Takes a skeptical look at a leading argument about what is causing the foreclosure crisis and what should be done to stop it. The authors focus on two key decisions: the borrower's choice to default on a mortgage and the lender's subsequent choice whether to renegotiate or modify the loan. Unaffordable loans, defined as those with high mortgage payments relative to income at origination, are unlikely to be the main reason that borrowers decide to default. The efficiency of foreclosure for investors is a more plausible explanation for the low number of modifications to date. Policies designed to reduce foreclosures should focus on ameliorating the effects of job loss rather than modifying loans to make them more affordable on a long-term basis. Illustrations.

Remember that although divorce is an ending, it is also a new beginning Life does not always go as planned, and people are allowed to change. Sometimes that change shakes the very core of a relationship. It's part of living. It's how we grow. In a perfect world, and with a bit of luck, we get to change and grow old with our partners. That's the dream. At least it was mine. But not all relationships work that way. And when they don't, we have to realize that life is too short to spend it tearing each other apart and battling the same battles until death do we part.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

Every year, more than a million people file for bankruptcy. This book gives them a clear and complete overview of the bankruptcy process, explains the repurcussions of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and provides step-by-step instructions and all the forms necessary to file. It clearly outlines what debts can and cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy, what property debtors risk losing, how to protect assets and rebuild credit and how to deal with aggressive credit card companies seeking speedy credit repayment. State-by-state exemption tables included.

For 75 years, the VA loan program has helped U.S. service members and their families achieve the dream of homeownership. Today, in the wake of the subprime mortgage meltdown and ensuing foreclosure crisis, this no-down payment loan is more important than ever. VA loans have emerged as a lifeline for veterans and active duty personnel who understand their unmatched safety and buying power. The Book on VA Loans takes service members and their families on an insider's journey into VA loans, from credit scores and interest rates to the unique opportunities and challenges of this long-cherished program. Readers get insider tips and expert advice from the country's largest dedicated VA lender, Veterans United Home Loans. They also receive a buyer-friendly education in a sometimes complicated world that can trip up even seasoned real estate veterans.Featuring simple, straightforward language and voices of previous VA borrowers, this resource helps ensure service members are in the best position possible to maximize the benefits earned by their service.