This story is too delightful not to post. Bank of America filed a foreclosure lawsuit against a homeowner despite the fact that the homeowner bought his house in […]
Unlicensed contractor can’t sue homeowner for breach of contract
What if an unlicensed contractor does work and then the homeowner decides not to pay the entire bill? How do the courts treat such a situation? If you’re […]
No end in sight for foreclosures and dropping home prices
Thirteen percent of U.S. homes are now vacant according to a new report in the Huffington Post. Prices are dropping but people who have the money to buy […]
Inspectors support bill holding lenders responsible
There’s a bill pending in Illinois which would allow local governments to pass ordinances that would make lenders responsible for the upkeep of vacant properties in foreclosure. Needless […]
Problem properties with expired permits
Building officials are dealing with structures that have not been completed within a reasonable amount of time. Many of these situations arise because of the financial problems of […]
Reflections on Midwest tour
I recently completed a 2 month period of travel all over the Midwest doing trainings for building officials, fire inspectors, property maintenance and housing inspectors and law enforcement […]
Guess who was a code violator?
The New York Post is reporting that the compound built in Pakistan that housed Osama Bin Laden deviated from the building plans on file. It was supposed to […]
Los Angeles inspectors charged with accepting bribes
It’s always sad to read about building inspectors who get caught up in the criminal justice system because they commit criminal acts. Los Angeles has a scandal going […]
Tenants Pressure Lenders to Repair Buildings
Should lenders allow buyers to purchase a foreclosed building for less than what the lender can get for the property so the buyer has enough money left over […]
Firefighters discover marijuana in building on fire
It’s not unusual for one agency to stumble upon evidence that would interest another department in the local jurisdiction. Firefighters in Columbia, Pennsylvania recently found a marijuana growing […]