Foreclosure Rescue Scams-HUD News Release

Source: HUD No. 09-033
Melanie Roussell (202) 708-0685 www.hud.gov/news/
For Release Monday
April 6, 2009


FEDERAL, STATE PARTNERS ANNOUNCE MULTI-AGENCY CRACKDOWN TARGETING FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS, LOAN MODIFICATION FRAUD

Civil Enforcement Cases, State Enforcement Actions, Alert to Financial Institutions Among New Efforts to Protect American Homeowners Seeking Relief



WASHINGTON - As homeowners and communities throughout the country continue to face devastating consequences from the deep contraction in the economy and the housing market, the Obama Administration today announced a new coordinated effort across federal and state government and the private sector to target mortgage loan modification fraud and foreclosure rescue scams that threaten to hurt American homeowners and prevent them from getting the help they need during these challenging times. The new effort announced today aligns responses from federal law enforcement agencies, state investigators and prosecutors, civil enforcement authorities, and the private sector to protect homeowners seeking assistance under the Administration's Making Home Affordable program from criminal actors looking to perpetrate predatory schemes.



The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Attorney General of Illinois today discussed new initiatives to coordinate information and resources across agencies to maximize targeting and efficiency in fraud investigations, alert financial institutions to emerging schemes, step up enforcement actions and educate consumers to help those in financial trouble avoid becoming the victims of a loan modification or foreclosure rescue scam.

See full article...
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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service restoration contractor with the ability to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home! Water Damge? Mold? Structural Damage? We provide the expertise and knowledge to partner with you and your mortgage company today.



For more information about how Advanced Restoration can work with you on becoming the restoration contractor for your FHA 203(k) loan, please contact Gary Matzelle at (800) 693- 6263.

203(k) Loan Application Process

The 203(k) Rehab Program is available through FHA approved lenders and is available in New York.

Here is a brief summary that provides the process for homeowners interested in applying for a 203(k) loan:

1. Homebuyer Locates the Property.
2. Preliminary Feasibility Analysis
3. Sales Contract is Executed
4. Homebuyer Selects Mortgage Lender
5. Homebuyer Prepares Work Write-up and Cost Estimate.
6. Lender Requests HUD Case Number
7. Plan Reviewer Visits Property
8. Appraiser Performs the Appraisal
9. Lender Reviews the Application
10. Issuance of Conditional Commitment
11. Lender Prepares Firm Commitment Application
12. Lender Issues Firm Commitment
13. Mortgage Loan Closing
14. Mortgage Insurance Endorsement
15. Rehabilitation Construction Begins
16. Releases from Rehabilitation Escrow Account
17. Completion of Work/Final Inspection

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service 203(k) restoration contractor with the ability to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home! We work closely with all FHA approved lenders and are committed to providing professional service throughout the NY Metro area.

For more information about mortgage companies authorized to generate FHA 203(k) loans, please contact Gary Matzelle at (800) 693- 6263 or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com

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203(k) Re-hab/Restoration Loans- What Can You Do?

Pursuing an FHA 203(k) loan enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home.

The extent of the rehabilitation covered by a 203(k) may range from relatively minor (minimum of $5000 in cost) to virtual reconstruction: a home that has been demolished or will be restored as part of rehabilitation is eligible.

Section 203(k) insured loans can finance the rehabilitation of the residential portion of a property that also has non-residential uses; they can also cover the conversion of a property of any size to a one-to-four unit structure.

The types of improvements that borrowers may make using Section 203(k) financing include:

-Structural alterations and reconstruction

-Modernization and improvements to the home's function

-Elimination of health and safety hazards

-Changes that improve appearance and eliminate obsolescence

-Reconditioning or replacing plumbing; installing a well and/or septic system

-Adding or replacing roofing, gutters, and downspouts

-Adding or replacing floors and/or floor treatments

-Major landscape work and site improvements

-Enhancing accessibility for a disabled person

-Making energy conservation improvements

Advanced Restoration Corporation is located in New York and is a general contractor/ restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation of homes in disrepair. We are affiliated with various mortgage companies and have experience with contractor requirements associated with a 203 (k) loan.

For more information on partnering with an experienced company ready to rebuild your dream house, contact Gary Matzelle at (516)903-4107. Service area includes: Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn and The Bronx.

Real Estate Deals & Mold in Homes

If the home you are thinking about purchasing has mold, do not panic!

You can remove unusual mold levels from the home, and bring it back to the original condition.
It is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. Mold will always be found floating in the air and in house dust. Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling water and moisture indoors.

The following may prevent or reduce indoor mold growth:

-Repair any water leaks.
-Provide good air circulation.
-All HVAC systems should have a good electrostatic filter on the return.
-Use bathroon, laundry and kitchen exhaust fans.
-Insulate and ventilate attic and crawl space areas.
-Clean, dry or remove items that are damaged by water immediately.

An integral part of the mold clean-up process is the clearance testing. This final testing procedure provides confirmation that the project has been satisfactorily remediated and that the contamination has not spread to other areas.

Remember...If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but do not eliminate the water problem, the mold will grow back! For more information, contact a restoration company that specializes in mold removal.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

Portable Power Sources Recalled: Fire Hazard

Portable Power Sources Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Source: CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 2, 2009Release #09-182
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 233-0462CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Best Buy Announces the Recall of Certain Rocketfish Universal Portable Power Sources Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Rocketfish Model RF-INV80 Universal AC/DC/USB Portable Power Source

Units: About 1,400

Importer: Best Buy Co. Inc., of Richfield, Minn.

Hazard: While charging the battery, the power source can unexpectedly ignite, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of fires resulting in minor property damage. No injuries reported.

Description: This recall involves Rocketfish Universal AC/DC/USB portal power sources with model number RF-INV80. The model number is printed on the back of the power source and “Rocketfish” is printed on the cover.

Sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide and at bestbuy.com from July 2008 through February 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power sources and contact Best Buy to receive a gift card for the value of the product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat114800050015&type=category

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area. Call us at: (800)693-6263.

Will an Emergency Shut You Down?

A professional facility manager or property owner does not question the possibility of a disaster, but asks “what could happen, and when?”

Whether it is a natural disaster such as severe storms, floods or earthquakes, or the far more common man-made emergencies which include fire, smoke, pipe burst or structural damage, a well prepared manager/owner is ready to handle these types of problems and has a business continuity plan in place.

Pre-Select a Restoration Contractor!

Pre-selecting a multi-faceted restoration contractor is a critical part of any written Emergency Procedure plan. The day after a disaster, when the management team is under incredible stress, is not the time to search for a restoration contractor or emergency response contractor.

Be Prepared, Plan Ahead!

Advanced Restoration, a DKI member company, provides the following:

- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Full Service Property Damage Restoration
- Experience, Expertise & Technology

Don't wait for an emergency to select your emergency contractor. Look for the best service and for the contractor who's willing to work with you when your disaster strikes...even if it's Christmas Eve or a Sunday night.

As a full service restoration company, Advanced Restoration is capable of handling major damage to a structure, including:

Water Damage Mitigation

Mold Remediation

Fire & Smoke Damage

Board-Up and Tarping

Complete Reconstruction

Start protecting your investments today! Call Advanced Restoration, a DKI Member Company that is ready to partner with you. Telephone: (800) 693-6263. Advanced Restoration services the New York Metro area, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

LCD Television Recall: Fire Hazard

Best Buy Announces the Recall of Certain Insignia 26-Inch Flat-Panel LCD Televisions Due to Fire Hazard

Source: CPSC
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2009Release #09-183
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 233-0462CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Best Buy Announces the Recall of Certain Insignia 26-Inch Flat-Panel LCD Televisions Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD model IS-LCDTV26 televisions

Units: About 13,300

Importer: Best Buy Co. Inc., of Richfield, Minn.

Hazard: The television’s power supply can fail, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Best Buy has received two reports of fires that included damage to the television and wall. One consumer reported minor burns to the hands.
Description: This recall involves Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, model number IS-LCDTV26. The model number is printed on the back of the television and the word “INSIGNIA” is printed on the bottom front. No other Insignia model televisions are involved in this recall.
Sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide, at ww.bestbuy.com, and www.bestbuyforbusiness.com from August 2005 through June 2006 for about $800.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled televisions and contact the Best Buy hotline to receive a gift card for the value of a replacement television.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat114800050015&type=category

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Yet Another Fire Hazard Recall Alert...

Source: CPSC

Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 31, 2009

Release # 09-173
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 687-6916CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Clothing Irons Recalled by Conair Corporation Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Clothing Irons

Units: About 45,000

Distributor: Conair Corporation, of Stamford, Conn.

Hazard: The clothing iron can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Conair has received three reports of overheating, including two fires resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Conair clothing irons with model numbers DPP1500, DPP1500R and DPP3500. The model number is printed below the soleplate. No other models are included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and retail stores nationwide from October 2008 through March 2009 for about $50.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled clothing irons and contact Conair to receive a free comparable product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Conair at (800) 687-6916 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at

www.Conair.com

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.