to offset this deficiency in one of two ways. The Second, Fifth, and Ninth Circuits determine restitution based on the property’s fair market value the day the victim receives title to the property. The Third, Eighth, Tenth, and, most recently, Seventh Circuits hold the shortage is calculated based on the actual sale of the collateral real estate. Thus, the value of the property is unknown until the property has been sold and the lender receives the net proceeds. Consequently, this split “sets up a potential case for the U.S.
Supreme Court to decide whether the MVRA requires a court to determine restitution based on the fair market value of collateral real estate on the date it is returned to a victim . . . or the cash value upon foreclosure sale.”

II. THE MANDATORY VICTIMS RESTITUTION ACT OF 1996

Congress first enacted legislation in support of victims’ rights with the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 (VWPA). The act included a broad provision for victim restitution. In considering the bill, the Committee on the Judiciary indicated that [t]he principle of restitution is an integral part of virtually every formal system of criminal justice, of every culture and every time. It holds that, whatever else the sanctioning power of society does to punish its wrongdoers, it should also insure that the wrongdoer is required to the degree possible to restore the victim to his or her prior state of well-being.

However, while this report indicated the importance of requiring restitution,
the Act only provided that a Court may order the defendant to pay restitution. Congress expanded and amended legislation for victims in future legislation, most notably in the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996. Congress identified one of the primary purposes of the Act as “requiring Federal criminal defendants to pay full restitution to the identifiable victims of their crimes.” In addition, Congress specifically made mandatory restitution applicable to fraudulent crimes against property. Moreover, Congress explicitly identified the legislation’s purpose:

This legislation is needed to ensure that the loss to crime victims is recognized, and
that they receive the restitution that they are due. It is also necessary to ensure that
the offender realizes the damage caused by the offense and pays the debt owed to the
victim as well as to society. Finally, this legislation is needed to replace an existing
patchwork of different rules governing orders of restitution under various Federal
criminal statutes with one consistent procedure.

If restitution is appropriate, a court may only award it to identifiable victims. A
federal crime victim is defined as “a person directly and proximately harmed as
a result of the commission of a Federal offense or an offense in the District of Columbia.” Further, restitution is only applicable to crime victims when the
defendant is actually convicted. In addition, “[a] ‘victim’s’ participation in a
fraudulent mortgage scheme . . . will generally exclude the victim from
restitution.”

It should also be remembered that restitution, “like all criminal sanctions . . . is a sanction of limited application.” Restitution is only complete, then, when payment of the obligation is complete. In jurisdictions that allow “extended or nominal payment mechanisms,” which can prolong the repayment, the variable time value of money may cause any restitution to be technically incomplete, even once the balance is repaid in full. Unfortunately, only 17.4 percent of measured property offenses resulted in criminal charges. Where convictions of mortgage fraud do result, however, courts consider the language of the MVRA in awarding restitution:

The court may also order restitution . . . . The order may require that such defendant
. . . return the property to the owner of the property . . . or . . . if return of the property . . . is impossible, impractical, or inadequate, pay an amount equal to the greater of . . . the value of the property on the date of the damage, loss, or destruction, or . . . the value of the property on the date of sentencing, less the value (as of the date the property is returned) of any part of the property that is returned . . . .

Accordingly, when the return of the property is inadequate restitution, the MVRA states that the offset value must be determined as of the date the property is returned. However, the statute is silent as exactly how to measure the value of the property on that date. Consequently, in the absence of clear guidelines, three possible formulas have arisen.

III. THE CIRCUIT SPLIT

With a lack of clarity in defining “property” in the MVRA, the circuit courts have split in their interpretations of restitution. Two circuits have followed the Ninth Circuit in determining that the value of the property is the fair market value on the date of the property’s return, arguing that once the property is returned to the victim, the victim has control over the property and may dispose of the property whenever it chooses. Accordingly, these courts calculate the fair market value of the property based on the date the property is returned rather than waiting for a later sale. Conversely, four circuits hold that the “property” can only be valued when the house is eventually sold and the proceeds are provided to the victim because cash, not real estate, was the actual
property the defendants took from the victim.

A. The Ninth Circuit Method

A bank would say a restitution calculation can only be determined when the property is sold, but a defendant would argue that if a bank holds on to the property in a declining market, it is unfair for the defendant to pay more in restitution than what the property was worth when the victim regained control of it. The Ninth Circuit method considers the fairness of a bank refraining from selling a property immediately, and ultimately agrees with the defendant’s argument.

After the passage of the Victim and Witness Protection Act in 1982, the Ninth Circuit became the first circuit court to consider mortgage fraud restitution. The court turned to an earlier decision in a timber theft case for property valuation guidance. In United States v. Tyler, the defendant was ordered to pay restitution for his theft of timber from a national forest. However, the victim, the federal government, did not sell the timber upon its seizure and in fact purposefully held onto the timber, claiming it needed the timber for evidentiary purposes in its case against Tyler. During the period between the
arrest and sentencing, timber prices declined. The district court found that the
amount of restitution equaled the difference of the timber’s value from sentencing
date and the higher value when defendant actually stole the timber. The Ninth Circuit disagreed with the District Court and held that the defendant should not have an increased restitution when the victim decides to retain the property. The court reasoned that the defendant’s conduct did not cause the subsequent loss the government experienced and therefore restitution was properly calculated as the property’s value on the date the victim regained control of the timber.

The Ninth Circuit subsequently applied this logic to a mortgage fraud context in United States v. Smith, where the defendant obtained loans secured by speculative real estate. The court determined that the credit against restitution should be based on the value of the property on the date title is transferred to the victim. The court noted, “[a]s of that date, the new owner had the power to dispose of the property and receive compensation.” Because the victim has control over the property’s sale once the property is returned, “[v]alue should therefore be measured by what the financial institution would have received in a sale as of that date.”

The Smith decision served as the “keystone for all of the subsequent decisions.”
The Ninth Circuit reinforced this valuation method in later cases. Further, in United States v. Gossi, the court elaborated on its prior decisions that value should be based on the date the victim has control over the property. Specifically, the court noted that what comes with control of the property is the power to dispose, which allows the victim to sell the property anytime and provides no immediate calculation of restitution. Subsequently, the court cited Smith, stating the “[v]alue should therefore be measured by what the financial institution would have received in a sale as of that date.” Finally, this past year, the Ninth Circuit upheld its mortgage fraud restitution calculation in United States v. Yeung. In Yeung, the defendant enlisted five people in a scheme involving false information on straw buyers’ loan applications in order to purchase and refinance homes in Northern California during the booming housing market. The district court considered a sentencing memo indicating that Yeung should pay restitution in the amount of the “outstanding principal balance on the defaulted loans less any money recovered from a sale of the properties used as collateral for the loans.”

Applying the US Sentencing Guidelines, rather than the MVRA, the district court ordered a restitution award in excess of $1.3 million. The Court of Appeals, however,
indicated that a financial institution has control of the property either when the
property is sold or when, citing Smith, the lender “had the power to dispose of
the property and receive compensation,” and therefore restitution should be
based on the fair market value on the date the property is returned. One distinction in Yeung, however, involved a loan purchased on the secondary market. One of the loans had been sold from the originating lender to a loan purchaser at a discount. The court indicated that the “property” in such circumstances is the actual loan, and not the original real property. The court determined that the restitution calculation in this type of circumstance must consider how much the loan purchaser paid for the loan, “less the value of the real property collateral as of the date the victim took control of the collateral property.”

Further, the court disagreed with the district court’s calculation of one property’s value. The district court determined the value of one of the properties as $363,863—the amount the victim received from the property’s sale. However, this sale did not occur until sixteen months after the victim took control of the property. Accordingly, the court found the actual value should be determined from the date the victim took control of the property. Two circuits follow the Ninth Circuit’s restitution calculation. In both United States v. Reese and United States v. Holley, the Fifth Circuit maintained that a property’s value is determined based on the date the collateral property is returned to the lender. Further, in Holley, the Fifth Circuit specifically analogized the facts of Holley to the Smith case in subscribing to the Ninth Circuit calculation

Relatedly, in United States v. Boccagna, the Second Circuit performed an extensive analysis of how property value should be measured, ultimately agreeing with the Ninth and Fifth Circuits. The Boccagna court noted that the MVRA does not define how to determine the value of property. Instead, the court stated, the “law appears to contemplate the exercise of discretion by sentencing courts in determining the measure of value appropriate to restitution calculation in a given case.” The court found the property’s sale price was lower than the fair market value and remanded the case to determine this value as part of the restitution calculation.

B. The Seventh Circuit Method

In contrast, four circuit courts presume the fair market value is determined only by the actual sale of the property. I have referred to this calculation as the Seventh Circuit method because of that court’s recent decision in which it analyzed all circuit holdings to date. However, these decisions begin outside of that circuit. The Third Circuit, in United States v. Himler, observed that the return of the property would be inadequate to compensate the victim, and explicitly disagreed with the Ninth Circuit’s view that value of the property is “as of the date the victim took control of [it].” The court noted instead that real estate is an illiquid asset, and “is only worth what you can get for it.” Thus, the court held that restitution would equal the original loan amount, less the eventual amount recovered from a sale. Surprisingly in this case, waiting until the sale actually
occurred resulted in the defendant paying less restitution than he would have if the fair market value had been used. The condominium in Himler sold for significantly more than its presumed value when title was transferred, due to favorable market conditions.

The Tenth Circuit, in United States v. James, also concluded that value is based on the actual foreclosure sales price and not an appraised value when the property is returned to the mortgage holder. The court noted that the MVRA “generally uses the term ‘value,’ and does not limit calculation of ‘value’ only to the use of the ‘fair market value’ of the property at issue.” Further, because the statute does not specifically mention value as being fair market value, there are other examples of value that may be appropriate, such as foreclosure sales price and replacement price. The court subsequently noted that
value can be a flexible concept, and a court with discretionary powers should keep in mind the purpose of restitution—to make the victim whole. The court concluded, therefore, that the foreclosure sale price in that case reflected a more accurate measure of the victim’s loss. Similarly, the Eighth Circuit, in United States v. Statman, used the foreclosure sale price of a fraudulently purchased bakery business in calculating the restitution award to a state’s small business-funding agency. While the defendant wanted the court to consider the appraised value of the bakery, the court cited James and determined that a foreclosure sale price was a permissible calculation method. The court also agreed with the Tenth Circuit; its decision aligns with the public policy concerns, which justify the existence of restitution in the first place—the need to make victims whole for the actual loss. While this case involved financial fraud, and not mortgage fraud per se, the chosen calculation method aligns this circuit with the sale-price camp.

Most recently, in United States v. Robers, the Seventh Circuit joined the Third, Eighth, and Tenth Circuits concluding “it is proper to determine the offset value [of property that is returned] based on the eventual amount recouped by the victim following sale of the collateral real estate.” The court observed that because the victim loaned cash to the defendants to purchase the property, the cash was therefore the “property” taken, not a home. Basing its opinion on the plain language of the MVRA, the Seventh Circuit decided that “ ‘property’ must mean the property originally taken from the victim,” the value can only be determined by the amount of cash returned to the victim from a sale.

IV. YET ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE—US SENTENCING GUIDELINES

The US Sentencing Guidelines are advisory rules that set out uniform sentencing guidelines for various offenses. The Guidelines are not mandatory,
and while judges have discretion in sentencing, courts must consider the Guidelines
in determining a defendant’s sentence. Moreover, a court of appeals reviewing a sentence that follows the Guidelines will consider the sentencing reasonable per se. Under these Guidelines, the factors considered when imposing a sentence include restitution to the victim. Further, the Guidelines state that, “[i]n the case of an identifiable victim, the court shall . . . enter a restitution order for the full amount of the victim’s loss, if such order is authorized under 18 U.S.C. . . . § 3663.”

The US Sentencing Commission annually reviews the current Guidelines and proposes amendments to reflect inadequacies in recent sentences. Recent revisions to the Guidelines, however, are not consistent with the latest Seventh Circuit decision in Robers. In the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Congress issued a directive to the US Sentencing Guideline Commission to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines related to “persons convicted of fraud offenses relating to financial institutions or federally related mortgage loans and any other similar provisions of law.” The amendment subsequently attempts to address the inconsistencies with Application Note 3(E) and “credits against loss rule,” which offsets a victim’s
loss by any credit the victim has already received. In general, the rule deducts the fair market value of the property returned to the victim from the amount of restitution the defendant is required to pay. In other words, the restitution is offset by the collateral’s fair market value. The Commission specifically addressed the situation that the circuit courts have wrestled with—when the victim gets the collateral back but has not disposed of the property, resulting in a problematic value calculation. The Commission noted this and, in an attempt to provide uniform guidelines, it proposed two changes. The first change established a specific date of the fair. market value determination: “the date on which the guilt of the defendant has been established.” The second change “establishes a rebuttable presumption that the most recent tax assessment value of the collateral is a reasonable estimate of the fair market value.” The Commission suggests that a court may consider the accuracy of this measure by examining factors such as how current the assessment is and the jurisdiction’s calculation process. In sum, a court ordering restitution following these Guidelines would establish the value of the property based on the official date of the defendant’s guilt. In addition, if the property has been returned to the victim but remains unsold, a court will use the local tax assessor’s value of the property to determine the property’s value.

V. CRITIQUE OF THE THREE CALCULATIONS

The absence of a definition for the term “property” in the MVRA is the root of the different applications of the statute throughout the country. “When the court defines ‘property,’ the question is whether the statute refers to the property stolen or the property returned. They are not necessarily equivalent, particularly in the context of complex financial instruments . . . .” However, as stated previously, the Act’s purpose is to make the victim whole, and no matter which formula is used, each calculation has the potential to not achieve this goal.

A. The Ninth Circuit Method: Control as the Impetus

There are several advantages to the Ninth Circuit mortgage fraud restitution calculation method, which holds that the fair market value should be calculated based on the date the property is returned to the financial institution victim. First, the date reflects the date that control over the property has been returned to the victims. Accordingly, the bank then has the power to dispose of the property at its discretion without additionally penalizing the defendant if the victim refrains from selling the property on that date. For example, a victim may decide to hold on to the property, as in United States v. Tyler or United States v. Smith, coincidental with a declining market. A victim may have too
many properties in inventory to immediately put a particular property up for sale. Or a victim may be making a calculated business decision to retain the property for a certain period of time for accounting purposes. No matter the purpose behind the retention, it is unfair to place the additional penalty that coincides with declining real estate prices on the defendant who had no control or even influence over the property’s sale.

Second, this specific date requires no guesswork when attempting to calculate the amount of restitution, which results in better efficiency. On the date the bank gets the property back, an appraisal can determine the property’s fair market value. The court can immediately calculate the restitution amount with this figure. Waiting until the property actually sells could result in a delay of months or years to determine how much the actual proceeds from the sale are. As a result, the court has an almost immediate figure to apply to the calculation and can order the restitution award right away. On the other hand, the Ninth Circuit calculation method has some considerable weaknesses. First, real estate is an illiquid asset, and determining fair market value of an illiquid asset is difficult. An appraisal only suggests what the house could sell for, not what the house actually will sell for. In addition, appraisals are based on historical data of home sales, and during sharp market increases or decreases an appraisal will not reflect the most up-to-date real estate prices.

Second, the recent housing bubble created an economic environment where home prices decreased at a radical rate. Traditionally, such sharp declines are not a concern with real estate over the long run because, while real estate prices fluctuate, they eventually trend upward. However, in situations like the recent drops in home values, the victim-lender can be punished for the market decline, despite the fact the victim was actively trying to sell the property. In addition, amidst tightening credit conditions, fewer buyers may qualify to purchase a home. This results in too much supply, not enough demand, and
consequently puts further downward pressure on home prices. The victimlender
is therefore penalized for market conditions beyond its control and consequently
does not receive complete restitution. Further, a victim financial institution is not in the business of selling homes; it is in the business of making collateralized mortgage loans for qualified buyers. Not only will the lender have costs associated with selling the
home (for example, carrying costs or realtor commissions), the lender cannot make a sale magically happen, especially if the home is situated in a market flooded with other foreclosure sales. Thus, when the lender eventually sells the home, it can potentially face a greater loss, an inequity beyond its control.

B. The Seventh Circuit Method: Cash Proceeds are the “Property”

As discussed in Part II, the Seventh Circuit, along with three other circuits, requires a sale of the property in order to establish the net proceeds offsetting a restitution award. These circuits distinguish that the property fraudulently obtained was the cash proceeds to finance a real estate purchase, not the actual home. Thus, this method recognizes the illiquidity of real estate and instead requires cash proceeds from a property’s sale; therefore, no return of the property for restitution purposes occurs with just the transfer of title or “control” over the property.

In addition, this method provides a more exact amount to the restitution calculation. With an appraisal, a court only has an approximation of what the house is worth. With an actual sale, the court knows specifically what the home sold for, and also has information on the true net proceeds to the lender.

Finally, this method also provides a buffer of protection for a victim trying to sell a property in a declining housing market. If the victim is unable to sell the property immediately, and home prices continue to plummet, the victim will not be financially punished by an ensuing lower sales price of the property. Thus, by treating the property as cash proceeds and not calculating the restitution award until there is a sale of the property, this allows the victim to come closer to achieving full restitution because the funds returned are the original amount that was taken.

This calculation method, however, has some distinct disadvantages. First, calculating the amount of time a home will be on the market is a challenge. For example, in a downturn economy, is it appropriate for the defendants to wait for the home to sell for months or years? At what point should the restitution award sentence be official? Without an established time period for a requisite sale, there will be a decrease of both efficiency and certainty as the defendant will have to wait longer to find out what the value of the property is and therefore how much restitution is necessary. In addition, what if the lender purposely holds on to the property longer than necessary? Indeed, victim banks could make a “business decision” to hold onto a property for years before attempting to sell. This type of allowance does not encourage an efficient method of asset redistribution, which can delay economic recovery in a down economy. Further, what if the victim holds an improper foreclosure auction—for example, by failing to advertise the foreclosure sale—and subsequently purchases the home itself for an amount far lower than fair market value because of a (not surprising) lack of buyers? Should the
lender be rewarded for its misbehavior? On the other hand, some would argue
that between the two parties—a convicted criminal who attempted to defraud a
financial institution and a more innocent lender who trusted the criminal borrower—
the defendant should absorb the risk.

Further, it is possible in a booming housing market that a defendant will owe no restitution. For example, if the defendant fraudulently obtained a home loan for $200,000 and the victim lender subsequently sold the property for $205,000, the defendant will be absolved from restitution. However, if part of the goal of restitution is to make the victim whole, the victim is more than compensated in a booming housing market.

Moreover, this type of calculation can have an adverse effect on other types of property. Knowing that the value of the property is not calculated until the item is actually sold, a criminal has little incentive to actually return the property. This would not be a concern for real property, but the same legal framework could be applied to other forms of collateral that can be moved and hidden, like cars. Thus, a thief can choose to hold on to the property or never return the property because of a lack of incentive to return it immediately. Accordingly, “[t]he decision is focused on the statute’s goal of making victims whole but potentially interferes with the statute’s goal of returning property to
victims.” Consequently, “[i]f a defendant is going to be on the hook for the offset amount regardless of when the property is sold, then why return the property? Also, the decision may have the unintended consequence of interfering with the marketplace . . . .”

Finally, the loan in question in these circumstances is for a collateralized asset. The actual home provided security to the lender. As such, the lender bore the risk when it made the loan; however, the lender also understood it could foreclose on the home in case of default. Thus, this cost of doing business is already accounted for and a victim lender understands this type of risk when providing mortgage loans.

C. US Sentencing Guidelines: Local Property Assessment is the Real
“Value”

As discussed in Part IV, the US Sentencing Guidelines establish the date of valuation as the conviction date of the defendant. In addition, if the property has not sold by that date, the local property tax assessor’s value of the home is the value of the property for restitution calculation purposes. There are several advantages to this approach. First, if every circuit applied this approach, these guidelines would result in a uniform application throughout the country and would eliminate the conflicting restitution awards. In addition, this approach sets a number that can be calculated and independently verified. An individual could easily confirm the tax assessor’s value of the property and calculate the restitution.

Moreover, the Guidelines allow flexibility. For example, if a court determines that an assessed value is too divergent from a property’s fair market value, the court has discretion to address these differences and assign a fair market value.

The Guideline method, however, has potential disadvantages. First, as previously
noted, the assessed value may not be near the fair market value of the property, and a battle of experts may ensue as both the defendant and the victim claim otherwise. In addition, this discrepancy may afford too much discretion to judges when the goal of the Guidelines is to set a uniform policy.

In addition, this approach disregards the Seventh Circuit method recognizing that the property taken was the actual cash for the home loan. Instead, by relying on a tax assessor’s value if the home remains unsold, the Commission determined that the “property” is the tangible real estate, and not the cash that was lent. Again, if the victim were unable to sell the home in a declining housing market, the restitution award would fail to compensate the victim for its true loss.

D. Alternative Methods of Calculation – State Deficiency Statutes

The problematic issue of fair market assessment is not unique to restitution.
Every state and the District of Columbia have a deficiency statute, whereby a lender can obtain a deficiency judgment to recover the difference between a foreclosure sale price and the current outstanding balance owed on the mortgage loan. Not every jurisdiction, however, calculates this deficiency in the same way. For example, Nevada calculates the home value based on the actual sale price, not the fair market value when the property is returned to the lender. However, the court may also consider the home’s appraised
value in its determination.

Some states maintain that a foreclosure sale price determines the value of the home when calculating a deficiency judgment. In other words, these states determine that a property’s value is only determined at the time of the property’s sale. Therefore, this calculation is similar to the Seventh Circuit method whereby a property’s value can only be determined following a sale of the real estate.

Other states consider the fair market value of the property when considering a deficiency judgment. States that consider the fair market value at the time the property is returned coincide with the Ninth Circuit calculation method. Notably, some of these states are states that have had a high number of foreclosures and are within the Ninth Circuit: for example, Arizona and California. Other states provide that the courts have discretion to determine the appropriate value of the property. This discretion is analogous to the alternative offered by US Sentencing Guidelines. This alternative is available when a court deems the property’s assessed value is inappropriate and provides that a court has authority to consider other evidence in its determination of a property’s value.

Thus, just as there is a lack of uniformity in the restitution calculation depending on which state you live in, there is a corresponding lack of uniformity regarding deficiency judgments. While most states follow the foreclosure sale approach recognizing the property’s value can only be determined with an actual sale, this approach does not account for the amount of time a financial institution can choose to hold onto the property. It further fails to account for the lack of control a mortgagor has over the sale process. On the other hand, while the fair market approach recognizes the importance of the control aspect, this approach does not consider a mortgagee’s potential inability to sell in a down economy.

E. Analysis

Restitution is founded primarily on the idea that the victim should be made whole for his property loss. The actual property that was defrauded from a victim in mortgage fraud is the money lent as part of the real estate transaction.
Therefore, until the actual money is returned, equity has not been restored to the victim. However, equity also demands that a victim not take advantage of the criminal defendant and hold on to the returned real estate property longer than necessary to sell the real estate property. Therefore, there should be a limitation to ensure a victim does not unreasonably allow the property to languish. Accordingly, a “good faith” requirement should be included in any amendment to the MVRA, requiring a victim to sell the property to recoup funds with good faith. Thus, a defendant who believes a victim unfairly held onto a property for too long may petition the court to reduce the amount of restitution owed if the victim did not commence the sales process with good
faith.

If Congress were to amend MVRA, it should provide a definition of the term “property” to help distinguish between properties at the different phases of a financial transaction. Because of the diverse types of financial fraud—e.g. mortgage fraud compared with securities fraud—the term “property” may have more than one meaning within these contexts, and may also change throughout the transaction. For instance, consider a scheming debtor who fraudulently obtained a margin loan to purchase both mortgage backed securities and corporate bonds. The property “stolen” initially in this case is the fraudulently obtained cash used to purchase the assets. However, after the margin loan is received, the property now consists of two types of financial instruments within
the debtor’s portfolio. Indeed, the property in its current form (financial assets)
can be converted back to the form of the original property (cash). However, with the current definition of property, it is unclear if that conversion is even required.

The definition of property should state that “property” is defined as the specific or particular type of asset (such as cash) that the defendant secured from the victim. This way, the “property” returned to the victim (money) will be the same type of property stolen (money used to purchase the home). In addition, similar to many state statutes prohibiting insurance companies from operating in bad faith, the Act should prohibit victim-lenders from operating in bad faith.

VI. CONCLUSION

Defendants, like the partners in the fictional story in the introduction, could face varied restitution awards depending on which state they commit the mortgage fraud in. This lack of a uniform approach results in inadequate restitution to victims. If the goal of the MVRA is to make victims whole, a more standardized and consistent calculation of restitution is required. Providing a definition of property in the MVRA would provide this uniformity. Further, requiring victims to act in good faith as they attempt to convert property back to the type of asset they were deprived of will help ensure defendants aren’t unfairly punished.

When Homeowner’s good faith attempts to amicably work with the Bank in order to resolve the issue fails;

Home owners should wake up TODAY! before it’s too late by mustering enough courage for “Pro Se” Litigation (Self Representation – Do it Yourself) against the Lender – for Mortgage Fraud and other State and Federal law violations using foreclosure defense package found at https://fightforeclosure.net/foreclosure-defense-package/ “Pro Se” litigation will allow Homeowners to preserved their home equity, saves Attorneys fees by doing it “Pro Se” and pursuing a litigation for Mortgage Fraud, Unjust Enrichment, Quiet Title and Slander of Title; among other causes of action. This option allow the homeowner to stay in their home for 3-5 years for FREE without making a red cent in mortgage payment, until the “Pretender Lender” loses a fortune in litigation costs to high priced Attorneys which will force the “Pretender Lender” to early settlement in order to modify the loan; reducing principal and interest in order to arrive at a decent figure of the monthly amount the struggling homeowner could afford to pay.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation of losing or about to lose your home to wrongful fraudulent foreclosure, and need a complete package that will show you step-by-step litigation solutions helping you challenge these fraudsters and ultimately saving your home from foreclosure either through loan modification or “Pro Se” litigation visit: https://fightforeclosure.net/foreclosure-defense-package/

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How Can Nevada Homeowners Effectively Handle Foreclosure Matters

08 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by BNG in Affirmative Defenses, Appeal, Federal Court, Foreclosure Defense, Pro Se Litigation

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Foreclosure, foreclosure defense, Mortgage loan, Nevada, Nevada Foreclosure, Nevada mortgage loans, Pro se legal representation in the United States

Why Is It Impportant For Nevada Homeowners to Protect their Homes?

In Nevada, homeowners must be aware of mortgage loans and foreclosure laws inorder to be few steps aheads of unscrupulous elements that would do whatever it takes to snatch away your home right under your nose.

Why You Need to Know About Nevada Mortgage Loans

When you take out a loan to purchase residential property in Nevada, you typically sign a promissory note and a deed of trust. A promissory note is basically an IOU that contains the promise to repay the loan, as well as the terms for repayment. The deed of trust provides security for the loan that is evidenced by a promissory note.

How Can you Handle the Issues of Missed Payments

If you miss a payment, most loans include a grace period of ten or fifteen days after which time the loan servicer will assess a late fee. (Loan servicers collect and process payments from homeowners, as well as handle loss mitigation applications and foreclosures for defaulted loans.)

The late fee is generally 5% of the overdue payment of principal and interest based on the terms of the note. To find out the late charge amount and grace period for your loan, look at the promissory note that you signed. This information can also be found on your monthly mortgage statement.

What Are Your Option About Missing Quite a Few Payments

If you miss a few mortgage payments, your mortgage servicer will probably send a letter or two reminding you to get caught up, as well as call you to try to collect the payments. Don’t ignore the phone calls and letters. This is a good opportunity to discuss loss mitigation options and attempt to work out an agreement (such as a loan modification, forbearance, or payment plan) so you can avoid foreclosure.

How Can You Handle Pre-Foreclosure Loss Mitigation Review Period

Under the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau servicing rules that went into effect January 10, 2014, the mortgage servicer must wait until you are 120 days delinquent on payments before making the first official notice or filing for any nonjudicial or judicial foreclosure. This is to give you sufficient time to explore loss mitigation opportunities. (If a servicer’s sole purpose of providing a notice is to inform you that you are late on your payments and/or explain what your loss mitigation options are, the servicer can deliver the notice within this pre-foreclosure period.)

What About Deed of Trust, What You Need to Know

Nevada deeds of trust often contain a clause that requires the lender to send a notice, commonly called a breach letter or demand letter, informing you that your loan is in default before it can accelerate the loan and proceed with foreclosure. (The acceleration clause in the mortgage permits the lender to demand that the entire balance of the loan be repaid if the borrower defaults on the loan.)

The letter must specify:

  • the default
  • the action required to cure the default
  • a date (usually not less than 30 days from the date the notice is given to the borrower) by which the default must be cured, and
  • that failure to cure the default on or before the date specified in the notice may result in acceleration of the debt and sale of the property.

What Types of Foreclosure Procedures Is there In Nevada

In Nevada, most residential foreclosures are nonjudicial. This means the lender can foreclose without going to court as long as the deed of trust contains a power of sale clause.

What is Notice of Default and Election to Sell

In Nevada, Non-judicial proceedings is used to foreclose most home. The Nevada nonjudicial foreclosure process formally begins when the trustee, a third-party, records a Notice of Default and Election to Sell (NOD) in the office of the recorder in the county where the property is located, providing three months to cure the default.

A copy of the NOD must be sent to each person who has a recorded request for a copy and each person with an interest or claimed interest in the property by registered or certified mail within ten days after the NOD is recorded recordation.

What Are the Requirements for Posting NOD?

If a residential foreclosure, a copy of the NOD must be posted in a conspicuous place on the property 100 days before the date of sale.

Are there Any Affidavit Required

The trustee or beneficiary (lender) must record a notarized affidavit along with the NOD that states, based on a review of business records, including all of the following information.

  • The full name and business address of the current trustee or the current trustee’s personal representative or assignee, the current holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, the current beneficiary of record and the current servicer of the obligation or debt secured by the deed of trust.
  • That the beneficiary under the deed of trust, the successor in interest of the beneficiary or the trustee is in actual or constructive possession of the note secured by the deed of trust; or that the beneficiary or its successor in interest or the trustee is entitled to enforce the obligation or debt secured by the deed of trust.
  • That the beneficiary or its successor in interest, the servicer of the obligation or debt secured by the deed of trust or the trustee, or an attorney representing any of those persons, has sent to the borrower a written statement including the amount needed to cure the default, the principal amount of the debt, the accrued interest and late charges, a good faith estimate of all fees, contact information for obtaining the most current amounts due, and each assignee of the deed of trust.

What Other Alternatives Do I Have to Stop the Foreclosure?

You have 3 alternatives, sometimes 4.

Your alternatives are:

1). Try to call your alleged lender to see if you can get a reasonable person on the phone. Don’t panic, just be prepared as over 90% of the people you speak to on the phone are programmed to act certain way.i.e, if you are lucky as 99.9% you’ll get a recording and will have to leave a message, unfortunately, you have less that 20% of getting a call back response. You’ll know very early that the alleged lender, definitely not with your best interest at heart.

2). Nevada law requires that borrowers who are in foreclosure be given the option to participate in mediation if the property is owner-occupied.

The trustee must mail to the borrower (by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested) an Election to Mediate Form no later than ten days after recording the NOD. If the borrower wants to elect mediation, the form must be completed and returned within 30 days.

3). You can commence litigation to immediately stop the foreclosure, but you have to be prepared to whether the stop as you’ll experience various emotions during the litigation proceedings, but with time, you’ll get used to it.

3) Bamkruptcy is another method to stop foreclosure, but it will not be in your best interest if you just found yourself in foreclosure situation. We recommend Bankruptcy as the last resort and this is why?

If you are a homeowner with a mortgage payment, say like $1000/mth. If you have missed payment that is 1 year or more. Your Chapter 13 bankrupcty payments will be difficult for you to make once in bankrupcty because you will still make the Normal monthly payment and then some portion of the missed payments, which is sometimes, nealy half of the monthly payment. So if you make a payment of $1000 before the foreclosure began, you’ll now have to make ($1500 (Regular + Potion Payments) to catch up. So you ask yourself, if you can’t afford the original payment of $1000, before you went into foreclosure, how can you afford the higher payments.

In Nevada, You Have What is called Danger Notice

At least 60 days prior to the date of the sale, the trustee must provide the borrower(s) with a separate “Danger Notice” stating that they are in danger of losing their home to foreclosure, along with a copy of the original promissory note.

The notice must be:

  • personally served to the borrower
  • left with a person of suitable age and discretion (if the borrower is not available) and a copy mailed, or
  • if a person of suitable age and discretion is not available, then the notice may be posted in a conspicuous place on the property, left with a person residing in the property, and then mailed to the borrower.

What do you need to know about Notice of Sale

After expiration of the three-month period following the recording of the NOD, the trustee must give notice of the time and place of the sale by recording the notice of sale and by:

  • Providing the notice of sale to each required party by personal service or by mailing the notice by registered or certified mail to the last known address 20 days before sale.
  • Posting the notice of sale on the property 15 days before the sale.
  • Posting the notice of sale for 20 days successively in a public place in the county where the property is situated and on the property 15 days before sale.
  • Publishing a copy of the notice of sale three times, once each week for three consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property is situated.

Notice to Tenants

If the property is tenant occupied, a separate notice must be posted in a conspicuous place on the property and mailed to the tenant no later than three business days after the notice of sale is given.

Reinstatement Before Sale

In the case of owner-occupied housing, the borrower gets a right to reinstate by paying the arrearage, costs, and fees. This right expires 5 days prior to the date of the foreclosure sale.

The Foreclosure Sale

The foreclosure sale must be between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All sales of real property must be made:

  • at the courthouse in the county in which the property or some part thereof is situated (in counties with a population of less than 100,000), or
  • at the public location in the county designated by the governing body of the county for that purpose (in counties with a population of 100,000 or more).

The property will be:

  • sold to the highest third-party bidder or
  • revert to the foreclosing lender and become REO

Deficiency Judgment Following Sale

When a lender forecloses on a mortgage, the total debt owed by the borrower to the lender frequently exceeds the foreclosure sale price. The difference between the sale price and the total debt is called a “deficiency.” In some states, the lender can seek a personal judgment against the debtor to recover the deficiency. Generally, once the lender gets a deficiency judgment, the lender may collect this amount from the borrower.

In Nevada, a lender may obtain a deficiency judgment following foreclosure, but the amount of the judgment is limited to the lesser of:

  • the difference between the total debt and fair market value of the home, or
  • the difference between the total debt and foreclosure sale price.

For loans taken out after October 1, 2009, deficiencies are prohibited for purchase money loans (that have not been refinanced) held by a bank or other financial institution for single-family residences occupied continuously by the borrowers.

Redemption Period

A redemption period is the legal right of any mortgage borrower in foreclosure to pay off the total debt, including the principal balance, plus certain additional costs and interest, in order to reclaim the property. In Nevada, there is no redemption period following a nonjudicial foreclosure sale.

Eviction Following Foreclosure

If you don’t vacate the property following the foreclosure sale, the new owner will likely:

  • offer you a cash-for-keys deal (where the new owner offers you money in exchange for you agreeing to move out), or
  • give you a three-day notice to quit (leave) before filing an eviction lawsuit.

To learn more about foreclosure in general, ways to defend against foreclosure, and programs to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure

When Homeowner’s good faith attempts to amicably work with the Bank in order to resolve the issue fails;

Home owners should wake up TODAY! before it’s too late by mustering enough courage for “Pro Se” Litigation (Self Representation – Do it Yourself) against the Lender – for Mortgage Fraud and other State and Federal law violations using foreclosure defense package found at http://www.fightforeclosure.net “Pro Se” litigation will allow Homeowners to preserved their home equity, saves Attorneys fees by doing it “Pro Se” and pursuing a litigation for Mortgage Fraud, Unjust Enrichment, Quiet Title and Slander of Title; among other causes of action. This option allow the homeowner to stay in their home for 3-5 years for FREE without making a red cent in mortgage payment, until the “Pretender Lender” loses a fortune in litigation costs to high priced Attorneys which will force the “Pretender Lender” to early settlement in order to modify the loan; reducing principal and interest in order to arrive at a decent figure of the monthly amount the struggling homeowner could afford to pay.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation of losing or about to lose your home to wrongful fraudulent foreclosure, and need a complete package that will show you step-by-step litigation solutions helping you challenge these fraudsters and ultimately saving your home from foreclosure either through loan modification or “Pro Se” litigation visit: http://www.fightforeclosure.net

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How Backlog of Court Cases In Nevada & Other States Will Help Homeowners Save Their Homes

23 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by BNG in Discovery Strategies, Federal Court, Judicial States, Non-Judicial States, State Court

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Appellate court, Courts of Nevada, Kristina Pickering, Las Vegas, National Center for State Courts, Nevada, Nevada Supreme Court, Tuesday

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A report released Tuesday detailing caseloads at Nevada courthouses has administrators urging voters to approve a constitutional amendment next year to create a statewide appellate court.

“The numbers show the unrelenting demand for court services in Nevada,” Supreme Court Chief Justice Kristina Pickering said in a statement accompanying the Annual Report of the Nevada Judiciary.

Pickering said Nevada courts meet the needs of Nevada business and citizens, despite limited resources and declines in staffing.

But she also called the Nevada appeals caseload one of the largest in the nation and a serious problem for people held for months pending criminal trials and for litigants waiting years for the resolution of civil cases.

Nevada is one of 11 states, plus the District of Columbia, without an intermediate appeals court.

Among those states, the seven justices on the Nevada Supreme top the list in cases per justice, the report states.

The Nevada high court received 2,333 appeals in 2013 — far more than the next-highest, West Virginia, with 1,524. The Nevada court disposed of 2,373 cases but it still had almost 1,900 cases pending.

Backlogs can be a key measure of court performance, said Greg Hurley, an analyst with the National Center for State Courts. The nonprofit, based in Williamsburg, Va., studies court issues around the country.

“Clearance rate is probably the single most important thing for case managers to monitor,” Hurley said. “Backlogs, once established, can be very difficult to clear.”

A study of 2010 court caseloads around the country put Nevada last among 25 states with courts of general jurisdiction in clearance rate for civil cases. Forty-six states have general jurisdiction courts, which hear a range of cases including criminal, civil, family and probate.

Nevada also ranked last among 23 states in a comparison of clearance rates for domestic relations cases.

Nevada Supreme Court spokesman Bill Gang said Nevada’s district court clearance rates for civil cases improved from 82 percent in 2010 to 119 percent in fiscal 2013, after the state added 10 judges in Las Vegas. The clearance rate in domestic relations cases remained about the same as in 2010, Gang said.

The 52-page annual Nevada courts report released Tuesday projects the cost of establishing a three-judge appeals court at about $1.5 million, and suggests it might save other costs.

Overall, the state court administration and management budget was just under $62 million in 2013. About one-third, or almost $21 million, went to the salaries of justices and district judges.

In all, courts in the 10 districts around the state took in 129,026 non-traffic cases in 2013, or 1,300 more than the previous year. The 82 judges in those courts disposed of 128,170 cases, down 2.5 percent from the previous year.

The 52 state judges in the Clark County courthouse handled an average of 1,840 cases each during the fiscal year ending June 30. That made the Las Vegas-area courts by far the busiest in the state.

By comparison, the 15 state court judges in Washoe County each handled an average of 1,308 cases in fiscal 2013. The two judges in the 7th District covering Eureka, Lincoln and White Pine counties handled 400 cases each.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation of losing or about to lose your home to wrongful fraudulent foreclosure, and need a complete package  that will help you challenge these fraudsters and save your home from foreclosure visit: http://www.fightforeclosure.net The backlog of Nevada as well as other states where homeowners needs home saving foreclosure solutions may result to the delay needed to plan your effective legal strategy to save your home.

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Nevada Foreclosure Rate Tops U.S. Again

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by BNG in Affirmative Defenses, Foreclosure Crisis, Non-Judicial States, Pro Se Litigation, Your Legal Rights

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August, Florida, Foreclosure, Las Vegas, Nevada, Percentage, Real estate, RealtyTrac, Reno

Last month Nevada once again secured the top spot as the state with the nation’s highest foreclosure rate due to spikes in default notices and scheduled foreclosure auctions.

According to a report by the Irvine-based real estate analytics company, RealtyTrac, in August one out of every 359 Nevada housing units was the subject of a new foreclosure filing.  This number reflects more than two-and-a-half times the national average.

RealtyTrac defines foreclosure filings as:

“Including notices of default, notices of pending trustee sales and repossessions by banks.”

Additionally, RealityTrac stated that last month with one filing for every 323 housing units, Las Vegas was ranked third for the nation’s highest foreclosure rate among large metropolitan areas. Nevada’s foreclosure filings have increased over 100 percent compared to the previous month and nearly 11 percent percent over August 2012, due to the 226 percent increase in default notices and a 96 percent jump in scheduled foreclosure auctions compared with July.

RealtyTrac Vice President Daren Blomquist attempts to explain the recent jump in Nevada foreclosures saying:

“The foreclosure floodwaters have receded in most parts of the country, but lenders and communities continue to clean up the damage left behind, which means the recent uptick in bank repossessions is a trend that will likely continue into next year,” he said. “Meanwhile foreclosure flash floods will continue to hit some markets over the next few months as delayed foreclosure starts are quickly pushed into the pipeline.

Another explanation for Nevada’s increase in foreclosures is due to the possibility that bankers have identified how to operate under the new Assembly Bill 300 law that is supposed to make it easier for banks to seize homes from delinquent borrowers.

Under AB300, a bank’s affidavit no longer has to be based on personal knowledge of a home’s mortgage-document history before they foreclose. Instead, the bank’s affidavit can be founded on an assessment of internal lending records and either title paperwork or filings with the local county recorder.

For More Information on How To Effectively Challenge Your Lender/Bank In Order to Save Your Home Even If Foreclosure has taken place, Visit: http://www.fightforeclosure.net

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How Nevada Residents Can Effectively Use Mediation To Save Their Home

01 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by BNG in Affirmative Defenses, Foreclosure Defense, Non-Judicial States, Pro Se Litigation, Your Legal Rights

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administrative office of the courts, Business, district court judges, Foreclosure, Home insurance, July, Mediation, mediation program, Nevada, Nevada Supreme Court, Owner-occupier, Real estate, robert estes, Robert Gaston

The program allows homeowners and lenders to sit down with trained mediators to discuss alternatives to foreclosure. The mediations, which are confidential, are required to be conducted within 80 days of a Notice of Default and Election to Sell being recorded by the lender and served on the homeowner.

1) Only owner-occupied homes are eligible under the law

Only owner-occupied homes are eligible under the law and only if a notice of default was recorded on or after July 1, 2009. Once a homeowner elects mediation, the lender must participate. The $400 mediation fee is split equally between the two parties. The Administrative Office of the Courts is administering the program and has established a webpage with a variety of information and forms, including some information in Spanish.

2) Mediators Appointed For Foreclosure Mediation Program

The Nevada Supreme Court initially appointed the first 97 mediators for the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program€“ a major step that set the stage for the scheduling of the first mediations. The 97 include former Supreme Court Justice Deborah Agosti and former District Court judges Robert Gaston, Robert Estes, and Leonard Gang. Also on the list are current State Bar of Nevada President Kathy England and former Nevada Supreme Court Clerk Janette Bloom. The list of mediators has increase since then.
3). Homeowners who receive notices have 30 days from the day they received their notice to seek mediation
Homeowners who receive foreclosure notices€“ technically Notices of Default and Election to Sell have 30 days from the day they received their notice to seek mediation under the program that was created by the Nevada Legislature effective July 1, 2009.  We have seen a wave of requests for mediation and the wave is getting larger, said Verise Campbell, Foreclosure Mediation Program Manager.  This is what we expected. We knew, because of the mandated time frames, that it would take some time for the requests for mediation to come rolling in and for the program to come up to speed.
4). Once all submissions are in, cases will be assigned to mediators within 10 days
In the process, homeowners must submit their election of mediation form along with a $200 fee to their lenders within 30 days of receiving foreclosure notices. The lenders then forward the request and the homeowner’€™s funds, along with the lender’€™s $200 payment and other documents, to the Foreclosure Mediation Program. Once all submissions are in, cases will be assigned to mediators within 10 days and mediations will be scheduled within 80 days of the date the foreclosure notice was recorded.
5). Training sessions for the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program
The list of individuals selected to attend the first training sessions for the Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program has been set and the participants have been notified. Those training sessions include Aug. 5 in Reno and Aug. 6-7 in Las Vegas and were designed to provide foreclosure-specific information to experienced mediators.
6). Mediation is an alternative method to help parties resolve disputes by agreement with the help of trained mediators.
The Foreclosure Mediation Program was established as a result of the Assembly Bill 149, passed during the 2009 session of the Nevada Legislature.Its purpose is to address the foreclosure crisis head-on and to help keep Nevada families in their homes. This law establishes a Foreclosure Mediation Program for owner-occupied residential properties that are subject to foreclosure notices formally known as a Notice of Default and Election to Sell€“ filed on or after July 1, 2009. Mediation is an alternative method to help parties resolve disputes by agreement with the help of trained mediators.

7). Lenders must have someone at the mediation or available with the authority to modify a loan

Under the Supreme Court Rules, the homeowner must submit copies of financial records and indicate the amount of a mortgage payment that could be made if a loan modification could be reached. Lenders must submit documents indicating current appraisals of a home’€™s value and estimates of what it could sell for in a so-called short sale. Lenders must have someone at the mediation or available with the authority to modify a loan and provide the original or certified copies of the mortgage note, deed of trust, and any assignments of the mortgage note or deed of trust. The rules require that the parties to mediate in “good faith.”

8). the program will offer homeowners the opportunity to sit down with their lenders, mediation will not be the solution for everyone

In July of 2011 when the program first started, 4,205 foreclosure notices were recorded in Nevada. (15 of 17 counties reporting; That was down from the monthly average of about 7,600 and well below the more than 11,000 filed in June. In addition to the owner-occupied homes eligible for the Foreclosure Mediation Program, the foreclosure notices include commercial properties and residential housing not occupied by the owners.

9). New recording fee for Notices of Default and Election to Sell

The Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program has also resulted in a new recording fee for Notices of Default and Election to Sell. The new fee, established by Assembly Bill 65, is $50. On this website is an information brochure announcing the new recording fee for the Notice of Default The Election/Waiver of Mediation Form to be served with the Notice of Default and Election to Sell is included along with instructions for the individuals recording the notices involved in the new foreclosure procedures.

10). If there is an agreement, the parties will execute the appropriate documents.

Within 10 days of the mediation, the mediator will prepare the necessary Statement of Agreement or Non-agreement and serve it on the parties. The original will be filed with the Foreclosure Mediation Program Administrator and the mediation will be closed. Within 10 days of the mediation, the mediator will prepare the necessary Statement of Agreement or Non-agreement and serve it on the parties. The original will be filed with the Foreclosure Mediation Program Administrator and the mediation will be closed. If there is an agreement, the parties will execute the appropriate documents. If there is no agreement, the parties will be free to pursue other legal remedies.. If there is no agreement, the parties will be free to pursue other legal remedies.

TIMELINE FOR NEVADA FORECLOSURE
DAY     EVENT
DAY 1 – –    Notice of Default and Election to sell is recorded.
An State of Nevada Election/Waiver of Mediation is sent to homeowner along with copy of Notice of Default and Election to Sell.
Within the Next 10 Days     Notice of Default and Election to Sell must sent out to the Trustor/Owner and all the Lien Holders by U.S. Post Office Certified Mail.
1st Day after Mailing the NOD  – –   A 35 day reinstatement period begins.
DAY 30 – –    Election to Mediate expires 30 days from the date of the Notice of Default and Election to sell.
DAY 35  – –   The right to reinstate expires. Not at midnight but at the end of the working day.
25 Days before Foreclosure     Lender notifies the IRS (if applicable).
DAY 91  – –   The lender has the right to send out a Notice of Trustee’s Sale. From the date of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale it’s 20 days to foreclosure, unless otherwise specified in the notice. Notice of Trustee’s Sale must be sent via U.S. Registered Mail to all parties who require notification. The notice must also be posted within the County where the sale is to be held and where the property is located.
1 Week before Foreclosure     A bid price is typically established at this point. The bid amount includes principal, interest, advances and costs.
DAY 111 – –   Day of Trustee’s Sale also known as the foreclosure day. Anyone interested in buying the property can bid on the property. Only cash or certified funds are accepted. After the sale, a new deed is provided for the new owner. The new owner may be the bank or the winning bidder.

Note: Over the last few years, we saw that many times lenders did not act this quickly in their execution of foreclosures but it is important to note that they have the right to do so.

Quick Facts

–  Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes

–  Non-Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes

–  Primary Security Instruments: Deed of Trust, Mortgage

–  Timeline: Typically 120 days

–  Right of Redemption: Yes

–  Deficiency Judgments Allowed: Yes

In Nevada, lenders may foreclose on deeds of trusts or mortgages in default using either a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure process.

Judicial Foreclosure

The judicial process of foreclosure, which involves filing a lawsuit to obtain a court order to foreclose, is used when no power of sale is present in the mortgage or deed of trust. Generally, after the court declares a foreclosure, your home will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The borrower has one year (12 months) after the foreclosure sale to redeem the property if the judicial foreclosure process is used.

Non-Judicial Foreclosure

The non-judicial process of foreclosure is used when a power of sale clause exists in a mortgage or deed of trust. A “power of sale” clause is the clause in a deed of trust or mortgage, in which the borrower pre-authorizes the sale of property to pay off the balance on a loan in the event of the their default. In deeds of trust or mortgages where a power of sale exists, the power given to the lender to sell the property may be executed by the lender or their representative, typically referred to as the trustee. Regulations for this type of foreclosure process are outlined below in the “Power of Sale Foreclosure Guidelines”.

Power of Sale Foreclosure Guidelines

If the deed of trust or mortgage contains a power of sale clause and specifies the time, place and terms of sale, then the specified procedure must be followed. Otherwise, the non-judicial power of sale foreclosure is carried out as follows:

  1. A copy of the notice of default and election to sell must be mailed certified, return receipt requested, to the borrower, at their last known address, on the date the notice is recorded in the county where the property is located. Any additional postings and advertisements must be done in the same manner as for an execution sale in Nevada.

    Beginning on the day after the notice of default and election was recorded with the county and mailed to the borrower, the borrower has anywhere from fifteen (15) to thirty five (35) days to cure the default by paying the delinquent amount on the loan. The actual amount of time given is dependent on the date of the original deed of trust.

  2. The owner of the property may stop the foreclosure proceedings by filing an “Intent to Cure” with the Public Trustee’s office at least fifteen (15) days prior to the foreclosure sale and then paying the necessary amount to bring the loan current by noon the day before the foreclosure sale is scheduled.
  3. The foreclosure sale itself will be held at the place, the time and on the date stated in the notice of default and election and must be conducted in the same manner as for an execution sale of real property.

Lenders have three (3) months after the sale to try and obtain a deficiency judgment. Borrowers have no rights of redemption.

NEVADA FORECLOSURE TIMELINE

DAY EVENT
DAY 1 Notice of Default and Election to sell is recorded.
An State of Nevada Election/Waiver of Mediation is sent to homeowner along with copy of Notice of Default and Election to Sell.
Within the Next 10 Days Notice of Default and Election to Sell must sent out to the Trustor/Owner and all the Lien Holders by U.S. Post Office Certified Mail.
1st Day after Mailing the NOD A 35 day reinstatement period begins.
DAY 30 Election to Mediate expires 30 days from the date of the Notice of Default and Election to sell.
DAY 35 The right to reinstate expires. Not at midnight but at the end of the working day.
25 Days before Foreclosure Lender notifies the IRS (if applicable).
DAY 91 The lender has the right to send out a Notice of Trustee’s Sale. From the date of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale it’s 20 days to foreclosure, unless otherwise specified in the notice. Notice of Trustee’s Sale must be sent via U.S. Registered Mail to all parties who require notification. The notice must also be posted within the County where the sale is to be held and where the property is located.
1 Week before Foreclosure A bid price is typically established at this point. The bid amount includes principal, interest, advances and costs.
DAY 111 Day of Trustee’s Sale also known as the foreclosure day. Anyone interested in buying the property can bid on the property. Only cash or certified funds are accepted. After the sale, a new deed is provided for the new owner. The new owner may be the bank or the winning bidder.

Over the last few years, we saw that many times lenders did not act this quickly in their execution of foreclosures but it is important to note that they have the right to do so.

– See more at: http://michaelsrealestate.com/nevada-foreclosure-law/#sthash.CfhtdkBI.dpuf

For more information about foreclosure defense please visit: http://www.fightforeclosure.net

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Using Decisions Involving Mortgage-Backed Securities to Challenge Your Wrongful Foreclosure

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by BNG in Appeal, Case Laws, Case Study, Federal Court, Foreclosure Defense, Fraud, Litigation Strategies, MERS, Mortgage Laws, Pro Se Litigation, Securitization

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Bank of America, Bank of New York, Court, Deutsche Bank, Foreclosure, Nevada, New York, RealtyTrac

In recent times, we have seen that many foreclosure cases that were litigated by Homeowners involve Mortgage Backed Securities.

Nevada’s foreclosure stats jumped 334 percent in February from the same month a year ago, leading the nation in year-over-year percentage gains, online foreclosure listing service RealtyTrac reported late Wednesday.

Other states with huge spikes in foreclosure activity include Maryland (319 percent), Washington (172 percent), New York (139 percent) and New Jersey (70 percent).

RealtyTrac showed 15,281 foreclosure filings on U.S. properties in February, a 2 percent increase from the previous month but down 25 percent from a year ago. Foreclosure filings include default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions.

Florida had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate for the sixth straight month with one in every 282 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing, more than three times the national average.

Nevada was No. 2 for the fifth straight month with one in every 320 housing units receiving a filing.

“At a high level, the U.S. foreclosure inferno has been effectively contained and should be reduced to a slow burn in the next two years,” said RealtyTrac Vice President Daren Blomquist. “But dangerous foreclosure flare-ups are still popping up in states where foreclosures have been delayed by a lengthy court process or by new legislation making it more difficult to foreclose outside of the court system.”

When Homeowners are faced with a hurdle of fighting foreclosure to save their homes, some of the argument that has been proven effective in the Courts involves Securitization of the mortgages and the assignments involved in the transfer of the mortgages.

The following cases were some of the cases where valid arguments involving securitizations were used to defeat the Banks and Lenders in the Courts.  Orders to these cases shows that the case was either Dismissed without Prejudice or Summary Judgment that were reversed on Appeal.

CASE STUDIES:

Augenstein v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company,

No. 2009-CA-000058-MR, Kentucky Ct. Appeals 2011

Trust: Soundview Home Loan Trust 2005-OPT4

Summary judgment for bank vacated and remanded.

“In this case, the complaint was filed on December 17, 2007, but the assignment of mortgage was not executed until January 3, 2008. Thus, Deutsche Bank had no present interest when it filed its complaint and failed to take any steps to correct this. Allowing Deutsche Bank to commence this action at a time when it lacked standing impermissibly allowed litigation to commence based upon mere expectancy of an interest.”

Bank of America v. Kabba,

276 P.3d 1006, 2012 OK 23

Trust: Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust Series 2004-BNC2

“In the present case, Appellee has only presented evidence of an indorsed-in-blank note and an “Assignment of Mortgage.” Appellee must prove that it is the holder of the note or the nonholder in possession who has the rights of a holder prior to the filing of the foreclosure proceeding. In the present matter the timeliness of the transfer is in question. Since Bank of America did not file the blank indorsement until it filed its motion for summary judgment it is impossible to determine from the record when Bank of America acquired its interest in the underlying note.”

Bank of New York v. Gindele,

1st Dist. No. C-090251, 2010-Ohio-542

Trust: CWALT Alternative Loan Trust 2006-40T1

“A thorough review of the record reveals that the sole indication of its interest as mortgagee is an after-acquired assignment; and the bank failed to produce any evidence in the trial court affirmatively establishing a preexisting interest. Bank of New York has also asserted both that it had acted as an agent, and that its predecessor in interest had later ratified its foreclosure complaint. But because at the time of filing neither agency nor ratification had been alleged or documented, we will not entertain this argument on appeal.”

Bank of NY v. Cupo,

2012 WL 611849 (N.J.Super.App. Div. 2011

Motion to vacate default judgment was reversed for further findings on issue of standing, suggesting that lack of standing might make a judgment void, rather than treating standing as waived by default judgment.

Bank of New York v. Mulligan,

Index 29399/07 (August 25, 2010)

Trust: CWALT 2006-OC1

Mortgage Amount: $392,000

Bank’s application for an order of reference was denied  without prejudice.

“The Court will grant plaintiff, BNY an order of reference when it presents: an affidavit by either an officer of BNY or someone with a valid power of attorney from BNY, possessing personal knowledge of the facts; an affidavit from EJy Harless clarifying his employment history for the past three years and what corporation he serves as an officer; and, an affidavit by an officer of BNY, explaining why BNY would purchase a nonperforming loan from MERS, as nominee for DECISION ONE.”

Bank of New York v. Myers,

Index 18236/2008 (February 23, 2009)

Trust: CWABS 2006-22

The Bank’s summary judgment motion was denied, but within 60 days of the decision, the Bank was required to submit an Affidavit from Keri Selman explaining her employment history for the past three years and why Selman did not have a conflict of interest as the signor of many entities.

Bank of New York v. Orosco,

2007 NY SLIP OP 31501(U) (November 19, 2007)

Trust: CWABS, Series 2006-SD2

Mortgage Amount: $436,000

“Plaintiff must address a second matter if it applies for an order of reference after demonstrating that the alleged assignment was recorded. Plaintiff’s application is the third application for an order of reference received by me in the past several days that contain an affidavit from Keri Selman. In the instant action, she alleges to be an Assistant Vice-president of the Bank of New York. On November 16,2007, I denied an application for an order of reference in which Keri Selman, in her affidavit of merit claims to be “Vice President of COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, Attorney in fact for BANK OF NEW YORK.” The Court is concerned that Ms. Selman might be engaged in a subterfuge, wearing various corporate hats. Before granting an application for an order of reference, the Court requires an affidavit from Ms. Selman describing her employment history for the past three years.”

Bank of New York v. Raftogianis,

13 A.3d 435 (2010), 418 N.J.Super. 323

Trust: American Home Mort. Investment Trust 2004-4

Mortgage Amount: $1,380,000

“Plaintiff, however, failed to establish that it was entitled to enforce the note as of the time the complaint was filed. In this case, there are no compelling reasons to permit plaintiff to proceed in this action. Accordingly, the complaint has been dismissed. That dismissal is without prejudice to plaintiff’s right to institute a new action to foreclose at any time, provided that any new complaint must be accompanied by an appropriate certification, executed by one with personal knowledge of the circumstances, confirming that plaintiff is in possession of the original note as of the date any new action is filed. That certification must indicate the physical location of the note and the name of the individual or entity in possession.”

Bank of New York v. Silverberg,

86 AD3d 274, 926 N.Y.S.2d 532 (2d Dept 2011)

Trust: CWALT 2007-14-T2

Mortgage Amount: $479,000

“In sum, because MERS was never the lawful holder or assignee of the notes described and identified in the consolidation agreement, the corrected assignment of mortgage is a nullity, and MERS was without authority to assign the power to foreclose to the plaintiff.  Consequently, the plaintiff failed to show that it had standing to foreclose.”

Bank of New York Mellon v. Teague,

Case No. 27-2009-CA-003121, Hernando Co. FL 2012

Trust: Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust 2005-1

“Second, to be entitled to foreclose, Plaintiff had to have been the holder of the Note and Mortgage at the time it filed this lawsuit.  The undisputed, summary judgment evidence before the Court was that Plaintiff was not the holder at the inception of this case as Plaintiff did not have the original Note in its possession when it filed suit and the Note did not contain the requisite endorsement. The fact that Plaintiff filed what it contends is an original note on June 28, 2012 does not change this result, as the endorsement on that Note is to a different company, not Plaintiff, and even if the Note had been properly endorsed, the fact that Plaintiff may have been the holder as of June, 2012 does not change its lack of standing at the inception of this case…

The motion is granted and this case is dismissed without prejudice.” (cites omitted)

Bank of New York v. Trezza,

14 Misc. 3d 1201(A), 2006 NY Slip Op 52367(U)

Trust: CWABS 2004-5

“In support of its motion, the plaintiff submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from MERS to the plaintiff; however, the mortgage does not empower MERS to assign the mortgage to any other entity. Furthermore, there is no proof that the Lender had previously assigned the mortgage to MERS, nor is there any other evidence to establish the plaintiff’s ownership rights under the mortgage.

Based on the foregoing, the plaintiff has failed to establish that it has standing as a plaintiff in this matter.”

Bank of New York v. Singh, 

Index No. 22434/2007, Kings County (December 14,  2007)

Trust: CWABS, Series 2004-6

An order of reference was denied where the mortgage assignment was executed on June 28, 2007, with an antedated effective date of May 31, 2007.  Suit was commenced on June 20, 2007. Judge Kurtz found that such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage was insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced.

Bank of New York v. Torres,

Index No. 31704/2006, Kings County (March 11, 2008)

Trust: CWABS 2005-6

“ORDERED that the plaintiff’s ex parte application for an Order of Reference in Mortgage Foreclosure is denied without prejudice to renew due to plaintiffs failure to demonstrate its ownership of the note and mortgage sufficient to convey standing upon this plaintiff to commence this lawsuit on November 13,2006…”

Beaumont v. Bank of New York Mellon,

81 So.3d 553,554 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2012)

Trust: NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust 2005-3

Summary judgment for bank reversed and remanded.

“There is no evidence showing that Beaumont was on notice prior to the time his answer was filed that ownership of the note had been transferred from NovaStar to Mellon. In fact, the claimed transfer, alleged to have occurred on the day suit was filed, was either concealed by NovaStar for more than three years while it continued to pursue the action, or NovaStar backdated the assignment it finally produced on July 23, 2010, as justification for substituting Mellon as plaintiff. Under these circumstances, Beaumont may raise lack of standing when suit was filed as a defense.”

Congress v. U.S. Bank,

2100934, AL Ct. Civ. App. 

Trust: 2007-EMX1

Mortgage Amount: $104,400

“The trial court should have evaluated the issue whether the allonge had been created after the first trial under the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Because it used the higher clear-and-convincing-evidence standard to evaluate Congress’s evidence, this court has no choice but to reverse the trial court’s judgment and remand the cause to the trial court for it to evaluate the evidence adduced at trial under the appropriate standard of proof.”

 

Cutler v. U.S. Bank, N.A.,

Case No. 2D10-5709 (Fla. 2d DCA 2012)

Trust: Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, 2006- BNC3

Summary judgment for Bank reversed and remanded.

“Accordingly, a genuine issue of material fact remained as to whether U.S. Bank was the proper holder of the note at the time it initiated the foreclosure action. The note includes the allonge endorsed in blank, but the allonge is not dated. If indeed U.S. Bank cannot establish that the allonge took effect prior to the date of the complaint, it did not have standing to bring suit…

Because a genuine issue of material fact remains, the trial court erred in entering a final summary judgment.”

Davenport v. HSBC Bank USA,

739 N.W.2d 383 (Mich. Ct. App. 2007)

“In this case, defendant did not own the mortgage or an interest in the mortgage on October 27, 2005. Nonetheless, defendant proceeded to commence foreclosure proceedings at that time. Quite simply, defendant did not yet own the indebtedness that it sought to foreclose. The circuit court erred by determining that defendant’s noncompliance with the statutory requirements did not nullify the foreclosure proceedings. Because defendant lacked the statutory authority to foreclose, the foreclosure proceedings were void ab initio. We vacate the foreclosure proceedings and remand for proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co.v. Alemany,

Index: 11677/2007

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co. 2008)

Trust: Soundview Home Loan Trust, 2006-OPT3

“ORDERED that plaintiffs ex parte application for an Order of Reference is denied without prejudice to resubmit due to plaintiffs failure to provide: … (2) proof on standing to commence this action as it appears plaintiff did not own the note and mortgage when the action was commenced…”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Barnett,

88 A.D.3d 636, 931 N.Y.S.2d 630

Trust: FFMLT 2005-FF11

Summary judgment of foreclosure in favor of bank reversed.

“However, the documentation submitted failed to establish that, prior to commencement of the action, the plaintiff was the holder or assignee of both the note and mortgage. The plaintiff submitted copies of two different versions of an undated allonge which was purportedly affixed to the original note pursuant to UCC 3-202 (2). Moreover, these allonges purporting to endorse the note from First Franklin, a Division of National City Bank of Indiana (hereinafter Franklin of Indiana) to the plaintiff conflict with the copy of the note submitted, which contains undated endorsements from Franklin of Indiana to First Franklin Financial Corporation (hereinafter Franklin Financial), then from Franklin Financial in blank.

“…The plaintiff also failed to establish that the note was physically delivered to it prior to the commencement of this action.”

 

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Bialobrzeski,

3 A.3d 183 (Conn App. Ct. 2010)

Trust: Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-3

The judgment for the trust was reversed and the case was remanded for a hearing on the motion to dismiss.

“The key to resolving the defendant’s claim is a determination of when the note came into the plaintiff’s possession. We cannot review the claim because Judge Domnarski made no factual finding as to when the plaintiff acquired the note. Without that factual determination, we are unable to say whether Judge Domnarski improperly denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss. Although it is the appellant’s responsibility to provide an adequate record for review; see Practice Book §§ 60-5 and 61-10; that cannot be the end of the matter because it concerns the trial court’s subject matter jurisdiction.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Brumbaugh,

2012 OK 3, 270 P.3d 151

Trust: Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust 2002-1

Summary judgment for bank reversed and remanded.

“To commence a foreclosure action in Oklahoma, a plaintiff must demonstrate it has a right to enforce the note and, absent a showing of ownership, the plaintiff lacks standing… Being a person entitled to enforce the note is an essential requirement to initiate a foreclosure lawsuit. In the present case, there is a question of fact as to when Appellee became a holder, and thus, a person entitled to enforce the note. Therefore, summary judgment is not appropriate. If Deutsche Bank became a person entitled to enforce the note as either a holder or nonholder in possession who has the rights of a holder after the foreclosure action was filed, then the case may be dismissed without prejudice and the action may be re-filed in the name of the proper party. We reverse the granting of summary judgment by the trial court and remand back for further determinations as to when Appellee acquired its interest in the note.” (cites omitted)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Byrams,

2012 OK 4, 275 P.3d 129

Trust: Argent Securities, Inc. ABPT Certs., Series 2006-W2

Mortgage amount: $526,320

Summary judgment of foreclosure in favor of bank reversed and remanded.

“The assignment of a mortgage is not the same as an assignment of the note. If a person is trying to establish it is a nonholder in possession who has the rights of a holder it must bear the burden of establishing its status as a nonholder in possession with the rights of a holder. Appellee must establish delivery of the note as well as the purpose of that delivery. In the present case, it appears Appellee is trying to use the assignment of mortgage in order to establish the purpose of delivery. The assignment of mortgage purports to transfer “the following described mortgage, securing the payment of a certain promissory note(s) for the sum listed below, together with all rights therein and thereto, all liens created or secured thereby, all obligations therein described, the money due and to become due thereon with interest, and all rights accrued or to accrue under such mortgage.” This language has been determined by other jurisdictions to not effect an assignment of a note but to be useful only in identifying the mortgage. Therefore, this language is neither proof of transfer of the note nor proof of the purpose of any alleged transfer.” (cites omitted)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Cabaroy,

Index: 9245/2007

 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co. 2008)

Trust: New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, 2006-1

“ORDERED that the plaintiffs ex parte application for an Order of Reference in Mortgage Foreclosure is denied without prejudice to resubmit due to plaintiffs failure to provide: (1) proof of plaintiffs standing to commence this action;”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Castellanos,

2008 NY Slip Op 50033(U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Argent Mort. Sec., Inc. ABPT Certs., Series 2005-W4

Mortgage Amount: $382,500

“Did Mr. Rivas somehow change employers on July 21, 2006 or he is concurrently a Vice President of both assignor Argent Mortgage Company, LLC and assignee Deutsche Bank? If he is a Vice President of both the assignor and the assignee, this would create a conflict of interest and render the July 21, 2006-assignment void.

Also, Mr. Rivas claims that Argent Mortgage Company, LLC is located at 1100

Town and Country Road, Suite 200, Orange, California, while Deutsche Bank has its offices at One City Boulevard West, Orange, California. Did Mr. Rivas execute the assignment at 100 Town and Country Road, Suite 200, and then travel to One City Boulevard West, with the same notary public, M. Reveles, in tow? The Court is concerned that there may be fraud on the part of Deutsche Bank, Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, and/or MTGLQ Investors, L.P., or at least malfeasance. If plaintiff renews its motion for a judgment of foreclosure and sale, the Court requires a satisfactory explanation by Mr. Rivas of his recent employment history.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Clouden,

Index No. 277/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2007)

Trust: Argent Mort. Sec., Inc. ABPT Certs., Series 2005-W3

Mortgage Amount: $382,500

“In the instant action, Argent’s defective assignment to Deutsche Bank affects the standing of Deutsche Bank to bring this action. The recorded assignment from Argent to Deutsche Bank, made by “Tamara Price, as Authorized Agent” on behalf of “AMC Mortgage Services Inc. as authorized agent,” lacks any power of attorney granted by Argent to AMC Mortgage Services, Inc. and/or Tamara Price to act on its behalf.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Benjamin Cruz,

Index No. 31645/06

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Soundview Home Loan Trust 2005-OPT3

“In support of plaintiff’s application, it submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from the original lender to plaintiff. The purported assignment is dated October 27, 2006. However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Yobanna Cruz,

Index No. 2085/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2007)

Trust: Long Beach Mort. Loan Trust 2006-2

Mortgage Amount: $382,500

“In support of plaintiffs application, it submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from the original lender to plaintiff. The purported assignment is dated January 18, 2007 and states in pertinent part “effective January 12, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Cuesta,

2012 NY Slip Op 32590(U) (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co.  2012)

Trust: American Home Mortgage Investment Trust,

Series 2007-2

Deutsche Bank’s motion for an order of reference was denied without prejudice, and Deutsche Bank was warned that if it chose to refile, it must include:

“4) Evidentiary proof, including an affidavit from an individual with personal knowledge of the facts as to the proper and timely assignment of the subject note and mortgage or endorsement of the subject note and assignment of the subject mortgage, sufficient to establish that plaintiff was the owner or holder of the subject note and mortgage at the time the action was commenced…

In his affidavit, the plaintiff’s representative has not addressed the particulars of the transfer of the note or the assignment of the mortgage to the plaintiff. Additionally, the assignment dated January 27, 2011, which is referred to in the plaintiff’s complaint, has not been attached to the moving papers.”

Deutsche Bank v. Decker,

Case 09-20548-CI-13 (Pinellas County, Florida, 2010)

Trust: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Cap. PSA dated 5-1- 2001

“However, there remain two concerns.

The first is related to evidence that the Plaintiff had standing at the time the original complaint was initially filed. The “new” assignment does not solve this problem because it was executed on February 17, 2010, and thus does not demonstrate standing in 2009…

The second problem is related to the ownership issue but is focused on the validity of the newly obtained assignment.  At the hearing Defendant’s counsel indicated concerns regarding this document based upon his assertion that the 2010 assignment was from a company that went bankrupt years ago…”

(Dismissal granted of bank/plaintiff’s first amended complaint)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Ezagui,

Index: 3724/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2007)

Trust: Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc., ABPT

Certificates, Series 2004-R10

Mortgage Amount: $412,250

“According to plaintiff’s application, defendant Ezaguis’ default began with the nonpayment of principal and interest due on September 1, 2006. Yet, more than five months later, plaintiff DEUTSCHE BANK was willing to take an assignment of a nonperforming loan from AMERIQUEST. Further, both assignor AMC, as Attorney in Fact for AMERIQUEST, and assignee, DEUTSCHE BANK, have the same address, 505 City Parkway West, Orange, CA 92868. Plaintiff’s “affidavit of amount due,” submitted in support of the instant application for a default order of reference was executed by Tamara Price, on February 16, 2007. Ms. Price states that “I am the Vice President for DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE SECURITIES, INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-R10, UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004, WITHOUT RECOURSE (DEUTSCHE BANK).” However, the February 7, 2007 assignment from AMERIQUEST, by AMC, its Attorney in Fact, is executed by Tamara Price, Vice President of AMC. The Tamara Price signatures on both the February 7, 2007 affidavit and the February 16, 2007 assignment are identical. Did Ms. Price change employers from February 7, 2007 to February 16, 2007? The Court is concerned that there may be fraud on the part of AMERIQUEST, or at least malfeasance. Before granting an application for an order of reference, the Court requires an affidavit from Ms. Price, describing her employment history for the past three years. Further, irrespective of her employment history, Ms. Price must explain why DEUTSCHE BANK would purchase a nonperforming loan from AMERIQUEST, and why  DEUTSCHE BANK shares office space in Orange, California, with AMERIQUEST.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Gilbert,

2012 IL App (2d) 120164, No. 2-12-0164 (September  25, 2012)

Trust: GSAMP Trust 2005-WMC2

“Deutsche Bank attempted to rebut this apparent lack of standing by pointing to the Assignment and the Loch affidavit. However, these items lack evidentiary value. Before the trial court, Deutsche Bank argued that the language of the Assignment established that the transfer of the mortgage had occurred years earlier, on November 1, 2005. On appeal, however, Deutsche Bank wisely abandons that argument (which finds no support in the actual language of the Assignment), and now concedes that the Assignment “does not establish anything about when Plaintiff [Deutsche Bank] obtained its interest in the subject loan.” We agree with this statement. Although the Assignment contains two dates—the date of the trust for which Deutsche Bank is a trustee, and the date on which the Assignment was executed and notarized—it does not explicitly state when the mortgage was assigned to Deutsche Bank. All that can be known about when the assignment took place is that it was no later than the date on which the Assignment was executed.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Grant,

Index: 39192/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-OPT2

Mortgage Amount: $456,000

“Also, the Court requires an explanation from an officer of plaintiff DEUTSCHE BANK as to why, in the middle of our national subprime mortgage financial crisis, DEUTSCHE BANK purchased a non-performing loan [from] OPTION ONE.  The Court wonders if DEUTSCHE BANK violated a corporate fiduciary duty to its stockholders with the purchase of a loan that defaulted more than five months prior to its assignment to DEUTSCHE BANK.”

 

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Haque,

36 Misc. 3d 1203(A)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Queens Co. 2012)

Trust: Home Equity Mortgage Loan Trust, Series INABS

2005-B

Mortgage Amount: $279,200

“In addition, to the extent Plaintiff Deutsche Bank asserts the note was transferred to ”the trust,” pursuant to a “pooling and servicing” agreement between IndyMac ABS, Inc. as depositor, IndyMac Bank SM as seller and “master servicer” and Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series INABS 2005-B, issuer, such agreement does not establish that IndyMac assigned the note to plaintiff Deutsche Bank.  Plaintiff Deutsche Bank does not otherwise allege a basis for a valid assignment of the note.” (cites omitted)

 

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Harris,

Index: 35549/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Mortgage Amount: $408,000

Deutsche Bank’s Motion was denied without prejudice, with leave to renew, providing the Court:

“…a satisfactory explanation to various questions with respect to: the October 23, 2007 assignment of the instant mortgage to plaintiff, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY (DEUTSCHE BANK); the employment history of one Erica Johnson-Seck, who executed the affidavit of facts in the instant application as an officer of DEUTSCHE BANK; plaintiff DEUTSCHE BANK’S purchase of the instant non- performing loan; and why does INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., (INDYMAC), MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (MERS), and plaintiff DEUTSCHE BANK all share office space at 460 Sierra Madre Villa, Pasadena, CA 91107.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Maraj,

2008 NY Slip Op 50176 (U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: INDX 2006-AR6

Mortgage Amount: $440,000

“With the assignor MERS and assignee DEUTSCHE BANK appearing to be engaged in possible fraudulent activity by: having the same person execute the assignment and then the affidavit of facts in support of the instant application; DEUTSCHE BANK’s purchase of a non-performing loan from INDYMAC; and, the sharing of office space in Suite 400/500 in Kansas City, the Court wonders if the instant foreclosure action is a corporate “Kansas City Shuffle,” a complex confidence game…

A Kansas City Shuffle is when everybody looks right, you go left . . .

It’s not something people hear about. Falls on deaf ears mostly . . .

No small matter. Requires a lot of planning. Involves a lot of people. People connected by the slightest of events. Like whispers in the night, in that place that never forgets, even when those people do.

In this foreclosure action is plaintiff DEUTSCHE BANK, with its “principal place of business” in Kansas City attempting to make the Court look right while it goes left?”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Marche,

Index: 9156/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2009)

Trust: Securitized AB Receivable LLC Trust 2006-FR4

“Why an Order should not be made and entered:

VACATING the order of foreclosure and dismissing the instant action in its entirety upon the grounds that (i) Plaintiff has misrepresented itself by alleging that it is the owner and holder of the mortgage in order to fraudulently commence this action when in fact no valid assignment has been made to Plaintiff from Fremont Investment & Loan; (ii) that this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction where Plaintiff is not and has not been the true owner and holder of the note and mortgage at issue; and (iii) that the assignment at issue is champertous in violation of Section 489 of the New York State Judiciary Law because the sole purpose of the defective assignment was to facilitate fraudulent litigation begun by Plaintiff prior to the assignment’s execution.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Matthews,

2012 OK 14, 273 P.3d 43 (2012)

Trust: JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust 2007-CH3

Summary Judgment for bank reversed and remanded.

“However, the Assignment of Real Estate Mortgage attached to its motion for summary judgment is executed on June 9, 2009, by a Vice President of Chase Bank USA, N.A. The note attached to its motion for summary judgment, however, shows an allonge from Chase Bank USA, N.A., to Chase Home Finance, LLC. Further, this purported transfer of the note occurred six months after the action was commenced. Deutsche Bank also by its own admission states it acquired its interest in the note and mortgage subsequent to the filing of this action.”

Deutsche Bank v. McCarthy,

Case No. 1:07 3071 (N.D. Ohio) (Judge Dowd)

Trust: Argent Mortgage Securities, ABPT Certs., Series 2005-W5

“The Northern District of Ohio is swamped with foreclosure cases brought in diversity. A large number of these cases are brought by plaintiffs who declare that they are holders of the note and mortgage but who initially supply no proof of that fact. When pressed, it is typically the case, as here, that the plaintiff actually is not the holder of the note and mortgage until some time after the filing of the complaint (often mere days!) and had, therefore, made a false statement to the court. Sometimes that statement of ownership is only in the complaint; sometimes, as in the instant case, it is actually in a sworn affidavit. See Doc. No. 1-4, ¶ 7. This is completely unacceptable, especially because this situation is likely to be repeated if not stopped by Court order.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. McRae

27 Misc.3d 247 (Sup. Ct. Alleghany County 2010)

Trust: not identified.

To establish standing, the bank submitted an additional copy of a note which was different from the one attached to the complaint. The court rejected it, stating: “Obviously, the endorsements…post-date the commencement of this case…and are ineffective.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Mitchell,

27 A.3d 1229 – NJ Appellate Div. 2011

Trust: Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-3

Mortgage Amount: $150,000

Summary judgment reversed.

“After reviewing the record in light of the contentions advanced on appeal, we reverse the grant of summary judgment and final judgment and vacate the sheriff’s sale, holding that Deutsche Bank did not prove it had standing at the time it filed the original complaint. The assignment was not perfected until after the filing of the complaint, and plaintiff presented no evidence of having possessed the underlying note prior to filing the complaint. If plaintiff did not have the note when it filed the original complaint, it lacked standing to do so, and it could not obtain standing by filing an amended complaint. Given that Deutsche Bank has not demonstrated standing, we cannot decide at this time whether it was a holder in due course of the mortgage.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Nicholls.

Index 2248/07

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Long Beach Mort. Loan Trust 2005-WL2

“In support of plaintiff’s application, it submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from the original lender to plaintiff. The purported assignment is dated January 24, 2007 and states in pertinent part “[e]ffective January 17, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced. … Plaintiffs attempt to foreclose upon a mortgage in which it had no “legal or equitable interest was without foundation in law or fact…”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Parisella,

VT App. Ct., 2010, Docket No. S0758-09 CnC

Trust: FFMLT Trust 2005-FF11

Homeowner’s Motion to Dismiss granted.

“The court concludes that a plaintiff seeking foreclosure lacks standing unless it can show it was entitled to enforce the mortgage at the time it filed its complaint for foreclosure…

Here, there is no evidence in the record indicating that Deutsche Bank was the assignee of the note when it filed its complaint on June 15, 2009.  Nor is there even an allegation to that effect.  There is an allegation that the mortgage was assigned to Deutsche Bank before it filed its complaint, but since the note is a negotiable instrument, the transfer of the mortgage does not also transfer the note…

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Richardson,

2012 OK 15, __P.3d__

Trust: MASTR 2007-02

Summary Judgment for bank reversed and remanded.

“In the present case, Appellee has presented evidence in support of the motion for summary judgment of an indorsed-in-blank note, and an “Assignment of Mortgage” both arguably obtained after the filing of the petition. Appellee must prove it is the holder of the note or the nonholder in possession who has the rights of a holder prior to the filing of the foreclosure proceeding. In the present matter the timeliness of the transfer is a disputed fact issue. Since Deutsche Bank did not file the blank indorsement until it filed its motion for summary judgment it is impossible to determine from the record when Deutsche Bank acquired its interest in the underlying note.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Ryan,

Index 33315/07 (January 29, 2008)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Long Beach Mort. Loan Trust 2005-WL1

An order of reference was denied by Judge Kurtz where the bank plead a mortgage assignment executed, September 31, 2007, after the suit was commenced August 31, 2007, but with an attempted backdate to July 30, 2007.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Ryan,

Case No. 2011-12070, Hillsborough Co. Fla. 2012

Trust: Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust, 2006-5

“Second, Plaintiff lacked standing at the inception of this case. Though Plaintiff alleged it had standing, the Note attached to its Complaint lacked an endorsement, and Plaintiff introduced no sworn evidence to overcome Defendant’s affidavit that it lacked standing when it filed suit…

In light of the foregoing, this case is dismissed without prejudice and without leave to amend.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Sampson III,

Index 26320/07 (January 16, 2008)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2009)

Trust: HSBC Bank USA, Inc., Series HASCO 2006-HE1

“The purported assignment is dated August 10, 2007 and states in pertinent part “this assignment is effective as of the 22nd day of June, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced. Plaintiff’s attempt to foreclose upon a mortgage in which it had no “legal or equitable interest was without foundation in law or fact…” (cites omitted)

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Seidlin,

Index:105162/2009 NY County, 2011NY Slip Op

31551(U)

Trust: American Home Mortgage Assets Trust 2006-5

Mortgage Amount: $580,000

Bank’s motion granted for leave to voluntarily   discontinue the action “due to the assignment of mortgage being incorrectly and/or incompletely acknowledged” after two years of litigation.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Steele,

2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4937 (S.D. Ohio January 8, 2008)

“I cannot tell from the exhibits plaintiff has submitted in support of its motion whether Deutsche Bank owned the note and mortgage when the complaint was filed. Plaintiff alleges ownership in the complaint, but defendants’ answer does not admit the truth of that allegation…The Court cannot grant summary judgment unless Deutsche Bank offers evidence from which a finder could conclude by a preponderance that it owned the note and mortgage when the complaint was filed.  Further, if plaintiff has evidence of ownership, it must explain how that ownership is consistent with the uncontroverted evidence that when the complaint was filed, MERS was the mortgage holder acting on behalf of Mortgageit, Inc.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Vasquez,

Index: 4924/11, 2012 NY Slip Op 31395(U)

Trust: Morgan Stanley ABS Cap. I, Inc. Trust, 2007-HE7

Mortgage Amount: $435,100

“A foreclosure plaintiff has the requisite standing to commence a mortgage foreclosure action if “it is both the holder or assignee of the subject mortgage and the of the underlying note at the time the action is commenced”… In this action plaintiff does not allege that it is an assignee of the Note, but instead, as previously referenced, produced a copy of the original Note between defendants and New Century. They argue that delivery of the unindorsed Note was sufficient to confer standing. On the prior motion the court overlooked the necessity of proper indorsement required to transfer ownership and render the transferee a holder…

Also influencing this court’s determination on reargument are the repeated issues regarding standing which revolve around proper assignments, particularly of mortgage notes which have ensued following creation of the MERS system and the birth of mortgage backed securities.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Williams,

Case No. 11-00632 (D. Hawaii 2011)

Trust: Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust 2007- NC1

“This evidence presents two problems for Plaintiff. First, if Plaintiff did indeed obtain the Mortgage and Note through a 2007 PSA, then the 2007 PSA is yet another reason why the January 13, 2009 assignment is a nullity and the Complaint’s assertion that Plaintiff obtained the Mortgage and Note from Home 123 is untrue. Second, the evidence presented does not actually establish that Plaintiff received the Mortgage and Note through the PSA — there is no evidence on the record establishing what mortgages were included in the PSA. Thus, although Plaintiff might have obtained the Mortgage and Note through this PSA, there is no evidence showing or even suggesting that this is indeed the case. As a  result, there is no evidence — at least on the record presented before the court –creating a genuine issue of material fact that Plaintiff was assigned the Mortgage and Note on which it now seeks to foreclose.”

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Wilson,

Case A-1384-09T1, N.J. App. Div. 2011

Trust: WaMu 2007-HEI Trust

Summary judgment of foreclosure was reversed and remanded “to resolve the issue of the bona fides of the assignment.”  The issue regarding the assignment was discussed in Footnote 1:

“The assignment was executed by an individual identified as Laura Hescott who signed the assignment as an assistant vice-president of Washington Mutual Bank. Ms. Hescott has been identified as an employee of Lender Processing Services, Inc. (“LPS”), a servicer of default mortgages. The bona fides of the practices of this service provider have been the subject of increased judicial scrutiny. See, e.g., In re Taylor, 407 B.R. 618, 623 (Bankr. E.D. Pa. 2009).”

 

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas v. McCoy,

20 Misc 3d 1202 (A) 2010 NY Slip Op 51664(U)

Trust not disclosed.

“Although the February 28, 2008 assignment states it is “effective January 19, 2008,” such attempt at retroactivity is ineffectual. If an assignment is in writing, the execution date is generally controlling and a written assignment claiming an earlier effective date is deficient, unless it is accompanied by proof that the physical delivery of the note and mortgage was, in fact, previously effectuated…A retroactive assignment cannot be used to confer standing upon the assignee in a foreclosure action commenced prior to the execution of the assignment… (Plaintiff’s failure to submit proper proof, including an affidavit from one with personal knowledge, that the plaintiff was the holder of the note and mortgage at the time the action was commenced, requires denial of the plaintiff’s application for an order of reference. (cites omitted)

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas v. Peabody,

866 N.Y.S. 2d 91 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2008)

Trust not disclosed.

Mortgage Amount: $320,000

Foreclosure dismissed.

“Again, here, there is no evidence that it took physical delivery of the note and mortgage before commencing this action, and again, the written assignment was signed after the defendant was served. The assignment’s language purporting to give it retroactive effect, absent a prior or contemporary delivery of the note and mortgage, is insufficient to grant it standing.”

Feltus v. U.S. Bank, N.A.

80 So.3d 375 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2011)

Trust: MASTR Adj. Rate Mortgage Trust 2007-3

Summary judgment for bank reversed.

“The properly filed pleadings before the court when it heard U.S. Bank’s motion for summary judgment were a complaint seeking to reestablish a lost note to which was attached a copy of a note made payable to Countrywide, N.A., Feltus’s answer and affirmative defenses alleging that the note attached to the complaint contradicts the allegation of the complaint that U.S. Bank is the owner of the note, a motion for summary judgment alleging a lost note of which U.S. Bank is the owner, and an affidavit of indebtedness alleging that U.S. Bank was the owner and holder of the note described in the complaint. The endorsed note that U.S. Bank claimed was now in its possession was not properly before the court at the summary judgment hearing because U.S. Bank never properly amended its complaint.2 In addition, the complaint failed to allege that U.S. Bank “was entitled to enforce the instrument when loss of possession occurred, or has directly or indirectly acquired ownership of the instrument from a person who was entitled to enforce the instrument when loss of possession occurred.” § 673.3091(a). The affidavit of indebtedness provided no assistance in this regard because the affiant did not assert any personal knowledge of how U.S. Bank would have come to own or hold the note.” (cites omitted)

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation v. Schwartwald,

Slip Opinion No. 2012-Ohio-5017

On October 31, 2012, the Ohio Supreme Court addressed the issue of standing in foreclosures.  Although this case did not involve a mortgage-backed trust, it will have a significant impact on foreclosures by trusts because the Court ruled that the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation lacked standing to sue when it obtained the mortgage by an assignment from the real party in interest after the foreclosure suit was commenced. This was yet another case where the note was “not available” at commencement.  Later in the case, Federal Home Loan filed a copy of the note, with undated endorsements.  The motion for summary judgment was supported by an Affidavit signed by well-known Wells Fargo robo-signer John Herman Kennerty.  The appellate court had ruled that Federal Home Loan cured the lack of standing defect by the assignment of the mortgage and transfer of the note prior to entry of judgment. The Ohio Supreme Court disagreed – citing decisions taken by Courts in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma and Vermont.

Gascue v. HSBC USA, N.A.,

__So.3d__ (Fla. 4th DCA 2012)

Trust: Deutsche Alt-B Securities Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-AB4

Reversal and remand of denial of motion to vacate final judgment of foreclosure.

“There is no evidence on the record indicating that Bank was the holder of the mortgage at the time the complaint was filed. Just as in Rigby, Bank attached a mortgage to its complaint in which it was not listed as the lender, but rather “Pinnacle Direct Funding” was. The only evidence that Bank is the owner and holder of the note is a sworn affidavit. However, this affidavit was filed three years after the complaint and does not establish when Bank became the holder of either the note or the mortgage, much less establish that Bank was the holder of said instruments at the time the complaint was filed. See id. (reversing the trial court in part because the supporting affidavit in that case did not establish the date on which the bank acquired possession of the note).”

Gee v. U.S. Bank, N.A.,

72 So.3d 211 (Fla. 5th DCA 2011)

Trust: Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust 2005-10

“Here, the record does not contain the original Mortgage. To prove its ownership, U.S. Bank filed a copy of the Mortgage as well as two assignments. The first assignment transferred the Mortgage from Advent Mortgage, the original mortgagee, to Option One. The second assignment purported to transfer the mortgage from American Home, as successor in interest of Option One, to U.S. Bank. However, and significant to our consideration, U.S. Bank provided nothing to demonstrate how American Home came to be the successor in interest to Option One.

Incredibly, U.S. Bank argues that “[i]t would be inequitable for [Ms. Gee] to avoid foreclosure based on the absence of an endorsement to [it].” But that argument flies in the face of well-established precedent requiring the party seeking foreclosure to present evidence that it owns and holds the note and mortgage in question in order to proceed with a foreclosure action.” (cites omitted)

(Summary Judgment reversed.)

Gonzalez v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company,

Case No. 2D10-5561 (Fla. 2d DCA 2012)

Trust: American Home Mortgage Investment Trust

2006-1

“The problem is that the additional stamp and handwritten notation transferring the note from American Home Mortgage to Deutsche Bank is not dated. Accordingly, Deutsche Bank failed to establish its standing by showing that it possessed the note when it filed the lawsuit. See Country Place Cmty. Ass’n v. J.P. Morgan Mortg. Acquisition Corp., 51 So. 3d 1176, 1179 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010) (“Because J.P. Morgan did not own or possess the note and mortgage when it filed its lawsuit, it lacked standing to maintain the foreclosure action.”). As a result, Deutsche Bank has not refuted Gonzalez’s affirmative defense, and a genuine issue of material fact exists that should have precluded the entry of summary judgment.”

(Summary judgment for Deutsche Bank reversed.)

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Antrobus,

20 Misc 3d 1127(A), 2008 NY Slip Op 51639(U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-4

Mortgage Amount: $465,000

“Therefore, the instant application for an order of reference is denied without prejudice, with leave to renew. The Court will grant an order of reference to plaintiff HSBC upon presentation to this court of: an affidavit by either an officer of HSBC or someone with a valid power of attorney from HSBC, possessing personal knowledge of the facts; an affidavit from Scott Anderson clarifying his employment history for the past three years and what corporation he serves as an officer; and, an affidavit by an officer of HSBC explaining why HSBC purchased a nonperforming loan from Delta Funding Corporation, and why HSBC, OCWEN, MERS, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs all share office space in Suite 100.”

HSBC Bank USA v. Beirne,

212-Ohio-1386, Ohio App. Ct. 9th District

Summary judgment for bank reversed.

“In the affidavit that was attached to the supplement to the motion for summary judgment, Mr. Spradling averred that HSBC had been assigned the loan on June 5, 2009, and that “[a] true and correct copy of the Assignment was attached to the Complaint filed by HSBC.”  However, a review of the complaint and the exhibits attached thereto reveals that there was no evidence that the note had been assigned to HSBC.  Moreover, an assignment dated June 5, 2009, could not have been attached to the complaint which was filed on May 11, 2009.”

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Charlevagne,

20 Misc 3d 1128(A), 2008 NY Slip Op 51652(U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2005-3

Mortgage Amount: $480,000

“Therefore, the instant application for an order of reference and related relief is denied without prejudice. The Court will grant plaintiff HSBC an order of reference and related relief when it submits an affidavit by either an officer of HSBC, or someone with a valid power of attorney from HSBC, possessing personal knowledge of the facts.”

HSBC Bank USA v. Cherry,

18 Misc3d 1102 (A), 2007 NY Slip Op 52378(U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2005-4

“Further, the Court, upon renewal of the application for an order of reference requires a satisfactory explanation to questions with respect to: the assignment of the instant nonperforming mortgage loan from the original lender, Delta Funding Corporation to HSBC Bank; the employment history of one Scott Anderson, who assigned this mortgage to HSBC and then swears to be HSBC’s servicing agent; and the relationship between HSBC, Ocwen Federal Bank, FSB (OCWEN), Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, who all seem to share office space at Suite 100 of 1661 Worthington Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409 (Suite 100).”

HSBC Bank USA v. Cipriani,

Index: 12365-2007

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co. 2008)

Trust: SG Mort. Sec. Trust 2005-OPT1

Order for reference denied without prejudice. To resubmit, plaintiff must provide “proof on standing to commence this action as it appears that the plaintiff did not own the note and mortgage when the action was commenced.”

HSBC Mortgage Services, Inc. v. Jack, 

Index No: 14750/2007

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk County 2008)

Denied without prejudice due to bank’s failure to provide proof that it had standing to bring the action.

 

HSBC Bank USA v. Palladino,

2011 IL App (2d) No. 08-CH-4548

Trust: Fremont Home Loan Trust 2006-D

Summary judgment reversed and remanded.

“In the present case, there are genuine issues of material fact with respect to whether there was an assignment of the mortgage and note from Fremont to HSBC Bank. Although HSBC Bank represents that it produced the assignment, the document on which it relies, by its very terms, was, at worst, not an assignment and, at best, inherently inconsistent as to whether it was an assignment. Indeed, the document states that MERS as nominee for Fremont “did” assign (past tense) the mortgage and note to HSBC Bank prior to November 13, 2008, yet also states that the assignment “is” made (present tense) without recourse and without representation or warranty.

In addition to the purported assignment’s inconsistent terms, the document upon which HSBC Bank relies is vague with respect to the date of the purported assignment. The document has a stamp which appears to reflect that it was recorded on December 17, 2008, but states that the assignment was made “prior to” November 13, 2008. The document itself is undated, as is the notary’s certificate. The date of the assignment is material because standing to sue must exist at the time the action is commenced.” (cites omitted)

HSBC Bank USA v. Perez,

Case No. EQ4970 (Washington County, Iowa 2009)

Trust: Fieldstone Mort. Investment Trust 2005-2

“The Perezs argue that the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for Fieldstone Mortgage Investment Trust Series 2005-2 governs when and how the Trustee in this case, HSBC Bank, the Plaintiff, may acquire notes and mortgages.  Additionally, that agreement governs when and how a mortgage owned by the trust may be foreclosed upon.  The Perezs further state that the agreement prohibits the acquisition of mortgages that are in default…The Plaintiff has also submitted documentation that shows the transfer of interest in the mortgage from Fieldstone to HSBC occurred on February 9, 2009.  Clearly, based upon the Plaintiff’s own documentation, the default occurred prior to the transfer.

According to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement submitted by the Perezs, and allegedly applicable to the Plaintiff, the trust servicer is only allowed to “substitute a defaulted Mortgage Loan with a Qualifying Substitute Mortgage Loan…This document seems to state that the mortgage at issue could only be transferred if it were current on the date it was transferred.  Accordingly, it appears that this mortgage was inappropriately transferred to the Plaintiff as it was in default at the time of transfer.  As such, a question is raised regarding whether the present Plaintiff has standing to bring this foreclosure action.”

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Sene,

34 Misc 3d 1232 (A), 2012 NY Slip Op 50352(U)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2012)

Trust: Ace Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust

2007-HE4

“During the bad faith hearing, two separate notes with attendant assignments were put into evidence by the plaintiff…

This Court emphatically now joins the judicial chorus who have been wary of the paperwork supplied by plaintiffs and their representatives. There is ample reason for Chief Judge’s requirement for an attorney affirmation in residential foreclosure cases. As stated by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, “we cannot allow the courts in New York State to stand idly and be party to what we now know is a deeply flawed process, especially when that process involves basic human needs – such as a family home – during this period of economic crisis…

It is clear in this case, without further hearings, that a fraud has been committed upon this Court.  Thus, the only remedy that can be utilized by this Court is to stay these proceedings and any mortgage foreclosure until this matter is cleared up to the satisfaction of this Court.”

James v. U.S. Bank, N.A.,

D. Maine, No. 2:09-cv-84-JHR, January 31, 2011

Trust: BAFC 2006-1

Sanctions were imposed because of an Affidavit  submitted by GMAC employee and exposed robo-signer Jeffrey Stephan:

“In the case at hand, however, GMAC, the party that submitted the affidavit and the affiant’s employer, was on notice that the conduct at issue here was unacceptable to the courts, which rely on sworn affidavits as admissible evidence in connection with motions for summary judgment. In 2006, an identical jurat signed under identical circumstances resulted in the imposition of sanctions against GMAC in Florida. Affidavit of Thomas A Cox (Docket No. 153) ¶ 4 & Exhs. B-D. GMAC’s assertion that these sanctions applied only “within the State of Florida,” Plaintiff and GMAC Mortgage LLC’s Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion for Relief Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(g) (Docket No. 177) at 7, is specious. It would be clear to any lawyer representing GMAC in any court action, including those involved in the Florida action, that a jurat should not be signed under the circumstances involved in that case or here and that such a jurat will never be acceptable to any court. Stephan’s actions in this case strike at the heart of any court’s procedures, are egregious under the circumstances, and must be deemed worthy of sanctions.

LaSalle Bank, N.A. v. Ahearn,

59 A.D.3d 911, 875 N.Y.S. 2d 595 (N.Y. App. Div. 2009)

Trust: Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities I, LLC,

Series 2004-FR3

Mortgage Amount: $180,000

“Here, the written assignment submitted by plaintiff was indisputably written subsequent to the commencement of this action and the record contains no other proof demonstrating that there was a physical delivery of the mortgage prior to bringing the foreclosure action (see id.). In fact, the language in the amended complaint indicating that the assignment to plaintiff had not yet occurred would clearly contradict any assertion to the contrary. Accordingly, Supreme Court correctly found that plaintiff did not have standing and the amended complaint must be dismissed, without prejudice.”

LaSalle Bank v. Charleus 

Index No. 22733/2007 (January 3, 2008)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

An order of reference was denied by Judge Kurtz where the bank plead a mortgage assignment executed, July 2, 2007, after the suit was commenced June 22, 2007, but with an attempted backdate to June 21, 2007.

 

LaSalle Bank v. Lamy,

12 Misc.3d 1191(A), 824 N.Y.S.2d 769

“The court thus finds that this purported, undated, indorsement by “allonge” to the note by the original lender in favor of the plaintiff and the December 29, 2005 written assignment of the note and mortgage by MERS to the plaintiff failed to pass ownership of the note and mortgage to the plaintiff prior or subsequent to the commencement of this action. Consequently, the original lender remains the owner of both the note and mortgage since no proper assignment of the either the note or the mortgage was ever made by the original lender/owner to the plaintiff or to the plaintiff’s purported assignee. Under these circumstances, the plaintiff has no cognizable claims for the relief demanded in its complaint.”

LaSalle Bank v. Smalls,

Index No. 28128/2007 (January 3, 2008)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

An order of reference was denied by Judge Kurtz where the bank plead a mortgage assignment executed, September 31, 2007, after the suit was commenced August 31, 2007, but with an attempted backdate to July 30, 2007.

McLean v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.,

79 So.3d 170 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012)

Trust: Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II, Inc.,

Series 2006-ARS

“Nonetheless, the record evidence is insufficient to demonstrate that Chase had standing to foreclose at the time the lawsuit was filed. The mortgage was assigned to Chase three days after Chase filed the instant foreclosure complaint. More importantly, the original note contained an undated special endorsement in Chase’s favor, and the affidavit filed in support of summary judgment did not state when the endorsement was made to Chase. Furthermore, the affidavit, which was dated after the lawsuit was filed, did not specifically state when Chase became the owner of the note and mortgage, nor did the affidavit indicate that Chase was the owner of the note and mortgage before suit was filed. Therefore, Chase failed to submit any record evidence proving that it had the right to enforce the note on the date the complaint was filed.” (footnotes omitted)

Naranjo v. SBMC Mortgage,

No. 3:11-cv-02229-L-WVG, Dkt. #20

(S.D. Cal. July 24, 2012)

Trust: WMALT 2006-AR4

Mortgage Amount: $825,000

Defendant Trustee’s Motion to Dismiss Denied in Part.

“The vital allegation in this case is the assignment of the loan into
the WAMU Trust was not completed by May 30, 2006 as required by the Trust Agreement. [*10] This allegation gives rise to a plausible inference that the subsequent assignment, substitution, and notice of default and election to sell may also be improper. Defendants wholly fail to address that issue. (See Defs.’ Mot. 3:16-6:2; Defs.’ Reply 2:13-4:4.) This reason alone is sufficient to deny Defendants’ motion with respect to this issue.”

Pino v. Bank of New York,

76 So. 3d 927 (Fla. 4th DCA 2011)

Trust: CWALT 2006-OC8

Mortgage Amount: $162,400

Florida Supreme Court decision pending. The appeal court certified the question to the Florida Supreme Court because “many, many mortgage foreclosures appear tainted with suspect documents.”

“As conveyed by the Fourth District in the decision below, the plaintiffs and now respondents in this Court, the Bank of New York Mellon, et al. (BNY Mellon), commenced an action in the trial court to foreclose a mortgage against the defendant and now petitioner in this Court, Roman Pino. See Pino v. Bank of New York Mellon, 57 So.3d 950, 951 (Fla. 4th DCA 2011). Thereafter, Pino moved for sanctions, alleging that BNY Mellon had filed a fraudulent assignment of mortgage. Id. In response, BNY Mellon filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of the foreclosure action. Id. at 952. Five months later, BNY Mellon refiled an identical action to foreclose the same mortgage. Id. In the original, dismissed action, Pino filed a motion seeking to vacate the voluntary dismissal pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.540(b)on the grounds of fraud on the court and requesting dismissal of BNY Mellon’s newly filed action as a consequent sanction. Pino, 57 So.3d at 952. The trial court denied Pino’s motion, essentially holding that because the prior action had been voluntarily dismissed, the court lacked jurisdiction, and thus the authority, to consider any relief. Id.” (footnotes omitted)

Richards v. HSBC Bank,

__So.3d__, 2012 WL 2359656 (Fla. 5th DCA 2012)

Trust: PHH 2007-2

Summary judgment for bank reversed on appeal.

“While the assignment reflected that the mortgage had been assigned from Century 21 to HSBC, the allonge to the note reflected that Bishops Gate Residential Mortgage Trust was to be the note’s payee…

Thus the allonge was inconsistent with the assignment and contradicted the allegation in the complaint that HSBC was the holder of the note…

Furthermore, the affidavits filed by HSBC did not explain the relationship between HSBC and Bishops Gate Residential Mortgage Trust, nor otherwise aver facts conclusively showing that HSBC was the holder of the note.

 

Rigby v. Wells Fargo, N.A.,

__So.3d__, 2012 WL1108428 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012)

Trust: Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-FXD2

Mortgage Amount: $165,600

“The Bank has not shown that it was holder of the note at the time the complaint was filed. The note containing a special endorsement in favor of the bank was not dated. The assignment of mortgage, dated May 22, 2008, indicates that Bank did not acquire the mortgage until the day after the complaint was filed. Finally, neither the affidavit, nor the technical admissions made by the Rigbys, establishes the date on which Bank acquired possession of the note and there is no evidence in the record establishing that an equitable transfer of the mortgage occurred prior to the date the complaint was filed.”

(Summary judgment reversed and remanded.)

 

Servedio v. U.S. Bank, N.A.,

46 So. 3d 1105 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010)

Trust: Terwin Mortgage Trust 2007-AHL1

Mortgage Amount: $252,000

“The issue presented in this appeal is whether the trial court erred in granting a final summary judgment of foreclosure where appellee failed to file with the court a copy of the original note and mortgage prior to the entry of judgment.  Because the absence of the original note created a genuine issue of material fact regarding appellee’s standing to foreclose on the mortgage, summary judgment was not proper. We reverse.”

U.S. Bank v. Alexander,

2012 OK 43

Trust: Credit Suisse First Boston HEAT 2005-4

Mortgage Amount: $63,920

“As previously identified, the dispositive issue is whether or not Appellee had standing at the time Appellee filed their first amended petition. We hold that the issue of standing as well as other material issues of fact remain that must be determined by the trial court. Therefore summary judgment was inappropriate.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Auguste,

Index: 18695-2007 (November 27, 2007)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2007)

Trust: CSMC Mort. Backed PT Certs., Series 2007-1

“In support of plaintiffs application, it submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting as Nominee for First United, to plaintiff. The purported assignment is dated July 9, 2007, and states in pertinent part “this assignment is effective on or before November 22, 2006.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Baber,

280 P.2d 956 (2012 OK 55)

Trust: Security National Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-1

“Being a person entitled to enforce the note is an essential requirement to initiate a foreclosure lawsuit. In the present case, there is a question of fact as to when Appellee became a holder, and thus, a person entitled to enforce the note. Therefore, summary judgment is not appropriate. If Deutsche Bank became a person entitled to enforce the note as either a holder or nonholder in possession who has the rights of a holder after the foreclosure action was filed, then the case may be dismissed without prejudice and the action may be re-filed in the name of the proper party. We reverse the granting of summary judgment by the trial court and remand back for further determinations as to when Appellee acquired its interest in the note.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Collymore,

68 AD3d 752 (2009), 890 NYS2d 578

“Contrary to the Bank’s contentions, it failed to demonstrate its prima facie entitlement to judgment as a matter of law because it did not submit sufficient evidence to demonstrate its standing as the lawful holder or assignee of the subject note on the date it commenced this action. The Bank’s evidentiary submissions were insufficient to establish that MERS effectively assigned the subject note to it prior to the commencement of this action…, and the mere assignment of the mortgage without an effective assignment of the underlying note is a nullity…Furthermore, the Bank failed to establish that the note was physically delivered to it prior to the commencement of the action. The affidavit of a vice-president of the Bank submitted in support of summary judgment did not indicate when the note was physically delivered to the Bank, and the version of the note attached to the vice-president’s affidavit contained an undated indorsement in blank by the original lender. Furthermore, the Bank’s reply submissions included a different version of the note and an affidavit from a director of the Residential Funding Corporation which contradicted the affidavit of the Bank’s vice-president in tracing the history of transfers of the mortgage and note to the Bank. In view of the Bank’s incomplete and conflicting evidentiary submissions, an issue of fact remains as to whether it had standing to commence this action.” (cites omitted)

U.S. Bank v. Dellarmo,

94 A.D.3d 746 (2012), 942 N.Y.S.2d 122

Trust: First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, 2006-FF2

“However, inasmuch as the complaint does not allege that the note was physically delivered to the plaintiff, and nothing in the plaintiff’s submission in opposition to Dellarmo’s motion could support a finding that such physical delivery occurred, the corrective assignment cannot be given retroactive effect… Moreover, both the unrecorded April 11, 2006, assignment and the recorded corrective assignment indicate only that the mortgage was assigned to the plaintiff. Since an assignment of a mortgage without the underlying debt is a nullity… the plaintiff has failed to demonstrate that it had standing to commence this action…

Accordingly, the Supreme Court should have granted Dellarmo’s motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) to dismiss the complaint insofar as asserted against him for lack of standing.” (cites omitted)

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Duvall,

Cuyahoga App. No. 94714, 2010-Ohio-6478

Trust: CMLTI 2007-WFHE2

Mortgage Amount: $92,000

“Accordingly, we conclude that plaintiff had no standing to file a foreclosure action against defendants on October 15, 2007, because, at that time, Wells Fargo owned the mortgage. Plaintiff failed in its burden of demonstrating that it was the real party in interest at the time the complaint was filed. Plaintiff’s sole assignment of error is overruled.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Githira,

17 LCR 697 (2009),  MISC 08-386385 (Essex Co. Mass. 2009)

Trust: Home Equity Asset Trust, Series 2005-9

Plaintiff U.S. Bank was seeking to remove a cloud on its title to a parcel of land stemming from plaintiff’s exercise of the power of sale contained in the mortgage before it received authority to do so under the provisions of the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act.  The complaint did not mention any other title defects.

Citing Justice Long’s ruling in Ibanez, Justice Charles W. Trombly, Jr., dismissed plaintiff’s petition to remove the cloud on the title, holding that plaintiff was not even the holder of the mortgage, by record or in fact, on the day of the foreclosure sale.  Specifically, the Court found that the foreclosure auction took place and was recorded prior to the execution and recording of an assignment of mortgage that made plaintiff the holder of the mortgage upon which it had foreclosed.

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Grant,

Index: 11133-2007

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2007)

Trust: Asset Backed Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan

Trust, Series OOMC 2006-HE3

“In support of plaintiffs application, it submits a purported assignment of the mortgage from Option One to plaintiff. The purported assignment is dated July 9, 2007, and states in pertinent part “Effective Date: March 28, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Ibanez,

941 N.E. 2d 40, (Mass. 2011)

Trust: Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage PT

Certs., Series 2006-Z

The court in Ibanez rejected application of the “mortgage follows the note” rule, holding that mere possession of properly indorsed negotiable instruments did not give the foreclosing parties authority to conduct a valid non-judicial sale. In other words, one’s status as a party entitled to enforce a note did not satisfy the requirement under state law to be a mortgagee. The court acknowledged that a transferee of a note might have an equitable right to obtain a court order that that the mortgage be transferred to it. However, the potential to assert such a claim did not make the noteholder a “mortgagee.”  The Massachusetts statute required that the foreclosing party have an actual assignment of the mortgage when proceeding to sale., and further held that Assignments in Blank assign nothing and that retroactive assignments are not effective even if it was an industry-wide practice.

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Madero,

80 AD3d 751, 915 N.Y.S. 2d 612

Trust: not identified

Mortgage Amount: $570,000

“Here, the plaintiff failed to demonstrate its prima facie entitlement to judgment as a matter of law because it did not establish that it had standing, as the lawful holder or assignee of the subject note on the date it commenced this action, to commence the action.” (cites omitted)

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Merino,

16 Misc.3d 209

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co. 2007)

“First, the assignment from Argent to Ameriquest was executed by Jose Burgos as agent for Argent. On the same date, however, the purported assignment from Ameriquest to the plaintiff was also executed by Mr. Burgos, this time as agent for Ameriquest. In effect, the mortgage was purportedly assigned by Mr. Burgos to Mr. Burgos, and then, in turn, by Mr. Burgos to the plaintiff…The moving papers contain no proof that Mr. Burgos had either entity’s authority to act in a dual agency capacity. Therefore, the court is unable to conclude that the assignments were validly executed, or that the plaintiff had an ownership interest in the subject mortgage at the time of the filing of this action. Since a party has no foundation in law or fact to foreclose upon a mortgage without establishing its legal or equitable interest, the plaintiff’s motion must be denied.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Middlekauff,

Case No. 10 19844, Hillsborough Co. Fla. 2012

Trust: CSFB Mortgage-Backed Trust, Series 2005-9

“First, Plaintiff lacked standing at the inception of this case. Although the Note attached to the Amended Complaint contains an allonge, the undisputed summary judgment evidence before the Court establishes that this allonge was created post-filing. As Plaintiff lacked standing when it filed this lawsuit, dismissal is required.” (cite omitted)

U.S. Bank v. Moore,

2012 OK 32

GSAA Home Equity Trust 2006-6

Mortgage Amount: $282,000

“It is a fundamental precept of the law to expect a foreclosing party to actually be in possession of its claimed interest in the Note, and to have the proper supporting documentation in hand when filing suit, showing the history of the Note, so that the defendant is duly apprised of the rights of the plaintiff. This is accomplished by showing the party is a holder of the instrument or a nonholder in possession of the instrument who has the rights of a holder, or a person not in possession of the instrument who is entitled to enforce the instrument…”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Roundtree,

Index: 009148/2007

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Suffolk Co. 2007)

Trust: MASTR Alternative Loan Trust 2006-HE1

“Since MERS, Inc. had no ownership interest in said note, it could not assign it to the plaintiff and any assignment purportedly transferring the ownership interest from Fremont Investment and Loan to the plaintiff by a MERS, Inc. assignment of said note is a nullity.” (cites omitted)

… In view of the foregoing, the instant motion (#001) is denied as it is apparent from the documentary submissions of the plaintiff that it was not the owner of the note at the time of the commencement of this action.”

U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Villaruel,

Index: 25277/2008

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: SG Mort. Sec. AB Certs., Series 2006-FRE2

“The purported assignment is dated August 3, 2007 and states in pertinent part “[t]his assignment is effective as of the 10th day of June, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced. Plaintiff’s attempt to foreclose upon a mortgage in which it had no “legal or equitable interest was without foundation in law or fact…” (cites omitted)

Verizzo v. Bank of New York,

28 So.3d 976 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010)

Trust: Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2006-3

“In addition to the procedural error of the late service and filing of the summary judgment evidence, those documents reflect that at least one genuine issue of material fact exists. The promissory note shows that Novastar endorsed the note to “JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee.” Nothing in the record reflects assignment or endorsement of the note by JPMorgan Chase Bank to the Bank of New York or MERS. Thus, there is a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the Bank of New York owns and holds the note and has standing to foreclose the mortgage.”

(Summary judgment reversed and remanded.)

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Ford,

418 N.J. Super. 592 (App. Div. 2011)

Mortgage Amount: $403,750

“For these reasons, the summary judgment granted to Wells Fargo must be reversed and the case remanded to the trial court because Wells Fargo did not establish its standing to pursue this foreclosure action by competent evidence. On the remand, defendant may conduct appropriate discovery, including taking the deposition of Baxley and the person who purported to assign the mortgage and note to Wells Fargo on behalf of Argent.”

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Hampton,

Index: 25957/2007 (January 3, 2008)

(N.Y. Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2008)

Trust: Option One Mort. Loan Trust 2007-1

“The purported assignment is dated August 1, 2007 and states in pertinent part “[e]ffective as of June 10, 2007.” However, such an attempt to retroactively assign the mortgage is insufficient to establish plaintiff’s ownership interest at the time the action was commenced. Plaintiff’s attempt to foreclose upon a mortgage in which it had no “legal or equitable interest was without foundation in law or fact…” (cites omitted)

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v.  Heath,

212 OK 54

Trust: Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-4

Standing was not established by the materials attached to Appellee’s petition or motion for summary judgment because there was no attached indorsed note nor was there an assignment of the note. Therefore, we find the trial court based its decision on an erroneous conclusion of law. There existed a substantial issue of material fact that needed to be addressed at trial. Even though the Appellants did not respond to the motion for summary judgment, the trial court should have denied the motion sua sponte.

 

Wells Fargo Bank v. Larace,

941 N.E. 2d 40, (Mass. 2011)

Trust: ABFC 2005-OPT1

See U.S. Bank v. Ibanez above.  These were consolidated cases.

Wells Fargo Bank v. Lupori,

8 A3d 919 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2010)

Trust: MLMI Trust, Series 2005-FF6

“On appeal, Wells Fargo cites Mallory for the proposition that a plaintiff’s complaint in foreclosure need not allege the existence of a completed and recorded assignment of the subject mortgage to the plaintiff. We conclude, however, that this Court’s opinion in Mallory is distinguishable from the instant matter. In Mallory, the bank alleged that it was the owner of the subject mortgage and also alleged the existence of a pending assignment of the mortgage to the bank. In contrast, Wells Fargo has failed to do either of those things. Since the complaint contains no mention of the alleged assignment from Corporation to Wells Fargo or any allegation that Wells Fargo was the owner of the Luporis’ mortgage,the complaint does not comply with Rule 1147(a)(1). The alleged April 1, 2005 assignment from Corporation to Wells Fargo was dehors the record as of the time of the default judgment. Since the record did not support entry of the default judgment, the trial court erred in declining to strike the judgment from the record.” (footnote omitted)

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Marchione,

69 AD 3d 204, 887 N.Y.S. 2d 615 (2d Dept 2009)

Trust: Option One Mortgage Loan Trust

“Here, it is clear that the date of the execution of the assignment was after the commencement of the action. If an assignment is in writing, “the execution date is generally controlling and a written assignment claiming an earlier effective date is deficient unless it is accompanied by proof that the physical delivery of the note and mortgage was, in fact, previously effectuated” (LaSalle Bank Natl. Assn., 59 AD3d at 912). While recognizing that in some circumstances parties to an agreement may bind themselves retroactively, “the fiction of retroactivity . . . should not be applied to affect adversely the rights of third persons” (Debreceni v Outlet Co., 784 F2d 13, 20; see also 2 Lord, Williston on Contracts § 6:61, at 893 [4th ed]). Thus, a retroactive assignment cannot be used to confer standing upon the assignee in a foreclosure action commenced prior to the execution of the assignment (see LaSalle Bank Natl. Assn., 59 AD3d 912). We disagree with the contention of Wells Fargo that public policy favors permitting less than strict compliance with the requirement that, in order to commence a foreclosure action, a plaintiff must have a legal or equitable interest in the subject mortgage.

Wells Fargo also argues that if the action were to be dismissed, the result would be a waste of judicial resources, as it would simply commence another action as soon as the original action was dismissed. Wells Fargo might have reached this conclusion earlier in its calculus to commence the lawsuit prior to the execution of the assignment.”

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Mastropaolo,

42 AD3d 239

Trust Amount: $369,000

“Here, the plaintiff failed to demonstrate its prima facie entitlement to judgment as a matter of law because it did not establish that it had standing, as the lawful holder or assignee of the subject note on the date it commenced this action, to commence the action…” (cites omitted)

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. McNee

2011 NY Slip Op 33325(U)

Trust: BCAP LLC 2007-AA3

Mortgage Amount: $644,566

Plaintiff’s arguments notwithstanding, this Court is not persuaded by Wells Fargo’s laborious interpretation of the myriad of transfer documents or the breadth of the language employed therein to confer standing upon it. “[L]anguage cannot overcome the requirement that the foreclosing party be both the holder or assignee of the subject mortgage, and the holder or assignee of the underlying note at the time a foreclosure action is commenced…”  In this case, Wells Fargo has adduced no proof in opposition to McNee’s cross motion(s) sufficient to demonstrate that it was either.

Zervas v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,

__So.3d__ (Fla. 2d DCA 2012)

Trust: MLMI Trust Series 2005-FM1

Summary judgment for bank reversed.

“We also note that the mortgage and note attached to the complaint show the lender to be Fremont Investment and Loan. On April 1, 2010, approximately six months after the complaint was filed, Wells Fargo filed a lost note affidavit, which alleged that the note was lost by its attorney sometime after the attorney received it on November 2, 2009. In their motion to dismiss, the Zervases alleged, among other grounds, that Wells Fargo did not have standing to bring the foreclosure complaint because it did not have a written assignment of the loan. Then on July 26, 2010, seven days before the hearing on the motion for summary judgment, Wells Fargo filed the note as a supplemental exhibit to its complaint. The note contains an endorsement in blank, but there is no evidence in the record establishing that the endorsement in blank was made to Wells Fargo prior to the filing of the foreclosure complaint. See Feltus v. U.S. Bank Nat’l Ass’n, 80 So.3d 375, 377 n.2 (Fla. 2d DCA 2012) (holding that bank was required “to prove the endorsement in blank was effectuated before the lawsuit was filed”).”

Fight Your Foreclosure TODAY and Save Your Home! Or Do Nothing and Lose Your Home!

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Foreclosure Deficiency Judgment Nevada Mortgage Laws

17 Friday May 2013

Posted by BNG in Non-Judicial States

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Business, Debt, Deficiency judgment, Florida, Foreclosure, Nevada, Uniform Commercial Code, United States

NEVADA MORTGAGE LAWS:
In this session, we are going to discuss in somewhat greater details the Nevada Mortgage Laws and how to handle the looming foreclosure crisis which has made state of Nevada in the highest ranks in USA. Once we are educated in these laws, our next step should be how to fight and fight back vehemently because banks are not changing their ways and tactics. An educated borrower is the best defense against foreclosure and its aftermath.

NRS 40.430 Action for recovery of debt secured by mortgage or other lien; “action” defined.
Nevada has only One Action Law for the recovery of any debt, or for the enforcement of any right secured by a mortgage or other lien upon real estate. That action must be in accordance with the provisions of NRS 40.430 to 40.459, inclusive. In that action, the judgment must be rendered for the amount found due the plaintiff, and the court, by its decree or judgment, may direct a sale of the encumbered property, or such part thereof as is necessary, and apply the proceeds of the sale as provided in NRS 40.462.

What is One Action Rule of Nevada?
This section must be construed to permit a secured creditor to realize upon the collateral for a debt or other obligation agreed upon by the debtor and creditor when the debt or other obligation was incurred. A sale directed by the court pursuant to subsection 1 must be conducted in the same manner as the sale of real property upon execution, by the sheriff of the county in which the encumbered land is situated, and if the encumbered land is situated in two or more counties, the court shall direct the sheriff of one of the counties to conduct the sale with like proceedings and effect as if the whole of the encumbered land were situated in that county.

What this One Action Rule Does Not Include?
(a) To appoint a receiver for, or obtain possession of, any real or personal collateral for the debt or as provided in NRS 32.015.(b) To enforce a security interest in, or the assignment of, any rents, issues, profits or other income of any real or personal property.
(c) To enforce a mortgage or other lien upon any real or personal collateral located outside of the State which does not, except as required under the laws of that jurisdiction, result in a personal judgment against the debtor.
(d) For the recovery of damages arising from the commission of a tort, including a recovery under NRS 40.750, or the recovery of any declaratory or equitable relief.
(e) For the exercise of a power of sale pursuant to NRS 107.080.
(f) For the exercise of any right or remedy authorized by chapter 104 of NRS or by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in any other state.
(g) For the exercise of any right to set off, or to enforce a pledge in, a deposit account pursuant to a written agreement or pledge.
(h) To draw under a letter of credit.
(i) To enforce an agreement with a surety or guarantor if enforcement of the mortgage or other lien has been automatically stayed pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 362 or pursuant to an order of a federal bankruptcy court under any other provision of the United States Bankruptcy Code for not less than 120 days following the mailing of notice to the surety or guarantor pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 107.095.
(j) To collect any debt, or enforce any right, secured by a mortgage or other lien on real property if the property has been sold to a person other than the creditor to satisfy, in whole or in part, a debt or other right secured by a senior mortgage or other senior lien on the property.
(k) Relating to any proceeding in bankruptcy, including the filing of a proof of claim, seeking relief from an automatic stay and any other action to determine the amount or validity of a debt.
(l) For filing a claim pursuant to chapter 147 of NRS or to enforce such a claim which has been disallowed.
(m) Which does not include the collection of the debt or realization of the collateral securing the debt.
(n) Pursuant to NRS 40.507 or 40.508.
(o) Which is exempted from the provisions of this section by specific statute.
(p) To recover costs of suit, costs and expenses of sale, attorneys’ fees and other incidental relief in connection with any action authorized by this subsection.

How Mortgage is Defined Under Nevada Laws?
NRS 40.433 “Mortgage or other lien” defined. A “mortgage or other lien” includes a deed of trust, but does not include a lien which arises pursuant to chapter 108 of NRS, pursuant to an assessment under chapter 116, 117, 119A or 278A of NRS or pursuant to a judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction.

The Judicial Proceedings Are An Affirmative Defense
1. The commencement of or participation in a judicial proceeding in violation of NRS 40.430 does not forfeit any of the rights of a secured creditor in any real or personal collateral, or impair the ability of the creditor to realize upon any real or personal collateral, if the judicial proceeding is:
(a) Stayed or dismissed before entry of a final judgment; or
(b) Converted into an action which does not violate NRS 40.430.
2. If the provisions of NRS 40.430 are timely interposed as an affirmative defense in such a judicial proceeding, upon the motion of any party to the proceeding the court shall:
(a) Dismiss the proceeding without prejudice; or
(b) Grant a continuance and order the amendment of the pleadings to convert the proceeding into an action which does not violate NRS 40.430.
3. The failure to interpose, before the entry of a final judgment, the provisions of NRS 40.430 as an affirmative defense in such a proceeding waives the defense in that proceeding. Such a failure does not affect the validity of the final judgment, but entry of the final judgment releases and discharges the mortgage or other lien.
4. As used in this section, “final judgment” means a judgment which imposes personal liability on the debtor for the payment of money and which may be appealed under the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure.

How Surplus Money is Distributed?
NRS 40.440 Disposition of surplus money. If there is surplus money remaining after payment of the amount due on the mortgage or other lien, with costs, the court may cause the same to be paid to the person entitled to it pursuant to NRS 40.462, and in the meantime may direct it to be deposited in court.

FORECLOSURE SALES AND DEFICIENCY JUDGMENTS
I have been asked about deficiency judgment many times. In Nevada, the time period for filing a deficiency judgment by your lender is only 6 months. Recently the Nevada legislature also reduced the time period to six months of any HELOC or second trust deed. Now, these folks cannot file any deficiency judgment if the right has been accrued more than six months. Also, if a collection agency buys any of these loans, they cannot collect more than what they paid for.However, they can file this deficiency judgment and can enforce it later against you. This is a concise summary of all of the laws of deficiency judgment. Please read carefully and seek the help of a licensed attorney before doing anything or filing any action.

What is an Indebtedness?
NRS 40.451 “Indebtedness” defined. “indebtedness” means the principal balance of the obligation secured by a mortgage or other lien on real property, together with all interest accrued and unpaid prior to the time of foreclosure sale, all costs and fees of such a sale, all advances made with respect to the property by the beneficiary, and all other amounts secured by the mortgage or other lien on the real property in favor of the person seeking the deficiency judgment. Such amount constituting a lien is limited to the amount of the consideration paid by the lienholder.

NRS 40.453 Waiver of rights in documents relating to sale of real property against public policy and unenforceable; exception. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 40.495:
1. It is hereby declared by the Legislature to be against public policy for any document relating to the sale of real property to contain any provision whereby a mortgagor or the grantor of a deed of trust or a guarantor or surety of the indebtedness secured thereby, waives any right secured to him by the laws of this state.
2. A court shall not enforce any such provision.

How Deficiency Judgment is Awarded?
NRS 40.455 Deficiency judgment: Award to judgment creditor or beneficiary of deed of trust.
1. Upon application of the judgment creditor or the beneficiary of the deed of trust within 6 months after the date of the foreclosure sale or the trustee’s sale held pursuant to NRS 107.080, respectively, and after the required hearing, the court shall award a deficiency judgment to the judgment creditor or the beneficiary of the deed of trust if it appears from the sheriff’s return or the recital of consideration in the trustee’s deed that there is a deficiency of the proceeds of the sale and a balance remaining due to the judgment creditor or the beneficiary of the deed of trust, respectively.
2. If the indebtedness is secured by more than one parcel of real property, more than one interest in the real property or more than one mortgage or deed of trust, the 6-month period begins to run after the date of the foreclosure sale or trustee’s sale of the last parcel or other interest in the real property securing the indebtedness, but in no event may the application be filed more than 2 years after the initial foreclosure sale or trustee’s sale.

What is the Procedure for a Hearing of a Deficiency Judgment in Nevada? NRS 40.457 1.

Before awarding a deficiency judgment under NRS 40.455, the court shall hold a hearing and shall take evidence presented by either party concerning the fair market value of the property sold as of the date of foreclosure sale or trustee’s sale. Notice of such hearing shall be served upon all defendants who have appeared in the action and against whom a deficiency judgment is sought, or upon their attorneys of record, at least 15 days before the date set for hearing.

2. Upon application of any party made at least 10 days before the date set for the hearing the court shall, or upon its own motion the court may, appoint an appraiser to appraise the property sold as of the date of foreclosure sale or trustee’s sale. Such appraiser shall file with the clerk his appraisal, which is admissible in evidence. The appraiser shall take an oath that he has truly, honestly and impartially appraised the property to the best of his knowledge and ability. Any appraiser so appointed may be called and examined as a witness by any party or by the court. The court shall fix a reasonable compensation for the appraiser, but his fee shall not exceed similar fees for similar services in the county where the encumbered land is situated.
NRS 40.459 Limitations on amount of money judgment. After the hearing, the court shall award a money judgment against the debtor, guarantor or surety who is personally liable for the debt. The court shall not render judgment for more than:

1. The amount by which the amount of the indebtedness which was secured exceeds the fair market value of the property sold at the time of the sale, with interest from the date of the sale; or
2. The amount which is the difference between the amount for which the property was actually sold and the amount of the indebtedness which was secured, with interest from the date of sale, whichever is the lesser amount.

NRS 40.462 Distribution of proceeds of foreclosure sale.
1. Except as otherwise provided by specific statute, this section governs the distribution of the proceeds of a foreclosure sale. The provisions of NRS 40.455, 40.457 and 40.459 do not affect the right to receive those proceeds, which vests at the time of the foreclosure sale. The purchase of any interest in the property at the foreclosure sale, and the subsequent disposition of the property, does not affect the right of the purchaser to the distribution of proceeds pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 2 of this section, or to obtain a deficiency judgment pursuant to NRS 40.455, 40.457 and 40.459.
2. The proceeds of a foreclosure sale must be distributed in the following order of priority:
(a) Payment of the reasonable expenses of taking possession, maintaining, protecting and leasing the property, the costs and fees of the foreclosure sale, including reasonable trustee’s fees, applicable taxes and the cost of title insurance and, to the extent provided in the legally enforceable terms of the mortgage or lien, any advances, reasonable attorney’s fees and other legal expenses incurred by the foreclosing creditor and the person conducting the foreclosure sale.
(b) Satisfaction of the obligation being enforced by the foreclosure sale.
(c) Satisfaction of obligations secured by any junior mortgages or liens on the property, in their order of priority.
(d) Payment of the balance of the proceeds, if any, to the debtor or his successor in interest.
If there are conflicting claims to any portion of the proceeds, the person conducting the foreclosure sale is not required to distribute that portion of the proceeds until the validity of the conflicting claims is determined through inter-pleader or otherwise to his satisfaction.
3. A person who claims a right to receive the proceeds of a foreclosure sale pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 2 must, upon the written demand of the person conducting the foreclosure sale, provide:
(a) Proof of the obligation upon which he claims his right to the proceeds; and
(b) Proof of his interest in the mortgage or lien, unless that proof appears in the official records of a county in which the property is located.
Such a demand is effective upon personal delivery or upon mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the claimant. Failure of a claimant to provide the required proof within 15 days after the effective date of the demand waives his right to receive those proceeds.
4. As used in this section, “foreclosure sale” means the sale of real property to enforce an obligation secured by a mortgage or lien on the property, including the exercise of a trustee’s power of sale pursuant to NRS 107.080.
NRS 40.463 Agreement for assistance in recovering proceeds of foreclosure sale due to debtor or successor in interest; requirements for enforceable agreement; fee must be reasonable.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a debtor or his successor in interest may enter into an agreement with a third party that provides for the third party to assist in the recovery of any balance of the proceeds of a foreclosure sale due to the debtor or his successor in interest pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 2 of NRS 40.462.
2. An agreement pursuant to subsection 1:
(a) Must:
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Be signed by the debtor or his successor in interest; and
(3) Contain an acknowledgment of the signature of the debtor or his successor in interest by a notary public; and
(b) May not be entered into less than 30 days after the date on which the foreclosure sale was conducted.
3. Any agreement entered into pursuant to this section that does not comply with subsection 2 is void and unenforceable.
4. Any fee charged by a third party for services provided pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to this section must be reasonable. A fee that exceeds $2,500, excluding attorney’s fees and costs, is presumed to be unreasonable. A court shall not enforce an obligation to pay any unreasonable fee, but may require a debtor to pay a reasonable fee that is less than the amount set forth in the agreement.
5. A third party may apply to the court for permission to charge a fee that exceeds $2,500. Any third party applying to the court pursuant to this subsection has the burden of establishing to the court that the fee is reasonable.
6. This section does not preclude a debtor or his successor in interest from contesting the reasonableness of any fee set forth in an agreement entered into pursuant to this section.
7. As used in this section:
(a) “Creditor” means a person due an obligation being enforced by a foreclosure sale conducted pursuant to NRS 40.451 to 40.463, inclusive.
(b) “Debtor” means a person, or the successor in interest of a person, who owes an obligation being enforced by a foreclosure sale conducted pursuant to NRS 40.451 to 40.463, inclusive.
(c) “Third party” means a person who is neither the debtor nor the creditor of a particular obligation being enforced by a foreclosure sale conducted pursuant to NRS 40.451 to 40.463, inclusive.

RIGHTS OF GUARANTOR, SURETY OR OBLIGOR IN REAL PROPERTY

NRS 40.465 “Indebtedness” defined. As used in NRS 40.475, 40.485 and 40.495, “indebtedness” means the principal balance of the obligation, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, and those costs, fees, advances and other amounts secured by the mortgage or lien upon real property.
NRS 40.475 Remedy against mortgagor or grantor; assignment of creditor’s rights to guarantor, surety or obligor. Upon full satisfaction by a guarantor, surety or other obligor, other than the mortgagor or grantor of a deed of trust, of the indebtedness secured by a mortgage or lien upon real property, the paying guarantor, surety or other obligor is entitled to enforce every remedy which the creditor then has against the mortgagor or grantor of the mortgage or lien upon real property, and is entitled to an assignment from the creditor of all of the rights which the creditor then has by way of security for the performance of the indebtedness.
NRS 40.485 Interest in proceeds of secured indebtedness upon partial satisfaction of indebtedness. Immediately upon partial satisfaction by a guarantor, surety or other obligor, other than the mortgagor or grantor of a deed of trust, of the indebtedness secured by a mortgage or lien upon real property, the paying guarantor, surety or other obligor automatically, by operation of law and without further action, receives an interest in the proceeds of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage or lien to the extent of the partial satisfaction, subject only to the creditor’s prior right to recover the balance of the indebtedness owed by the mortgagor or grantor.

NRS 40.495 Waiver of rights; separate action to enforce obligation; available defenses.
1. The provisions of NRS 40.475 and 40.485 may be waived by the guarantor, surety or other obligor only after default.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a guarantor, surety or other obligor, other than the mortgagor or grantor of a deed of trust, may waive the provisions of NRS 40.430. If a guarantor, surety or other obligor waives the provisions of NRS 40.430, an action for the enforcement of that person’s obligation to pay, satisfy or purchase all or part of an indebtedness or obligation secured by a mortgage or lien upon real property may be maintained separately and independently from:
(a) An action on the debt;
(b) The exercise of any power of sale;
(c) Any action to foreclose or otherwise enforce a mortgage or lien and the indebtedness or obligations secured thereby; and
(d) Any other proceeding against a mortgagor or grantor of a deed of trust.
3. If the obligee maintains an action to foreclose or otherwise enforce a mortgage or lien and the indebtedness or obligations secured thereby, the guarantor, surety or other obligor may assert any legal or equitable defenses provided pursuant to the provisions of NRS 40.451 to 40.463, inclusive.
4. The provisions of NRS 40.430 may not be waived by a guarantor, surety or other obligor if the mortgage or lien:
(a) Secures an indebtedness for which the principal balance of the obligation was never greater than $500,000;
(b) Secures an indebtedness to a seller of real property for which the obligation was originally extended to the seller for any portion of the purchase price;
(c) Is secured by real property which is used primarily for the production of farm products as of the date the mortgage or lien upon the real property is created; or
(d) Is secured by real property upon which:
(1) The owner maintains his principal residence;
(2) There is not more than one residential structure; and
(3) Not more than four families reside.

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