Get Out of Debt and Into Financial Freedom

I have just today released a new report on what a homeowner MUST do to avoid a foreclosure.This report, like all of my reports, is free for the taking. Just email me at freereportsho@jonathangstein.com and ask for it.
This report tells you when to talk to your lender, why reading your mail is important and what to do to avoid a foreclosure scam. It is must reading for anyone who owns a home.

Continue reading the original post by steinlaw

The Sacramento Bee wrote a story on Monday quoting from me extensively in a Q&A format. Here is the article (and a link):
As an attorney, Jonathan G. Stein long ago carved out a legal specialty in consumer debt cases. His timing was good. Amid the downturn in housing, he has become a leading foreclosure expert.
Business Week magazine recently noticed. On July 30 it named Stein one of the 11 top foreclosure attorneys in the

United States
. He was the only

California
attorney to make the list.
Business Week chose with assistance from Avvo.com, a Web site that allows users to [...]

Continue reading the original post by steinlaw

Elk Grove

,
CA

– Jonathan G. Stein of Elk Grove was recently named to BusinessWeek.com’s list of highest-rated foreclosure attorneys. Mr. Stein was the only attorney from
California
on the list of eleven and was

California
’s Top-Rated Attorney.

"We are honored that Business Week relied upon Avvo for their feature on top foreclosure lawyers. However, we are even more honored to have these great lawyers participating in Avvo. When we help consumers find great lawyers, everybody wins," according to Mark Britton, CEO of Avvo, Inc.

“It is an honor to be considered in this group,” Mr. Stein said. His slogan, [...]

Continue reading the original post by steinlaw

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights just put out a newsletter with a great article to help you avoid becoming a victim of predatory lending or mortgage discrimination.
One of the highlights:
A recent study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Urban Institute found that African American borrowers on average paid $415 more in closing costs in FHA-guaranteed mortgages than whites. The study also revealed Latino borrowers paid $365 more in closing costs.
Make sure you contact someone if you feel you have been discriminated against on your mortgage.

Continue reading the original post by steinlaw

There are many various forms of debt relief in today’s day and age. There are also many different steps in which you, the debtor, can take in order to seek the best help out there.
Out of these many forms and steps you can take, start off with the basics. Try contacting your creditors first. Ask for their help and cooperation with setting up an alternate repayment plan.
Trying out an organization that specializes in relieving debt is another option to consider. Choices to ponder consist of consolidation loans, credit counseling services, debt management and settlement [...]

Continue reading the original post by Krista Johnson

Failure, collapse, and defeat are all words that come to mind when thinking about bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can be defined as the inability or impairment of a person or organization to pay their debts to their creditors. It is an option that benefits both the creditor as well as the debtor.
Within the last few years, bankruptcy laws have undergone reformation and now offer different options for filing. There are four different chapters of bankruptcy, but typically only two are ever thought of.
The most common form of bankruptcy is Chapter 7. This bankruptcy option is available [...]

Continue reading the original post by Krista Johnson

Whenever you are contacted by a debt collector, the initial letter will state that you have the right to request validation of the debt within 30 days. Why do you care?
Debt validation requests serve several purposes. First, by making them validate the debt, you stop all collection activities. The debt collector cannot continue its efforts to collect the debt until it provides you with validation. So, you can get some time to figure things out while the collector looks for validation.
Second, sometimes there is no validation. If the collector cannot validate the debt, the collector cannot collect the debt [...]

Continue reading the original post by steinlaw

If dealing with debt, set the bar high and keep your eyes open for assistance. Stick fast to honest companies, and entrust your belief with dependable professionals. Don’t play games with your finances, rather, seek out those willing to help you achieve your goals and aren’t hiding from the challenge.
When verifying trustworthiness, you must use all of the game pieces. Search for verification via telephone, email, website, and online research. Verify found information against the Better Business Bureau and any other accredited sources.
Inquire about their program and what they offer. Ask [...]

Continue reading the original post by Krista Johnson

When it comes to managing and attempting to eliminate debt, it is imperative to have your best interests in clear sight. If you choose to use a third party to help find financial freedom, be sure to select a reliable company. As this process unfolds, I like to think of it as a game of hide and seek.
If trying to verify a company’s trustworthiness, there are a multiple approaches to the game. One plan of action, is to conduct research in order to find hidden treasures. Reflecting this point, I mean that rewards do [...]

Continue reading the original post by Krista Johnson

So which is the best option for me?
There is not one solid answer to this question, however there are key elements to keep in mind when making your decision. Choosing which avenue of relief depends on assets, expenses, income, liabilities, and the underlying reason for the foreclosure. Your best choice will also be determined by the mortgage type in place and at what point of the foreclosure process you’re at when you decide to save the house.
Depending on how deep a hole you’ve dug yourself, and how long you’re willing to devote yourself to [...]

Continue reading the original post by Krista Johnson