"Further evidence of need for anti-foreclosure laws" , say homeowners

June 12, 2004

By AHRC News Services
Copyright AHRC News Services

Monica, a chemical engineer, says she lives in Green Vally Lake Homeowners Association and is trying franctically to get information to prevent the foreclosure of her home.

She says she suffered a brain injury last year that derailed her career and caused her to fall behind 4 months on her $71 a month dues to her homeowner association. She says she spoke to a manager who agreed to give her time to bring her account current, but shortly thereafter, she received a bill from Association Lien Services for six months of dues plus many charges which she does not understand.

Her homeowner association board and managers tell her that it is out of their hands and that she must deal with the foreclosure company. She says she is having difficulty getting information from the foreclosure company. She was told to wait by the phone yesterday from 8a to 5p.m. and somebody would call her. Nobody called.

Her case comes at a time when the California state legislature is trying to rein in non-judicial foreclosures in homeowner associations for ridiculously low amounts. It was incensed that Tom Radcliff lost his $280,000 home for $120.

Senator Ducheny's bill, SB 1682, would ban non-judicial foreclosure where the unpaid dues are less than $2,500. Assemblyman Steinberg's bill, AB 2598, would ban non-judicial foreclosure completely. Each bill has passed its respective house. The bills are making their way through the opposite house.

Monica says she has called Senator Ducheny's office and is planning to attend the Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing for SB 1682.

As these bills would not become effective until at least next year, they offer no immediate relief for Monica. Some homeowners fear that there will be a rush to foreclose on homes in case the bills do pass, as there is big money to be made on these types of foreclosure. They say that compassion seems to be in inverse proportion to the money made.


For additional information, please click the following links:

The Foreclosure Victim

Monica - Call AHRC News Services (949)366-2125 for contact information

The Homeowner Association

Green Valley Homeowners Association - President - Derrick Troupe

Homeowner Association Lawyer - John P. Gill - Hughes & Gill

The Foreclosure Company - Also a Homeowner Association Lawfirm

Foreclosure Company - Association Lien Services - A Division of Swedelson & Gottlieb


California Lawmakers Working on Laws To Stop Non-Judicial Foreclosures by Homeowner Associations

Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg - AB 2598 - Bill to Stop Non-Judicial Foreclosures by Homeowner Associations

Senator Denise Ducheny - SB 1682 prohibits non-judicial foreclosure for unpaid dues that are less than $2,500.

Foreclosure Lawyers Lobby Association

Community Associations Institute - Lobbyists for Homeowner Association Foreclosure Lawyers