Tag: consumer protection
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Multiple States Demand Paybacks From Company That Paid Deed Holders to Use Its Brokerage in the Future
States have come down hard on listing agreements that bind deed holders to one brokerage to sell their homes in the future. Now, under a settlement agreement, MV Realty must pay restitution for the harm done to Massachusetts deed holders for contracts that bound customers for 40-year periods. If MV Realty complies with the agreement, it will…
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Texas Says Time’s Up for Deed Hustlers
A wave of real estate scams has prompted action by Texas lawmakers. Real estate theft and fraud are now in the criminal code. Naming deed crimes is part of a growing trend that you might recall from a series of articles we’ve offered on New York’s new law, naming “deed theft” as a crime category.…
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Judge Forces White House Budget Director to Keep Consumer Bureau on Life Support
Begrudgingly, Russell T. Vought just requested $145 million from the Federal Reserve to keep the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — which he runs — alive. Barely. Only a few months of the CFPB’s work will be covered by that $145 million. Judge Amy Berman Jackson declared in a December 30, 2025 federal court order that…
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The Sting: Arizona Real Estate Agent Calls the Cops, Derails Deed Fraud
A fast-acting real estate pro helped nab the suspected perpetrator of a deed theft against a senior. John Rowan, a Scottsdale real estate agent and investor, got a call from a stranger whose friend reportedly inherited a home and wanted to sell it as-is. Rowan went to check out the Phoenix-area home. A landscaper present…
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Time’s Up! MV Realty Ordered to Lift Its Claims From Thousands of Property Records
The party’s over! States are now rushing to ban listing agreements that tie deed holders to particular brokerages to sell their homes in the future. One big reason for this appears to be their residents’ complaints about a certain “MV Realty” company. Several states are acting on MV Realty agreements as you read this. The company has…
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Millions of Dollars Pilfered From the Pockets of Ohio Families, Says Suit Against Top Mortgage Company
There’s a case pending in Montgomery County, Ohio that will either startle or sadden everyone who cares about people struggling to buy homes. At this time, everything discussed here is alleged. The case has yet to be decided. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed the suit. Yost claims UWM Holdings — doing business as…
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Feds Target Predatory Lenders, Call Out “Nightmare” Scenarios for Deed Seekers
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is acting to block predatory financing, redlining, and zombie mortgages. What’s all this about predators, red lines and zombies, you ask? Let’s break it down.
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Update: State Lawmakers Have “Fast Cash for Houses” Wholesalers on Their Radar
Tempted to sell your home quickly and easily to one of those “We buy any house” outfits? Wait. Don’t even think about giving up that deed until you read this.
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Seniors’ Advocates Urge States to Ban Predatory ‘Cash for Listing’ Contracts
States are outlawing listing agreements that bind homeowners to specific companies to sell their homes in the future. In the last two years, 30 states have acted to prevent businesses from taking control of people’s property by recording brokers’ contracts against their deeds. The agreements can result in restrictions, liens, or even stealth mortgages recorded…
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Legal News: Oregon Starts Restricting Real Estate Wholesalers
Oregon’s governor has signed H.B. 4058 into law. The point of this new provision? To help people know how brokers work with sellers and buyers in deed transfers. The bill takes effect January 1, 2025. Most notably, the law sets out to regulate residential property wholesaling. Before this, Oregonians could engage in wholesaling without legal…
