Tree damage liability

Just at my house we lost 5 trees. We live in East Moriches. My uncle in Bellport lost 4. They are down everywhere. Through houses, on cars and boats, and on top of fences. So who is responsible if a tree falls from my yard onto my neighbors? The answer is that I have no liability for damage if the tree was sound (in good condition), but if the tree was decayed and unsound I will probably be liable. Here is to hoping the tree was sound.

Tax Grievances

Its time to start talking tax grievance. In many Long Island Towns your clock is ticking if you want to lower your property taxes. Remember, the filing of a grievance complaint with the assessor or board of assessment review is a condition precedent to going to Court. It only takes a 4 page form with simple questions and answers to start the process. During the next month this will be my topic of interest and I will be giving you the ins and the outs of the process. Lets reduce our property tax assessments.

Short sales are part of foreclosure defense

Foreclosure Defense

It’s not just about short sales anymore. Remember that when a house is upside-down the lender can and will foreclose on the property. Therefore, every treatment available to a client should be looked at through the lens of foreclosure defense. The goal is to protect the rights of homeowners and to ensure that victims of predatory lending have a voice and an advocate. This can only be done by holding mortgage providers accountable and honest. In such, it’s proper to put the mortgage company on the defensive before negotiating a modification, short sale, or deed in lieu. This is done by way of a Qualified Written Request under RESPA. Also, a mandatory Foreclosure Settlement Conference is a great opportunity to have a short sale approved with a waiver of the entire deficiency. The key is that without managing the foreclosure action, a judgment in that action may undermine all of your work in negotiating a short sale. In today’s economic climate it’s essential that homeowners have a team of professionals in their corner. Both the real estate agent and the attorney must collaborate from the first consultation to achieve a positive result. It’s time to work together.

Foreclosure filings are down

According to newsday.com Long Island's foreclosure activity fell 34% from a year ago. (citing RealtyTrac)

Do you think the tide has turned and the real estate market is stabilizing?

Home Sales Increase

Long Island Business News has reported that January homes sales were up 21% from a year prior. Congrats real estate agents. Lets keep it going.

Class Tonight - Foreclosure and the Economy

We are hosting a class on Short Sales tonight, 3/10/10, from 5:30PM to 8:30PM at 376A Main Street, Center Moriches, New York. See www.liebatlaw.com to register.