Charles P. Castellon

Florida Real Estate in Distress

This article discusses the “shadow inventory” issue involving over half a million distressed properties that are waiting to hit the real estate market in Florida.  The linked report from the Florida Realtors Association contains an interesting analysis of the market conditions.  It seems clear that distressed properties, including short sales and bank-owned listings will continue to dominate the Florida real estate market for years to come.

Foreclosure Scam

At Charles P. Castellon P.A., we have represented numerous clients who came to our firm after having been victimized by a foreclosure rescue scam. Despite consumer protection laws passed at the state and federal levels, these unscrupulous scammers continue to operate. We caution all homeowners to be very cautious and well-educated regarding mortgage and foreclosure-related issues. Don’t sign any agreements or pay money to any service provider before getting the advice of an attorney.

As this video shows, scamming is rampant in the loan modification industry. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. At The Law Office of Charles P. Castellon, we have represented hundreds of clients in their foreclosure defense cases. When you need assistance with your loan modification, contact us today at (888) 430-7139.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney If You Have Problems with Your Homeowners' Association

If you have ever had a dispute with your homeowners’ association, you aren’t alone. About one out of five Americans lives in homeowners’ or neighborhood association, and disputes are extremely common. In most cases, individual homeowners are at a substantial disadvantage when it comes to clashes with their associations. Here are some of the reasons why having an experienced real estate attorney in your corner can make a difference in your dispute:

• All members of homeowners’ associations have rights that are protected by law, such as the right to peaceably assemble or to display the American flag. However, the state statutes governing homeowners’ associations and their relations with their members are complex, and determining your own rights in regard to issues as varied as landscaping, disputes with neighbors, and disturbing the peace can be difficult. An experienced real estate attorney can apprise you of your legal rights and help ensure they are upheld.
• In addition to state laws, homeowners’ associations have their own internal rules. It’s easy for members to be intimidated into believing they have no recourse if they are accused of breaking a rule. However, it is possible to bring legal action to declare these rules unenforceable. An attorney can review the association bylaws and determine what your course of action should be.
• Some real estate attorneys work with homeowners’ associations, who retain them for assistance in collecting dues, negotiating and drafting agreements with members, resolving disputes, and otherwise representing their interests. Attorneys who have worked in this capacity are likely to have an extensive grasp of homeowners’ association laws and a better understanding of how to successfully negotiate with these groups.

When you need a real estate attorney in Florida, call the Law Office of Charles P. Castellon. Our attorneys have extensive experience working with homeowners’ and community associations as well as representing individual homeowners in disputes. Whatever your legal needs are, we will work to find the best solution for you. Call our Orlando office at (888) 430-7139 to schedule an appointment, or visit us online for more information about our services.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

Want To Know More about Protecting Your Assets and Your Home? Click through to These Links

If you are facing foreclosure in Florida, you have probably heard about the recent foreclosure settlement made with five major U.S. banks. How does the settlement affect you? Visit these informative websites to learn more, and contact the Law Office of Charles P. Castellon in Orlando at (888) 430-7139 if you have any additional questions.

• In February, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi signed on to a $25 billion foreclosure settlement that will provide relief for homeowners and end some existing practices, as the Orlando Sentinel reported.
• As this article reports, however, Florida homeowners remain angry about the foreclosure situation and are skeptical about the settlement’s promises.
• After initially supporting the settlement, Rolling Stone’s Matt Taibbi—a prominent journalist who has reported extensively on the subprime crisis—took a closer look and found it ineffective and too limited in its scope. 
• The settlement will benefit some homeowners more than others, as USA Today reported.
• CBS News provides a more detailed breakdown of how the foreclosure settlement funds will be distributed in Florida. 

Foreclosure Filings Decline

Good news for homeowners! Take a look at The Wall Street Journal article to find out more.