Posted by RJE/MI on 2/19/10 8:42am
Msg #323467
Help Please?
I’m wondering if someone out there with some legal expertise or at least is knowledgeable about foreclosure relief agencies would be willing to pm me regarding a business meeting I have this afternoon with a couple of gentlemen that own a foreclosure relief agency. I really don’t want to give names bc this could turn out to be a great business opp for me if everything is on the up and up but I’m having a feeling that this may not be and want to get some advise/thoughts before I meet with them.
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Reply by MistarellaFL on 2/19/10 8:44am
Msg #323468
Before you go to that meeting
know your state's laws re: foreclosure relief.
Some states have made it illegal to collect "up-front" fees, unless it is an attorney's firm.
Plus other new illegalities, state specific.
Google is your friend.
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Reply by John_NorCal on 2/19/10 8:48am
Msg #323469
Re: Help Please? And......
before you rely on the advice of anyone on this or anyother public forum....... Make sure that you run things past a trusted attorney, even if you have to pay for their time, it will be money well spent!
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Reply by RJE/MI on 2/19/10 9:02am
Msg #323472
Re: Help Please? And......
I really wanted to just run my senerio by someone who may have expierence or knowledge of these types of companies see if it sounds like just another scam company or if I'm just a bit paranoid.
I did go online to find out the laws in my state so at least I know what questions to ask and what to watch for when they are explaining the process to me so thanks for that MistarellaFL.
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Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/19/10 8:58am
Msg #323470
In addition to regulations regarding upfront fees..
many states now have legislation that requires all those involved in the loan process, including modifications, be licensed loan originators....
Beware the flakes who say "we can get them out of their mortgage - their mortgage is illegal" or "the foreclosure is illegal"..
Good Luck - let us know how it goes...
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Reply by Notarysigner on 2/19/10 8:59am
Msg #323471
Make sure you get paid for THIS meeting.
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Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/19/10 9:03am
Msg #323473
Wellll...I don't know about that, James...
do you charge the companies you market to? This is pretty much the same thing- a marketing meeting...I don't think I'd charge to sit and listen to details.
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Reply by Notarysigner on 2/19/10 9:12am
Msg #323474
Re: Wellll...I need to explain Linda...
Sorry, I should have explained and little more.
If they contacted me to attend a meeting to discuss procedures and provide my skill set/advice then yes I would insist my expenses be paid. As an example, if I had to go downtown in my city or to S F a one hour meeting could cost me 12 to 22 dollars in parking fees. If I initiated the meeting, no charge. Thank Linda for keeping on focus. 
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Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/19/10 9:21am
Msg #323475
I was contacted a couple years ago to meet
regarding a business opportunity (notary protest)....I didn't pay for that time as yes, it was a business meeting at their request, but it appeared it could possibly lead to a long-term relationship. Didn't work out that way, but at the time I never even considered charging for it - no more than I charge to walk into a bank or mortgage company and meet the manager and discuss future work.
Then again..I don't have tolls and parking so that does make a difference..I do see your point.
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Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/19/10 9:24am
Msg #323476
s/b didn't *charge* for that time... n/m
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Reply by Mia on 2/19/10 9:28am
Msg #323477
I'm skeptical of this "foreclosure relief agency" -- I don't know the name of this agency but, I always worry about scams.
The State of Michigan has their own foreclosure relief. Check out the following. (I realize that the Attorney Generals website for foreclosure rescue scams hasn't been updated since 2007...
not sure what is up with that)
http://www.michigan.gov/
MI Attorney Generals website
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17337---,00.html
Michigan “Save A Dream” – help with foreclosures
http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192----S,00.html
Home Lending and Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Updated 11/2007
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17337_17291-134533--,00.html
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Reply by RJE/MI on 2/19/10 10:22am
Msg #323481
Thank you all for your comments. I did look up the websites posted here and will go to this meeting with much skepticism.
I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Reply by LKT/CA on 2/19/10 11:05am
Msg #323484
If you are pressured to "sign up NOW" or "only one spot left so decide NOW"...... I suggest you run the other way. Any offer you cannot take at least 72 hours to think over is most likely a scheme.
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Reply by 101livescan on 2/19/10 5:36pm
Msg #323522
If their eyes shift frequently and they have beads of sweat above their upper lip, it's a safe bet you should pass. You'll instinctively know if they have an opportunity that is clean, no gimmicks, and perfectly legal. Every lender that received bailout stimulus $$ is mandated by the government to assist mortgage holders. If they are collecting money up front for their services, they are absolutely illegal. Even attorneys can't do this. There was just a huge sweep of arrests for this in CA, a lot of attorneys were arrested and their licenses revoked.
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