Foreclosure Restitution Checks

Checks to borrowers who submitted valid claims for foreclosure restitution under the National Mortgage Settlement should have been mailed between June 10 and June 17, 2013. A small number of eligible borrowers may not have been mailed a check in the initial mailing, but all borrowers who submitted a claim will receive a communication concerning

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National Consumer Protection Week

It is National Consumer Protection Week, a week when consumer protection agencies and organizations across the country make extra efforts to promote awareness about consumer rights.  In light of this, the California Monitor Program reminds California homeowners that we are ready and willing to help. Click here to learn more about how to submit a

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Settlement Refinancing Program Update

The mortgage companies that agreed to the National Mortgage Settlement have informed the California Monitor that they have finished contacting homeowners who are eligible for the Settlement’s refinancing program. Check your eligibility here.  If you believe you are eligible and you have not heard from your bank, you can call your bank to ask about the program

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How is the Settlement related to the government’s HAMP and HARP programs?

The federal government established the HAMP and HARP programs to allow certain eligible homeowners the opportunity to modify or refinance their mortgages.  Each program has its own rules that mortgage companies must follow in reviewing homeowners for modification or refinancing.  The Settlement helps homeowners applying for HAMP and HARP by establishing customer service standards and protections against

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What is the Settlement’s Refinancing Program?

The Settlement’s Refinancing Program requires all five mortgage companies that are parties to the Settlement to offer refinancing to certain eligible borrowers who are current on their mortgages and underwater.  Learn more about the Refinancing Program’s requirements.  If you believe you are eligible and your mortgage company has not offered you refinancing that meets the

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Deadline for Filing Restitution Claims

UPDATE: As part of the settlement, a cash payment was available for some Californians whose loan was owned or serviced by Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank or GMAC and whose home was foreclosed upon between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011.  The deadline to file a claim was January 18, 2013

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New OCC Settlement

A settlement was announced this week between the several banks that signed the National Mortgage Settlement and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This new settlement does not replace or reduce any benefits under the National Mortgage Settlement. To find out more about the OCC Settlement, including whether you may qualify for

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The Settlement’s Protections for Servicemembers

The National Mortgage Settlement provides special protections and benefits for servicemembers.  For example, if you receive a Permanent Change in Station (PCS) order, you may be eligible for a loan modification even if you are not in default on your loan.  Servicemembers who were foreclosed on in violation of a federal law called the Servicemembers

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California Monitor Releases Second Report

  On November 19, 2012, Katherine Porter, the California Monitor, released her second report, Dollars to Date: The California Mortgage Agreement.  Based on data provided, she anticipates that Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo will complete or exceed their promised $12 billion in homeowner assistance within just the first year of the California agreement.