The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered a Connecticut mortgage lender, 1st Alliance Lending, LLC (First Alliance), to pay an $83,000 civil money penalty for violating federal law by illegally splitting real estate settlement fees.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Takes Action Against Mortgage Lender for Illegal Payments
March 12, 2014
Urban Redevelopment – Step 1: Title Exam
April 3, 2013
Urban Revitalization and Municipal Economic Development Incentives provide intriguing opportunities to urban minded developers and entrepreneurs.
MERS – Questions Remain as the Fight Continues
October 19, 2012
Real estate law and real estate transactions in the United States have been subject to state regulations and county-level recordation requirements since the country’s founding. As such, every time a financial instrument containing mortgages is sold, various state laws require that the sale of each such mortgage (or deed of trust) be recorded in the local county courts in order to preserve certain rights. These requirements also trigger obligations to pay corresponding recording fees.
The Importance of Proper Notarizations and Avoiding Document Execution Shortcuts
February 8, 2011
A recent lawsuit in Ohio provides a reminder about the importance of properly executed notary clauses and exercising caution when using “stand-alone signature pages.” The lawsuit involves two companies which failed to make payments on a multi-million dollar promissory note. Ultimately, the lender obtained a judgment for a loan default against the borrowing companies.
Business and Occupational License Fees: How to Avoid Surprises
November 11, 2010
Your company and its employees may be subject to local occupational license fees and payroll taxes assessed by the counties and municipalities in which your company operates, even if it is not in the jurisdiction where your main office is located.
Run a Business in KY? File Your Annual Report By October 31
October 14, 2010
If you own or operate a business in Kentucky, make sure you have filed your Kentucky Annual Report. In a recent press release, the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office warns that tens of thousands of companies face dissolution if they don’t file their annual report by the deadline of October 31.
Commercial Real Estate: Stability May Be On The Horizon
May 14, 2010
Since 2008, the commercial real estate market has been challenging for all involved. Although we are not completely past the turbulence, we are beginning to see more stability on the horizon.
Commercial Real Estate in the “New” Economy
January 29, 2010
The good news is that lenders are beginning to make commercial real estate loans again. The bad news—lending standards are
Buying A Small Business? Do Your Homework.
September 14, 2009
In today’s economic climate, a number of experienced and highly educated professionals are facing an unplanned career change. Many see
Protecting Opportunity: Public Project Liens in Light of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
April 22, 2009
The $789 Billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will fund major public construction projects in both Kentucky and Ohio.
Recession Equals Opportunity for Calculating Entrepreneurs
April 13, 2009
Daily headlines continue to remind us that we are in an economic recession: Home Sales at All Time Low, Jobless
How to Simplify The Regulatory Process For Your Business
October 20, 2008
If you’re in business, then you’re in a regulated business. Consequently, knowing the basics of the administrative process will not
The 2007 Changes to AIA A201 General Conditions in a Nutshell
April 11, 2008
In 2007, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) made several significant changes to its A201-1997 “General Conditions” commonly used in
Taking Your Small Business International? Be Flexible.
October 8, 2007
Are you starting or planning on growing your small business? The idea of operating a successful small business on a
Acquiring or Developing Government Property
April 7, 2006
If you are considering a development in Kentucky on real property owned by a government, you should hope that a
