The Mortgage Assistance Information and Scam Prevention Act of 2009Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-D) and Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-D) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to help struggling homeowners receive valuable information that could help them avoid foreclosure. The Mortgage Assistance Information and Scam Prevention Act of 2009 requires all mortgage servicers who receive incentive payments under federal programs to notify their clients about federal programs for which they may qualify.
Titus Writes to Banks on Suspension of Foreclosure Proceedings"I believe, however, that it would be wise and responsible for your institution to suspend foreclosure proceedings until you can ensure that your systems and documents meet high standards for accuracy and legitimacy. It is simply inexcusable that a family could be made homeless because of careless handling of paperwork."
Titus Announces Additional $57 Million for Nevada in Hardest Hit Funds"As ground zero of the foreclosure crisis, the Third District has been hit particularly hard during this recession. That is why I have made it a top priority to fight on behalf of my constituents by pushing for additional funds as well as standing up to the banks that too often have been part of the problem rather than part of the solution."
Titus Calls for More ‘Sticks’ to Make Housing Programs More Effective"I write to you today to again ask you to develop and implement effective sanctions on the Wall Street banks that are refusing to help Main Street. We have provided numerous 'carrots' but lack the necessary “sticks” to ensure that these programs will be effective. More pressure must be exerted to force banks to improve customer services and loan modification efforts."
Titus: $43 Million in Additional Neighborhood Stabilization Funds Will Help the Housing Market in Southern Nevada"I have pushed the Obama Administration to do more to help the areas, such as Southern Nevada, that have been hit the hardest by the housing crisis. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution to this crisis, and these funds will allow local governments to respond to the individual needs of the housing market in their communities throughout Southern Nevada."
Titus Letter to Obama Calls for More ‘Sticks’ to Ensure Servicers Participate in Housing Programs"I am concerned that the vast majority of modification programs provide 'carrots' for servicers and investors, but lack the necessary “sticks” to ensure that servicers and investors are participating. My office has worked with hundreds of homeowners attempting to modify their loans. More often than not, the lender only agrees to modify the loan when it is in the lender’s interest. Unfortunately, it appears lenders usually are more willing to go through with a costly foreclosure process than work with homeowners to construct a payment structure that is fair."
Titus Applauds Additional $34 Million for Nevada Through Hardest Hit Fund"This additional funding that is targeted at homeowners who have lost their job as a result of the deepest recession in a generation is much needed. I have impressed upon the Obama administration the importance of addressing this crisis and how critical this effort is to Nevada's families and our larger effort to turn our economy around."
Titus Invites Geithner to Southern Nevada to Hear from Homeowners and Discuss Ways to Improve Housing ProgramsI write today to invite you to Southern Nevada to meet with homeowners who have attempted to work with their servicers to modify their loans. This conversation will allow you to hear directly from homeowners stories of their experiences and suggestions for what can be done to improve modification efforts such as the administration’s “Making Home Affordable” program.
Titus Helping Homeowners Get the Assistance They Need During Wells Fargo Housing Workshop"By fighting on their side, my staff and I have helped hundreds of families stay in their home and receive mortgage modifications. Due to the number of cases we have seen with Wells Fargo, I am taking this opportunity to ramp up our efforts and get these constituents help this weekend. I am hopeful that we will resolve many of these cases and give those families the help they need to stay in their homes."
Titus Applauds Creation of Housing Task Force“I am pleased to join my colleagues as a founding member of the Democratic Task Force on Housing Stabilization and I look forward to sharing what my office has learned in our efforts to help Nevada families avoid foreclosure.”
Titus: Sweeping Wall Street Reform Will End Taxpayer Bailouts, Protect Nevadans from Predatory Lending"With these critical reforms, we are fighting back against Wall Street and standing up for hard-working Nevadans who have lost their financial security during the recession. Nevadans have paid a steep price for the lack of regulation and oversight of Wall Street banks. With the consumer protections in this bill, Nevadans will be empowered to make the best decisions for their financial future."
Titus Cosponsors Extension of Deadline to Qualify for First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit"According to local experts, the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 before us now will extend to October 1 the date by which purchasers must close the sale of a home in order to obtain the homebuyer tax credit. This will allow approximately 3,800 first-time homebuyers in Southern Nevada to receive the credit."
Titus Statement on Approval of State Plan for Hardest Hit Funds"Using these funds for mortgage forgiveness and the reduction of principal will help provide short-term assistance and long-term stability. While these funds will make an impact here in Nevada, I will continue my efforts to fight on behalf of homeowners who have been ignored or taken advantage of by the banks that have contributed to this housing crisis."
Titus Letter to Obama Urges Regulation of Reverse Mortgages to Protect Seniors as Part of Financial Reform"In your recent remarks as part of your telephone town hall for seniors, you noted that seniors “are more frequently targeted by scam artists,” and you have asked members of your cabinet to be vigilant in prosecuting those who attempt to scam seniors. I believe this amendment will help to prevent seniors from falling victim to deceptive and unfair practices."
Titus, Heller, Costa Amendment Helps Military Families Hit by the Housing Crisis"My Congressional District is home to a number of service members from Nellis Air Force base and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft program at Creech Air Force Base. Many of these armed services members were assigned to Southern Nevada at the height of the housing boom, when prices were fueled by out of control and reckless speculators. They and others around the country purchased homes at what was then a fair market price. Now, due to no fault of their own, however, many of these homes have lost a significant amount of their value."