Coldwell Banker trains Latino commercial real estate brokers

Jacksonville Business Journal - by Christian Conte Staff Writer

JACKSONVILLE — After franchisees spent five years building Coldwell Banker residential franchises in Latin America, the businesses there are ready to expand into commercial real estate, and they’re getting help from Jacksonville Coldwell Banker agents.
Eleven Coldwell Banker executives from Colombia, Panama and Brazil recently spent three days at a first-of-its-kind training program at the Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark Realty headquarters in Jacksonville.

Helping Latin America develop its commercial brokerage will ultimately benefit Florida by sparking business transactions, said Larry Bernaski, a regional manager of international business development at the public-private partnership devoted to statewide economic development, Enterprise Florida Inc. Already Latin America is one of Jacksonville’s biggest trade partners, particularly Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina.

Read full article here!

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Foreclosure Prevention Workshops in Oakland, CA

There is hope for homeowners who are facing foreclosure or in danger to losing their home to foreclosure in Oakland, CA. Community and city leaders are organizing a series of free workshops for homeowners. For more details and to RSVP read below.

Todabia hay experanza para aquellos duenos de casa que estan en peligro de perder sus hogares por una ejecucion hipotecaria en el area de Oakland, CA. Lideres comunitarios y del govierno local estan ofreciendo una serie de seminarios para ayudarles a no perder sus casa. Lean abajo para mas informacion.

Date/Fecha:
04-01-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-01-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

04-04-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-08-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-08-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

04-15-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-15-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

04-18-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-22-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

04-29-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-02-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-06-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-06-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

05-13-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-13-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

05-16-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-20-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

05-20-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

05-27-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-03-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-03-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

06-06-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-10-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-10-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

06-17-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-17-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

06-20-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

06-24-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-01-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-08-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-08-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

07-15-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-18-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-22-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

07-22-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

07-29-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-01-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-05-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-12-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-12-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

08-15-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-19-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-26-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

08-26-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

09-02-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

09-05-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

09-09-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

09-09-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

09-16-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

09-19-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

09-23-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792


09-23-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

09-30-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-03-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-07-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-14-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-14-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

10-17-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-21-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-28-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

10-28-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

11-04-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

11-07-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

11-11-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

11-11-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

11-18-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792


11-18-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

11-21-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

11-25-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-02-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-02-09
Tikila - The Unity Council - tmcdavid@unitycouncil.org - 510-535-6920

12-05-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-09-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-16-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-19-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-23-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

12-30-09
Debbra Carrigan - NID-HCA - dcarrigan@nidonline.org - 510-268-9792

Questions, www.realestatelatino.com

Florida Mortgage Fraud Resources

The list of resources below has been compiled for anyone that suspects that they may be a victim of any type of fraud or scam. The list was originally designed as a resource to report mortgage fraud, predatory lending scams and identity theft in Florida but may also serve those who are victims of many types of fraud in Florida.

Other types of fraud may include:

Internet Scams
Phishing/Email Scams
Credit Card Fraud
Investment Scams
Financial - Debt Elimination
Business/MLM ScamsEtc.

FBI Field Offices, Mortgage Fraud

White Collar Crime Supervisorhttp://jacksonville.fbi.gov/7820 Arlington Expressway, Suite 200Jacksonville, FL 32211-7499Phone: (904) 721-1211

White Collar Crime Supervisorhttp://miami.fbi.gov/16320 NW 2nd Ave.North Miami Beach, FL 33169-6508Phone: (305) 944-9101

White Collar Crime Supervisorhttp://tampa.fbi.gov/500 Zack St., Room 610, FOBTampa, FL 33602-3917Phone: (813) 273-4566

Florida Attorney General - Consumer Protection
http://myfloridalegal.com/consumerThe Capitol PL-01Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050Phone: (850) 414-3300

HUD Field Office
Jacksonville Field OfficeCharles E. Bennett Federal Building400 W. Bay St., Suite 1015Jacksonville, FL 32202Phone: (904) 232-2627 Fax: (904) 232-3759
Miami Field Office909 SE First Ave.Miami, FL 33131Phone: (305) 536-4456 Fax: (305) 536-5765

Orlando Field Office3751 Maguire Blvd., Room 270Orlando, FL 32803-3032Phone: (407) 648-6441 Fax: (407) 648-6310

Tampa Field Office500 Zack St., Suite 402Tampa, FL 33602Phone: (813) 228-2026 Fax: (813) 228-2431

HUD Regional Office
Atlanta Regional Office40 Marietta St.Five Points PlazaAtlanta, GA 30303-2806Phone: (404) 331-4111 Fax: (404) 730-2392

Florida Department of Banking and Finance Division of Financial Investigations
101 East Gaines St., Suite 516Tallahassee, FL 32399-0350Toll Free: (800) 848-3792 (Florida only)Phone: (850) 410-9275Fax: (850) 410-9628

Nationally Chartered Credit Unions
Region III – Atlantahttp://www.ncua.gov/AboutNcua/org/Region3.htm7000 Central Parkway, Suite 1600 Atlanta, GA 30328Phone: (678) 443-3000Fax: (678) 443-3020

State-Chartered Credit Unions
Florida Division of Banking101 East Gaines St., Ste. 636Tallahassee, FL 32399-0350Phone: (850) 410-9111Fax: (850) 410-9548

Savings & Loan Association or Savings Bank
Office of Thrift Supervisionhttp://www.ots.treas.gov/resultsort.cfm?catNumber=88&dl=17&edit=1E-mail: consumer.complaint@ots.treas.govSoutheast Region - Atlanta1475 Peachtree St., N.E.Atlanta, Georgia 30309Phone: (404) 888-0771Complaints: (800) 842-6929

National Fair Housing Alliance
To locate your local office:http://www.nationalfairhousing.org/National Contact: E-mail: nfha@nationalfairhousing.org1212 New York Ave., NW Ste 525Washington, DC 2005Phone: (202) 898-1661 Fax: (202) 371-9744

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Consumer Services2005 Apalachee ParkwayTerry Rhodes BuildingTallahassee, FL 32399-6500Phone: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)

Florida Real Estate Commission (REC) Home Page
DBPR Customer Contact Centerhttp://www.myflorida.com/

Disciplinary Activity Reports of Brokers and Appraisers:http://www.myflorida.com/1940 North Monroe St.Tallahassee, FL 32399-1027Phone: (850) 487-1395 Fax: (850) 922-4191

Better Business Bureaus
Better Business Bureau of Northeast Floridahttp://www.bbbnefla.org/E-mail: info@bbbnefla.org4417 Beach Blvd., Suite 202Jacksonville, FL 32207Phone: (904) 721-2288Fax: (904) 721-7373

Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbeanhttp://www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org/E-mail: info@seflorida.bbb.org2924 N Australian Ave.West Palm Beach, FL 33407 – Phone: (561) 842-1918Fax: (561) 845-7234

Better Business Bureau of West Floridahttp://www.clearwater.bbb.org/E-mail: info@bbbwestflorida.orgPO Box 7950Clearwater, FL 33758 -7950Phone: (727) 535-5522Fax: (727) 539-6301

Better Business Bureau of Northwest Floridahttp://www.nwfl.bbb.org/E-mail: info@nwfl.bbb.orgPO Box 1511Pensacola, FL 32591 -1511Phone: (850) 429-0002Fax: (850) 429-0006

Better Business Bureau of Central Florida, Inc.http://www.orlando.bbb.org/E-mail: info@orlando.bbb.org151 Wymore Road, Ste. 100Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 - Phone: (407) 621-3300Fax: (407) 786-2625

The Future of Latino Homeownership

By Bill Arce
RealEstateLatino.com

Alejandra Medina, a CHCI's HOGAR fellow class of 2007-2009 just published a paper on the institute website named "The Future of Latino Homeownership." The paper makes reference how Latinos are facing the current economy and how the housing crisis had become another challenging barrier to Latino homeownership.

Miss. Medina also proposed in her paper a response to the crisis including not just real estate professionals. The fellow goes further and recommends Latinos leaders in the housing community to facilitate communication between their organizations and the real estate industry to discuss how counseling can help future homebuyers can help obtain and long maintain their homes, among other recommendations.

The HOGAR fellow, who will graduate from the institute this year, also reports on the necessity to prevent the crisis, so it won't happen again. She highlights, that now more than ever the Latino consumers must have access to a better-trained and trusted real estate advisor.

This recommendation comes along with NAHREP code of Honor "En Confianza" that calls to reinstate the trust lost after the real estate debacle. In general, the report is very easy to read and offer a god inside of what is happening in our community today; I encourage you to read it.
If you would like to read a copy of this report, please visit http://www.chci.org/.

Meeting The Market Challenge In 2009

Wells Fargo CineMeeting:

Start: 03/12/2009 - 1:00pm
End: 03/12/2009 - 4:00pm
Timezone: US/Central

Meeting The Market Challenge In 2009Helping Homebuyers Make Informed Decisions
You’re Invited To A Very Important Event

Featured Speakers:


Brian Buffini: Chairman & Founder, "Buffini & Company"David Bach: Founder & President, "FinishRich Media"Andre Brooks: Senior Vice President, "Wells Fargo Home Mortgage"


See and hear some of America’s top real estate and financial experts offertimely information and ideas to help you succeed in a transformed marketplace.Building on the success of last year’s program, this exciting new program willbe broadcast in real time to movie theatres across the country on Thursday,March 12.


You Can’t Afford To Miss This Live Program


Extraordinary changes in the real estate and lending industries have left us inuncharted territory. A new housing landscape is taking shape, and a different kind ofhomebuyer is doing the shopping. This dynamic program will help you understand:


• How to address needs and concerns of today’s homebuyers


• How to guide and educate homebuyers in uncertain times


• How to manage your business and finances for professional and personal successWells Fargo is proud to work together with these fine organizations:


• The Asian Real Estate Association of America


• The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals


• The National Association of Real Estate Brokers


Don’t Get Left In The Lobby


Full houses are expected in every location, so reserve your FREE seat right away by clicking Register Online. You MUST register by Tuesday, March 10. Your seat will be held until 1:45pm on the day of the event.Click Here To Register


Thursday, March 12, 2009Metropolitan Theatre 14901 Little Texas LaneAustin, TX 78745
1:00pm – 1:55pm Registration & Check-In / Popcorn and Soda/Water Available
1:30pm – 2:00pm On Screen Entertainment
2:00pm – 3:30pm Meeting the Market Challenge in 2009 Program
3:30pm – 3:45pm Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Manager Discusses Local Market Initiatives for 2009
3:45pm Event Concludes


This information is for real estate professionals only and is not intended for distribution to consumers or other third parties. Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice.


Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

FHFA Director Lockhart to Address GSE Plans at the AREAA/NAHREP Real Estate and Policy Conference

Government action addressing homeownership preservation and affordability issues will shape the future of housing in America for generations to come. Much of the responsibility to reestablish the American Dream of homeownership rests on the shoulders of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and its Director, James Lockhart.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from the FHFA director, who stands to make arguably the most influential housing-related decisions in American history. Director Lockhart will be discussing the future of the GSEs and plans to curb foreclosure at the AREAA/NAHREP Real Estate and Policy Conference on the afternoon of Friday, March 13th prior to a town hall discussion on loss mitigation.

James B. Lockhart III, is the Director (CEO) and Chairman of the Oversight Board of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, regulator of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks. He assumed that position with the signing of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act on July 30, 2008. He was the Director of OFHEO, which is now part of FHFA.

He was nominated by President Bush to that position and confirmed by the Senate in June 2006.From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Lockhart served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Social Security Administration and as Secretary to the Social Security Board of Trustees. He was a member of President Bush’s Management Council and its Executive Committee. Lockhart served in the previous Bush Administration as Executive Director (CEO) of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) from 1989 until 1993.

To read more, visit fhfa.gov

To Register For the Conference go http://www.areaa.org/convention/

Guide to Avoid Foreclosure in Jacksonville, FL

If you are behind on your mortgage, the following agencies may be able to help if you live in or around Jacksonville, FL. Most experts advised that it’s better to call the lender first and then seek help as soon as you are behind on payments or know you will soon be behind.

JACKSONVILLE AREA LEGAL AIDVisit http://www.jaxlegalaid.org/ or call (904) 356-8371. Walk-in application hours at the main office at 126 W. Adams St. on Mondays and Thursdays are from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Only the first 55 applicants are seen. Legal Aid has a new foreclosure-oriented office at 3701 Winton Drive in the Ribault Family Resource Center. This center focuses on ZIP codes hardest hit by foreclosures in 2007: 32209, 32208, 32206 and 32218 on the Northside and 32244 on the Westside. Clients are seen by appointment only, except in the case of an emergency. Call (904) 390-4019 for an appointment.

THE FLORIDA BARPre-foreclosure help may be available by calling (866) 607-2187 or visit http://www.floridabar.org/ for an online form. To find a private attorney, call the Jacksonville Bar Association for a referral at (904) 399-5780 or visit http://www.jaxbar.org/.

JACKSONVILLE http://www.coj.net/ Call (904) 630-2489 (630-CITY) and ask for the housing program. The city may be able to help with one-time cash assistance and financial counseling.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENTCall (800) 569-4287 or visit www.hud.gov/foreclosure to find resources and a list of certified housing counselors. Contact the federal government’s foreclosure hot line at (888) 995-4673 (995-HOPE) or http://www.995hope.org/.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICESThe DFS asks that you call the Consumer Helpline at (800) 342-2762 before you pay anyone who offers to help you get out of foreclosure.

Q&A about Government's plan to avert foreclosures

Who will receive help?
Those who may be at risk of foreclosure as well as some homeowners who are "underwater" on their loans.

What are the outlines of the plan?
A refinancing option for those who are making payments but are paying high interest rates and would otherwise not be able to refinance, either because they do not have enough equity or because their houses are worth less than they borrowed.

$75 billion in assistance for people at risk of foreclosure through incentives to lenders to alter the terms of loans.

Assurance that there is credit available for mortgages through $200 billion in backing to mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

How much will this cost to the American taxpayers?
A total of $275 billion.

How many homeowners will be assisted?
The government estimates between 7 million to 9 million homeowners.

Is congressional approval a must?
Some parts, including a provision to allow changes to mortgages through bankruptcy proceedings, will require legislation.

When is the starting day?
March 4.

If I need help, what should I do?
Collect all necessary documents such as pay stubs, tax returns and loan and credit card statements to call your lender first. After calling your lender, research for any local assistance offered by non-profits or local government.

Remember doing nothing is worth that facing foreclosure.

Casa Latino Real Estate Enters Prince William County

Woodbridge, VA - A new real estate agency might be an imprudent risk in much of the country, let alone here in Prince William County. But that’s not the way they see things at Casa Latino Real Estate.

While other real estate brands are closing their doors and posting millions of dollars in losses, Casa Latino is growing its network here in the Greater Metro DC area with the grand opening of its Woodbridge office – the first of many planned offices to open throughout the area.

According to Mercy Lugo-Struthers, President and Area Developer for Casa Latino in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland, “Casa Latino’s success is based upon the core philosophy of placing people before profits, of having a passionate servant mentality, combined with the experience, knowledge, tools and resources needed to effectively help the community reach their dreams of sustainable home ownership”.

Mrs. Lugo-Struthers added, “our community has traditionally been either preyed upon or ignored. We’re now left to pick up the pieces that resulted from the behavior and mindset of many players in the industry. Foreclosed homes, devastated finances, and shattered families didn’t simply occur.

These issues were caused by those who preceded us, it’s that simple. We can make one promise to the community – Casa Latino is different and we prove that with our actions every day. I invite the community to allow us the privilege of serving their real estate needs”.

Robb Heering, Casa Latino’s founder and CEO added, “we understand the issues, the struggles, the needs, and the reality of each community we serve. Casa Latino brings a fresh and much needed approach to serving local real estate markets. The Metro DC and specifically, Prince William County is a very deserving market. We need to be here….both to raise the bar of service and to help level the playing field for consumers”.

Casa Latino’s newest location is strategically located at 3985 Prince William Parkway, Suite 204, Woodbridge, VA 22193, and its phone number is 703-348-3911.

About Casa Latino
Casa Latino Real Estate is the only Hispanic and multicultural real estate franchise with a national footprint and the largest Hispanic real estate brand in the world. Beginning in 2005 in Connecticut, the company grew to 20 locations in ten states. By the end of 2008, more than 50 Casa Latino offices had sprung up coast to coast.

Casa Latino was created based upon the premise that Hispanic home buyers and sellers have unique needs based upon cultural differences and lifestyles, bolstered by the fact that those needs are not being effectively served by any other national brand. While the company serves everyone, regardless of heritage, the company’s model is designed to provide superior service to a multicultural market.

# # #

More Info @ http://www.casalatino.com/

Citi and Chase To Halt Some Types of Foreclosures

Citi and Chase announced that they have committed to a temporary halt of some residential foreclosures. To what it seams, it is in response to a suggestion made by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) on Wednesday before Various CEOs from 8 of the most important financial institution..

The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, who said to have a moratorium, in order to give the Treasury Department more time to implement its own foreclosure-reduction plan. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday released outlines of an economic-revival effort that are slated to include about $50 billion in assistance to “prevent avoidable foreclosures” of some owner-occupied homes, and this moratorium would serve as a lead-in to the federal plan.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sent a letter on Thursday to Rep. Frank in which he said his Chase would have a foreclosure moratorium through March 6 for any owner-occupied residential loans that are owned and serviced by JPMorgan Chase.

In the other hand, Citigroup said on Friday that it’s expanding a foreclosure moratorium already in place that’s effective through March 12 or until the government’s new loan modification program is finalized, “whichever is earlier.” The moratorium will apply to Citi’s Owned first mortgages who are also the homeowner primarily residence. In audition, loans serviced Citi where there is an agreement with the investor, will also fall into the moratorium.

More financial institutions should follow the lead of Citi and Chase and allowed distressed homeowner currently facing foreclosure more time to see if they could benefit from a rescue plan organized by the federal government.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute SeeksApplicants for 2009-2010 Fellowship Programs

Deadline February 13, 2009Applications Available Online at apply.chci.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s premier Hispanic educational and youth leadership development organization, is seeking applicants for its nationally recognized fellowship programs.Online applications for CHCI’s Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program and Public Policy Fellowship Program are available at apply.chci.orgwww.chci.org/.

Individuals that meet the qualifications for the Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program are especially in high demand.The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program offers exceptional Latino graduates and young professionals unparalleled exposure to experience in the underserved public policy areas of health, housing, law, international affairs, and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The fellowship is open to applicants with a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution or equivalent three years professional experience in chosen policy field. This competitive program is comprised of a nine-month fellowship including a substantive work placement at a legislative subcommittee office, federal agency, national non-profit advocacy organization, or corporate office.

The International Affairs Fellowship includes three months abroad in Mexico. Travel, health insurance and a $2,700 monthly stipend is provided. The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program application deadline is February 13, 2009.CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program, conducted from September to May, provides college graduates with national hands-on public policy experience in a congressional office, federal agency, nonprofit sector, or corporate setting. Fellowship participants are provided with health insurance, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a monthly stipend of $2,200.

The Public Policy Fellowship Program application deadline is February 13, 2009.To be eligible, all program applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have remarkable leadership potential, and have a demonstrated history and commitment to community and public service.About Congressional Hispanic Caucus InstituteCongressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders.

The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org<www.chci.org/>.