Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida
I bought a condo in florida 5 years ago for 156,000 it is now devaluated to 35,000 is there anything I can do about this. I have asked the bank for help and they have denied me. I thought the president had programs set up for people who went underwater. Shouldn't the bank take some responsibility for this since the government gave them money to help with this problem. Is there anything I can do to make the bank compromise with me. I feel this is very unfair. What can I do? thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Unfortunately, the President has not extended help to persons who have simply lost their equity in their properties. If you are one of the unlucky Americans who have money, who pay their bills, who have good credit, and you lived within your means, and you didn't over extend yourself financially when you purchased your condo, then there is not much that you can do, except continue to pay for your devalued property. You can appeal your tax bill, if you can prove that the "just value" claimed by your local Assessor is higher than the "reality value" based on comps and an appraisal. This is an uphill battle against a well armed bureaucracy. You can join the ranks of the foreclosed, by refusing to pay your payments, but you may find yourself the target of "deficit" collection by your lender. You can join the ranks of the bankrupt by losing your job and all of your assets. You can vote with your feet and rally your friends, coworkers and neighbors to remove all of those officials and politicians from office who are responsible for permitting the banks to profit at the expense of the American taxpayers.