February 5, 2016 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News
B-3
Real Estate / Home & Garden
Are you a Veteran or
on Active Duty
Mortgage foreclosure defense may be available for those in need Morton J. Grabel Special to Valley News There are homeowners facing the possibility of losing their home because they are behind on their house payments and are on the verge of foreclosure. Attorney Morton J. Grabel, in his abbreviated primer, says there may be options in defending against a foreclosure by using the very same law, lenders use, but to the homeowner’s advantage. Grabel said, “There are more solutions for homeowners today than their have ever been.” He gives possible solutions. Federal Laws that protect the homeowner including Hamp, Harp and Hardist Hit Fund; State Laws including the California Homeowner Bill of Rights that helps protect homeowners from foreclosure and lender abuses if the home is owneroccupied, residential and has no more than four units. He suggests that homeowners learn lawful options including
injunctive relief (to halt the foreclosure), and (actual economic damages) if the foreclosure has already occurred and if there are lender violations such as breach of contract, fraud, negligence, dual tracking (while the loan modification is being considered a nonjudicial foreclosure cannot occur) and statutory violations. • Litigation: may encourage a loan modification with a lower interest rate and/or principal reduction and/or extend the length of the term of the loan • Bankruptcy: may be the right option (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) if it is needed to eliminate or reorganize debt • A refinance: if the mortgage is not underwater, if one spouse or both have sufficient credit and income to qualify for a refinance if there is equity in the property • A short sale: may be the right solution if there is not equity • A forbearance plan: an agreement between the lender and the bor-
paying more than
rower wherein a certain portion of the mortgage is deferred for a period of time • An exchange: of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Please note the information identified above-and herein does not create an attorney-client relationship. Moreover, the information provided above and herein is general information and not legal advice nor shall it be relied upon as a particular answer to your particular legal needs. Grabel who is originally from Philadelphia, attended an ABA credentialed law school, is a lawyer in California good standing, has an MBA, an active nursing home administrator’s license and is a licensed real estate broker in California. For questions or to make an appointment call the Law Offices of Morton J. Grabel in Temecula at (951) 695-7700. Disclosure: this office does not offer a loan modification service; although a loan modification may result from litigation.
Three ways to improve indoor air quality all year long TEMECULA – As winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. Winter weather confines many people to their homes, making many antsy to get out once the first signs of spring begin to appear. In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution is something most often associated with densely populated cities, the air inside homes is not immune to pollution, especially during long winters when windows are often closed for months at a time. Though open windows in spring and summer can vastly improve indoor air quality, there are ways to ensure that air stays fresh and healthy regardless of which season it happens to be. Clean the floors. Dirty floors are one of the chief contributors to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on floors, leading to poor
air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a uniquely designed mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. When you finish vacuuming, mop floors to gather any dust or allergens that escaped the vacuum. Control indoor air moisture. Moist air is great for dust mites and mold, both of which are very bad for humans, so do everything you can to maintain healthy levels of indoor air moisture. Dehumidifiers can reduce indoor air moisture and control allergens, but it’s important to take additional steps as well. When bathing, try to keep a bathroom window open on a slight crack to prevent mold growth. When preparing meals in the kitchen, make use of your exhaust fan. In addition, don’t overwater houseplants, as they can become breeding grounds for mold.
Resist synthetic fragrances. A home that smells good tends to feel more pleasant, especially during winter months when windows are closed. But synthetic fragrances, such as those found in detergents and air fresheners, may be providing that welcoming scent at a heavy cost to a home’s inhabitants. Such fragrances may be emitting various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, affecting indoor air quality and possibly even human health. When buying laundry products, look for those that are fragrance-free, also choosing home cleaning products that do not include any artificial fragrances. Indoor air quality tends to suffer in colder months, when windows are closed and doors are open only briefly. But homeowners can take a handful of simple yet effective steps to ensure the air in their homes is healthy all year long.
$1500/month
for rent?
It may be the right time to use your VA Benefits and buy a home!
Call for a FREE report! You will receive a
$500 VisA GiFt CARD at closing from me as a thank you for your service!
Bill Flegenheimer
Vietnam Veteran
760.685.5471
wflegen@aol.com
CalBRE #01708392/Realtor
Lic #01906159
www.Veteransdiscounthomes.com/veterans
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