state slow to respond

When a private investigator finally tracked down the owner of Choice Title of South Florida in the fall of 2009, the contents of her office were in a pile on her living-room floor and homeowner complaints were mounting in Tallahassee.Milissa Hernandez's company was facing fraud, conspiracy and breach of contract lawsuits. Its underwriter, the respected Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.,

state slow to respond

When a private investigator finally tracked down the owner of Choice Title of South Florida in the fall of 2009, the contents of her office were in a pile on her living-room floor and homeowner complaints were mounting in Tallahassee.Milissa Hernandez's company was facing fraud, conspiracy and breach of contract lawsuits. Its underwriter, the respected Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.,

local condominium units posted for sheriff sale...for a day

These are tough times.  There are a few unsold units left in the development.  The developer failed to pay property taxes and the sheriff came and posted signs on ALL units.  The signs stayed up for a day, then presumably the taxes were paid and the signs came down.

This story was told to me last night by a unit owner who seemed slightly perplexed.  All I can say is that there are really nice

local condominium units posted for sheriff sale...for a day

These are tough times.  There are a few unsold units left in the development.  The developer failed to pay property taxes and the sheriff came and posted signs on ALL units.  The signs stayed up for a day, then presumably the taxes were paid and the signs came down.

This story was told to me last night by a unit owner who seemed slightly perplexed.  All I can say is that there are really nice

nasty allegations against Tanya Blackwell, PA attorney

Ally Financial (GJM: 23.23 -0.13%) said it discovered a foreclosure defense attorney was working for its mortgage unit and pilfering confidential information on the company's foreclosure operations.

That's according to a lawsuit filed against the terminated employee, Tanya L. Blackwell, an attorney actively licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania State Bar

nasty allegations against Tanya Blackwell, PA attorney

Ally Financial (GJM: 23.23 -0.13%) said it discovered a foreclosure defense attorney was working for its mortgage unit and pilfering confidential information on the company's foreclosure operations.

That's according to a lawsuit filed against the terminated employee, Tanya L. Blackwell, an attorney actively licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania State Bar

Office of Thrift Supervision closes as functions shift

The Office of Thrift Supervision’s functions, including the regulation of federal savings associations, have moved to theOffice of the Comptroller of the Currency, the OCC announced Wednesday.Section 312 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 mandated the OCC take over the functions of the OTS. The OTS will cease to exist on Oct. 19. OTS employees packed  up and

Office of Thrift Supervision closes as functions shift

The Office of Thrift Supervision’s functions, including the regulation of federal savings associations, have moved to theOffice of the Comptroller of the Currency, the OCC announced Wednesday.Section 312 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 mandated the OCC take over the functions of the OTS. The OTS will cease to exist on Oct. 19. OTS employees packed  up and

Bethany McLean of Slate's right on

I believe that government regulations like those that the controversial new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may hand down are a poor substitute for bankers choosing on their own to behave ethically and responsibly, and for consumers digging into the details on products that sound too good to be true. But let's get serious. Bankers aren't going to change their behavior, and consumers aren't

Bethany McLean of Slate's right on

I believe that government regulations like those that the controversial new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may hand down are a poor substitute for bankers choosing on their own to behave ethically and responsibly, and for consumers digging into the details on products that sound too good to be true. But let's get serious. Bankers aren't going to change their behavior, and consumers aren't

required use and affiliated title agencies

There is a title insurance agency in Pennsylvania called Bankers Settlement.  It's owned by several community banks.  We do closings and title insurance on occasion for some of these community banks. Though they may not send us direct referrals, if a consumer wants to use The Closing Specialists, that's always been okay. Since our advertising is consumer focused and we have a terrific deal in our

required use and affiliated title agencies

There is a title insurance agency in Pennsylvania called Bankers Settlement.  It's owned by several community banks.  We do closings and title insurance on occasion for some of these community banks. Though they may not send us direct referrals, if a consumer wants to use The Closing Specialists, that's always been okay. Since our advertising is consumer focused and we have a terrific deal in our

It's fascinating to me that ALTA is now lobbying for title insurance as an inclusion

in the final definition of Qualified Mortgage as juxtaposed with their successful lobby against inclusion of insurance as a regulated business under Dodd Frank.

So, isn't that kind of like HELP US SELL MORE TITLE INSURANCE BUT DON'T LOOK AT US WHILE WE DO IT?

Anyway, here's a blurb from HW.


"Prudent underwriting of a borrower’s ability to repay would require that a creditor evaluate the title

It's fascinating to me that ALTA is now lobbying for title insurance as an inclusion

in the final definition of Qualified Mortgage as juxtaposed with their successful lobby against inclusion of insurance as a regulated business under Dodd Frank.

So, isn't that kind of like HELP US SELL MORE TITLE INSURANCE BUT DON'T LOOK AT US WHILE WE DO IT?

Anyway, here's a blurb from HW.


"Prudent underwriting of a borrower’s ability to repay would require that a creditor evaluate the title

Tips to Choosing a Health Insurance

Health is the most important asset in life, we do anything to maintain health is included in the cost anticipate unexpected costs by choosing one health insurance to facilitate the financing.

Whatever your situation, there are a number of resources you can use to locate the right type of health insurance for your budget and needs.

Local Agents

A key step to finding health insurance is to research agents that are right in your own backyard. Insurance agents are typically listed in your local phone book, which makes them quite easy to find. For instance, you can peruse the “insurance” category of your traditional printed Yellow Pages and discover a wide variety of providers. The insurance companies will typically be listed alphabetically, and some will have descriptive ads that spell out the type of insurance products they offer. However, most simply list an address and a phone number you can contact for more information. You can also use the white pages of the local telephone book to search for specific agents—if you already know their individual names. Or if your prefer, you can take advantage of yellowpages.ca to conduct a quick online search for insurance providers.

Online Resources

There are myriad Websites with information about health insurance companies. A popular option is Yahoo! Directory Canada. The database displays numerous listings for Canadian insurance brokerages under the Health Insurance Providers section. The listings are arranged alphabetically and offer a brief description of the types of insurance products available. Yahoo! Directory Canada provides quick click access to the providers’ Websites, as well as their contact phone number.

Another extensive online source for health insurance information is InsuranceCanada.ca. This comprehensive site offers a wealth of information, as well as a directory of providers that deliver online health quotes. The directory section of the site features a range of organizations that offer Web-based information and online quoting for some or all of their health and related products. Many of the products can be purchased online or face-to-face through local representatives, depending on your comfort level. The secure Website allows visitors to shop online for employee, individual (personal/family), or student health insurance all from the convenience of home.

Canadian Insurance Directory also features a broad selection of insurance agents and brokers. The site has nearly 9,500 brokers representing nearly every Canadian province and territory.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

When searching for health insurance, it’s important to keep in mind that some agents sell insurance exclusively for one company. Others act as independent brokers who promote a variety of insurance products from various organizations. Whether agents sell insurance for a single company or multiple providers, you can call them to receive a free rate quote over the phone. Or you can opt to visit their office for a personal consultation.

Prior to contacting an agent or broker, you should evaluate your situation and identify your specific health insurance needs. Be prepared to shop around to ensure you obtain the most appropriate health coverage for you and your family. Steer clear of plans that don’t offer insurance coverage, but provide discounts on the cost of health care services. Here are some other factors to consider as you explore different insurance options:

• Make sure you understand exactly what medical services are covered and whether the policy fits your requirements.
• Know your deductible, the amount you are responsible for before insurance begins paying for services. Likewise, determine what amounts you will be required to pay after you meet the deductible.
• Find out if the plan covers health problems you already have.
• Know which doctors are covered in the provider’s network and how much extra you would have to pay to visit physicians that are not included.

4 Ways to Choose Cheap Insurance

Whenever you need cheap insurance you must be informed first. Whether you want to supplement your existing coverage or simply purchase insurance to meet a specific for you.

Currently everyone is are looking for ways to cut their costs because of the bad economy that is still haunting the US. And one of the most common objects of such cost-cutting tendencies is auto insurance. Because it's mandatory in all states and can be rather costly people often feel that they don't really need it. Some car owners even choose to drop it and then face serious financial and law problems when having an accident without any kind of coverage. You, on the other hand, can be smarter and simply employ the following cost-cutting methods to save some money on insurance :

1. Cut your coverage

If you have financed your car through a loan and have already paid it off you can consider dropping some coverage types to make your policy cheaper. First of all you can exclude gap coverage that is only useful during the loan pay out period. If there's no significant market value to your car then consider dropping collision coverage as well. Uninsured motorist coverage can be particularly useful but if you're driving mostly in areas with no uninsured drivers then there's no sense in paying for this type of coverage. It's really important that you review your policy every year and adjust it to your current insurance needs that will definitely change over time.

2. Raise the deductible

The deductible, as you may already know, is the amount of money you have to pay from own pocket before the coverage kicks in. In other words, it's the amount of damage you can pay for without using auto insurance coverage. And the higher is the amount the lower are your rates, because there's a lower risk of filing a claim for the insurance company. So make sure to avoid keeping the deductible low because it will raise your rates. By increasing the deductible from the standard $250 to $500 you can actually get up to 15% off your premium. But keep in mind that raising the deductible too high doesn't make much sense because you should actually afford paying it when an accident happens in order to trigger coverage.

3. Get your discounts

Your insurance provider may not advertize their discounts but this doesn't mean that there aren't any. All insurance providers have different types of discounts to encourage their customers. And here are some of the most common discounts you can find with most insurance companies to get cheap car insurance: low yearly mileage, multiple cars, multiple policies, good driver, good student, defensive driving course certificate, improved car security and many others. So it really makes sense to ask around your insurance provider in order to get all the possible discounts.

4. Shopping around is a must

If you have never been shopping around for cheap car insurance in the first place then you've done a big mistake. You can be really surprised to learn how much money you can save my just shopping around a bit and comparing insurance quotes from different providers. Every company has it's own methods of calculating rates and this results in different rates for the same coverage bundle.

What RESPA complaints or inquiries now that CFPB has taken over?

CFPB_RESPAInquiries@cfpb.gov

What RESPA complaints or inquiries now that CFPB has taken over?

CFPB_RESPAInquiries@cfpb.gov

CFPB issues interim rule

Today, the CFPB is issuing an interim rule effective immediately to fill a regulatory gap.Some lenders are chartered or licensed by states, while others operate under federal charters. For years, state lenders have been able to rely on a federal law called the Alternative Mortgage Transaction Parity Act (or AMTPA, for short) to make variable rate loans and other “alternative” mortgages,

CFPB issues interim rule

Today, the CFPB is issuing an interim rule effective immediately to fill a regulatory gap.Some lenders are chartered or licensed by states, while others operate under federal charters. For years, state lenders have been able to rely on a federal law called the Alternative Mortgage Transaction Parity Act (or AMTPA, for short) to make variable rate loans and other “alternative” mortgages,

title/settlement agents and the RESPA GFE provider list

We have a major national lender generating GFEs [Good Faith Estimate] on a computer model which creates a provider list containing ONLY their affiliated companies.  There is no option for a loan officer to ADD referrals to non-affiliated providers.  This wouldn't be an issue except that loan officers employed by this lender are making referrals to other providers and have no way to create a

title/settlement agents and the RESPA GFE provider list

We have a major national lender generating GFEs [Good Faith Estimate] on a computer model which creates a provider list containing ONLY their affiliated companies.  There is no option for a loan officer to ADD referrals to non-affiliated providers.  This wouldn't be an issue except that loan officers employed by this lender are making referrals to other providers and have no way to create a

on PA closing costs

Diane Cipa, general manager for The Closing Specialist in Ligonier, said that if Bankrate used good faith estimates to compile their data, the numbers could be inflated because the good faith quote is usually higher than the actual costs at closing.

"The current form for good faith estimates encourages lenders to quote high numbers for closing costs," Ms. Cipa said. "If they give a quote

on PA closing costs

Diane Cipa, general manager for The Closing Specialist in Ligonier, said that if Bankrate used good faith estimates to compile their data, the numbers could be inflated because the good faith quote is usually higher than the actual costs at closing.

"The current form for good faith estimates encourages lenders to quote high numbers for closing costs," Ms. Cipa said. "If they give a quote

query: earnest money need to show on the HUD-1

Yes, earnest money aka hand money should be shown on the HUD-1.  The exception is a case in which the funds haven't transferred or a mortgage lender has not been able to verify that the funds have transferred.  In these cases, the deposit is not credited on the HUD-1 because we do not want to imply that there was a deposit if in fact, one did not exist.

Sellers and agents should always deposit

query: earnest money need to show on the HUD-1

Yes, earnest money aka hand money should be shown on the HUD-1.  The exception is a case in which the funds haven't transferred or a mortgage lender has not been able to verify that the funds have transferred.  In these cases, the deposit is not credited on the HUD-1 because we do not want to imply that there was a deposit if in fact, one did not exist.

Sellers and agents should always deposit

query: whose liability would it be if the title insurance company issued a final policy on a construction loan and the house never got built

I don't see the issuance of a title policy as having anything to do with the construction of the house.  Title insurance does not insure construction.  For the mortgage lender, it insures the validity of their lien.  For the owner, it insures the ownership of the land.

Any property owner or mortgage lender involved in a construction transaction must keep their own eyes on the construction and

query: whose liability would it be if the title insurance company issued a final policy on a construction loan and the house never got built

I don't see the issuance of a title policy as having anything to do with the construction of the house.  Title insurance does not insure construction.  For the mortgage lender, it insures the validity of their lien.  For the owner, it insures the ownership of the land.

Any property owner or mortgage lender involved in a construction transaction must keep their own eyes on the construction and

ALTA's Anne Anastasi Testifies Before the Financial Services Subcommittee

1. If ALTA believes what Ms. Anastasi says about the important function of a title insurance agent at the closing table, why does ALTA take no stand against the use of notary signing agents who are not employees, likely not licensed and even more likely not well trained, if at all?

2. Owner title insurance is a product that protects the buyer and is rightly, in my view, a product purchased on

ALTA's Anne Anastasi Testifies Before the Financial Services Subcommittee

1. If ALTA believes what Ms. Anastasi says about the important function of a title insurance agent at the closing table, why does ALTA take no stand against the use of notary signing agents who are not employees, likely not licensed and even more likely not well trained, if at all?

2. Owner title insurance is a product that protects the buyer and is rightly, in my view, a product purchased on

former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray slated for CFPB director nomination

On Sunday the White House announced that the president would nominate the agency's current head of enforcement, former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to lead the bureau. Cordray's selection will be announced at a White House event on Monday.

Read more on The Hill.

former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray slated for CFPB director nomination

On Sunday the White House announced that the president would nominate the agency's current head of enforcement, former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to lead the bureau. Cordray's selection will be announced at a White House event on Monday.

Read more on The Hill.

1500 pending RESPA violations cases moving to CFPB

In November 2008, HUD issued new RESPA regulation, establishing a standard Good Faith Estimate form and process and an expanded HUD-1 Settlement Statement. To be in compliance with RESPA, and help assure fair prices for consumers, actual costs at closing must fall within established tolerance ranges. These new disclosures were implemented in January 2010.

Since then, HUD opened more than

1500 pending RESPA violations cases moving to CFPB

In November 2008, HUD issued new RESPA regulation, establishing a standard Good Faith Estimate form and process and an expanded HUD-1 Settlement Statement. To be in compliance with RESPA, and help assure fair prices for consumers, actual costs at closing must fall within established tolerance ranges. These new disclosures were implemented in January 2010.

Since then, HUD opened more than

query: getting a replacement copy of title insurance policy

This one's easy.  If your original policy is lost and you do not just want a photocopy of the policy and need an original, just go to your title insurance agent and request a DUPLICATE copy of your policy.  The agent may not know that they CAN issue a duplicate but if they contact their underwriter for instructions they can do it.

The typical procedure is for the agent to reprint the policy and

query: getting a replacement copy of title insurance policy

This one's easy.  If your original policy is lost and you do not just want a photocopy of the policy and need an original, just go to your title insurance agent and request a DUPLICATE copy of your policy.  The agent may not know that they CAN issue a duplicate but if they contact their underwriter for instructions they can do it.

The typical procedure is for the agent to reprint the policy and

I don't know. This phrase is just so bizarre, I can't think of anything to say. ;)

"prejudicing consumers against considering these services by using loaded terms like ‘not required,’"

Read more on Business Wire.

I don't know. This phrase is just so bizarre, I can't think of anything to say. ;)

"prejudicing consumers against considering these services by using loaded terms like ‘not required,’"

Read more on Business Wire.

coupla chuckles

CHUKLE #1  "Brown said the treatment of home warranties under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which prevents kickbacks for referrals among settlement service providers, is one of the issues facing real estate firms, home warranty companies and consumers. Since home warranties are not a requirement for a mortgage origination or home sale, NAR believes that including the optional

coupla chuckles

CHUKLE #1  "Brown said the treatment of home warranties under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which prevents kickbacks for referrals among settlement service providers, is one of the issues facing real estate firms, home warranty companies and consumers. Since home warranties are not a requirement for a mortgage origination or home sale, NAR believes that including the optional

HUD continues to clean house on RESPA violation cases

WASHINGTON, DC - July 13, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced an agreement with Prospect Mortgage, LLC (Prospect) to settle allegations the California-based mortgage lender created sham affiliated business arrangements for the purpose of paying improper kickbacks or referral fees in violation of Federal Housing

HUD continues to clean house on RESPA violation cases

WASHINGTON, DC - July 13, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced an agreement with Prospect Mortgage, LLC (Prospect) to settle allegations the California-based mortgage lender created sham affiliated business arrangements for the purpose of paying improper kickbacks or referral fees in violation of Federal Housing

query: how does an insurer cancel title insurance

Hmmm....as far as I know, once issued, the title insurance policy cannot be cancelled.  Now, if you are talking a title insurance commitment, that's different.  An insurer can refuse to insure, even if a commitment has been issued.

query: how does an insurer cancel title insurance

Hmmm....as far as I know, once issued, the title insurance policy cannot be cancelled.  Now, if you are talking a title insurance commitment, that's different.  An insurer can refuse to insure, even if a commitment has been issued.

FNF agreed to cease the practice of paying real estate brokers.....THANK YOU HUD.

FNF agreed to cease the practice of paying real estate brokers that place orders via the software platform for title insurance and other services.

"RESPA is very clear that paying fees or providing anything of value for the simple act of referring business is a violation of law," said Acting FHA Commissioner Bob Ryan. "This agreement should be a signal to others that these business

FNF agreed to cease the practice of paying real estate brokers.....THANK YOU HUD.

FNF agreed to cease the practice of paying real estate brokers that place orders via the software platform for title insurance and other services.

"RESPA is very clear that paying fees or providing anything of value for the simple act of referring business is a violation of law," said Acting FHA Commissioner Bob Ryan. "This agreement should be a signal to others that these business

free CE credits and other stuff

free CE credits and other stuff

being nostalgic today about Radical Title Talk

Radical Title Talk was born in anger. Every post was passionate and most people reading and commenting did so with passion. That takes a tremendous amount of energy. I am not a personal who walks in anger. I get angry, I deal with the issue and be done with it. I love to laugh and be a goof and have fun. Once Radical found its voice and its mission, I had to commit and follow it

being nostalgic today about Radical Title Talk

Radical Title Talk was born in anger. Every post was passionate and most people reading and commenting did so with passion. That takes a tremendous amount of energy. I am not a personal who walks in anger. I get angry, I deal with the issue and be done with it. I love to laugh and be a goof and have fun. Once Radical found its voice and its mission, I had to commit and follow it

query: what is a marked up title commitment and how soon should I get one before closing

Great question.  ;)

A title commitment is marked up by the title agent when they have completed the transaction and are prepping the file notes for the issuance of the title policy.

The mark up takes place during the closing process and is therefore not available prior to closing.

If you are given a marked up title commitment prior to closing it isn't a genuine mark up.

Consumers and lenders

query: what is a marked up title commitment and how soon should I get one before closing

Great question.  ;)

A title commitment is marked up by the title agent when they have completed the transaction and are prepping the file notes for the issuance of the title policy.

The mark up takes place during the closing process and is therefore not available prior to closing.

If you are given a marked up title commitment prior to closing it isn't a genuine mark up.

Consumers and lenders

Life Insurance and Income Protection Insurance

While going to opt for the life insurance or Income protection insurance, it’s important that you get the proper advice for the same. For that, you can easily find the several websites on the Internet to get optimistic advices form the globally recognized and valued company.

It's very simple to organize your own life insurance policy and after all absolutely overlook it. However it is crucial to analyse your own life insurance policy regularly. Particularly within conditions in your life alter. Simply because the insurance policy rates have came lower substantially, it might simply seem sensible that you should say goodbye to your own aged as well as costly life insurance policy as well as consider a fresh one in the marketplace. A big change is definitely encouraged, when the modification is perfect for the life. The insurance plan must be modified as well as revised regularly.

Based upon the actual adaption that you experienced you need to frequently update the actual plan in order that it fulfils your own rising requirements. It will be wise and sensible move to proceed to close your old and costly policy and get brand new one in the marketplace. It’s purely visible that life insurance is the reliable way to make the life of our loved ones safe and secure. However, we do have to take policies, it’s important to review it once. Along with that, it’s also important to make the necessary changes as the life takes turn.

Basically the Income protection insurance or any other policy is really assurance towards loss or even damage. There are numerous kinds of insurance policies such as life insurance policy, medical health insurance, auto insurance, company insurance coverage; transportation insurance policy, and so on. All sorts associated with insurance policies offer benefits to the holder.

You never know when you are going to facade any problem, it’s certainly unpredicted. There are few problems such as unemployment or illness when you become helpless, if you are not holder of the Income protection insurance. The Income protection insurance it devoted to pay you for the specific time of period during your idleness due to any crisis.

In contrast to other forms associated with insurance plans, the Income protection insurance is actually organized towards the people from month to month, to enable them to deal with what's needed associated with everyday life. They're not really supplied the actual lump amount, that is generally provided within other forms associated with insurance plans.

CFPB Forum has been launched by Jonathan Foxx

The CFPB Forum has been launched by Jonathan Foxx, president of Lenders Compliance Group, as a "discussion forum" for news and views regarding the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve System
created by the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB Forum is not associated or affiliated with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Read more here.

CFPB Forum has been launched by Jonathan Foxx

The CFPB Forum has been launched by Jonathan Foxx, president of Lenders Compliance Group, as a "discussion forum" for news and views regarding the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve System
created by the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB Forum is not associated or affiliated with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Read more here.

commenting to CFPB concerning defining larger participants

There was a technical issue on www.regulations.gov which has now been resolved.  If you tried to post a comment and had a problem, give it a go now.  I just did and it worked!  Cool site. ;)

commenting to CFPB concerning defining larger participants

There was a technical issue on www.regulations.gov which has now been resolved.  If you tried to post a comment and had a problem, give it a go now.  I just did and it worked!  Cool site. ;)

comment to CFPB

I am a title insurance agent. I operate what might be considered a small regional agency. I have had roughly $22,000,000.00 move through my escrow account YTD. The procedures I have in place to account for and safely guard these funds were developed with little or no oversight. These funds include down payments collected from home buyers,

comment to CFPB

I am a title insurance agent. I operate what might be considered a small regional agency. I have had roughly $22,000,000.00 move through my escrow account YTD. The procedures I have in place to account for and safely guard these funds were developed with little or no oversight. These funds include down payments collected from home buyers,

Ms. Shelp is suing her title insurance company.

When Theresa Shelp bought 544 Eynon St. in Scranton two years ago, she said she thought she was living a dream.

But Ms. Shelp, 43, now says she is stressed over the house, which continues to have problems such as mold. The property also is at the center of a lawsuit Ms. Shelp has filed against the city and three companies. She claims in the lawsuit that she suffered financial distress and

Ms. Shelp is suing her title insurance company.

When Theresa Shelp bought 544 Eynon St. in Scranton two years ago, she said she thought she was living a dream.

But Ms. Shelp, 43, now says she is stressed over the house, which continues to have problems such as mold. The property also is at the center of a lawsuit Ms. Shelp has filed against the city and three companies. She claims in the lawsuit that she suffered financial distress and