Author Archives: Isaac Gradman

Wikipedia Loan Modification Page Offers Concise Look at History and Current Programs, Ignores Government Failures

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Isaac Gradman

I get frequent questions about loan modifications and resources for learning more about available programs. Those interested in learning more about this subject at the heart of the current financial crisis should start with the Wikipedia page entitled “Loan Modification … Continue reading →

Posted in banks, Helping Families Save Homes, HOLC, Hope For Homeowners, incentives, loan modifications, Michael Barr, reflexive tactics, securitization, Takings Clause, TARP, Wikipedia | Leave a comment

Treasury Official Speaks Out About Excessive Risk Taking

Posted on October 24, 2009 by Isaac Gradman

At long last, someone in Washington is speaking out about the dangerous precedent set by the government bailouts of major banks. As discussed in this article on the financial regulations website FinReg21, Treasury secretary Michael Barr testified before the House … Continue reading →

Posted in bailout, executive compensation, Fannie Mae, Federal Reserve, Freddie Mac, Government bailout, incentives, Judiciary Committee, Lehman Brothers, Michael Barr, moral hazard, too big to fail, Treasury | Leave a comment

Countrywide Files Motion to Dismiss in Greenwich Financial Case

Posted on October 10, 2009 by Isaac Gradman

With Greenwich Financial v. Countrywide having been remanded to New York state Supreme Court, Countrywide has now filed a Motion to Dismiss, arguing that Greenwich Financial’s Complaint is barred by the operative securitization agreements. As discussed in several prior posts, … Continue reading →

Posted in consitutionality, Countrywide, Greenwich Financial Services, Helping Families Save Homes, HERA, loan modifications, motions to dismiss, remand, Servicer Safe Harbor, subprime, Takings Clause | Leave a comment

Judge Dismisses UG’s Tort and Statutory Claims Against Countrywide

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Isaac Gradman

Round one in the Battle of the Titans has gone to Countrywide. On October 6, 2009, the Central District of California handed down its decision on Countrywide’s (now part of Bank of America) Motion to Dismiss in the case of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

U.S. Regulators Chastise Banks on Loan Modifications; Political Tide May Be Turning on Home Loan Servicers

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Isaac Gradman

Servicers of home loans have thus far enjoyed preferential treatment by regulators in the shakeout from the recent financial crisis, but that may all be changing. On August 13, U.S regulators issued a joint statement to residential mortgage servicers warning … Continue reading →

Posted in banks, Barney Frank (D-MA), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), conflicts of interest, Federal Reserve, Helping Families Save Homes, junior liens, loan modifications, regulation, Treasury | 5 Comments