| Volume 142 Number 35 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Need more space than an apartment, condo or townhouse can offer, but not ready to buy? A single-family home rental may fit the bill. But not all home rental listings are legit, so here are some tip-offs and tools to help you avoid a rental scam. Click here for more.
Best Free Food Deals and Specials for Father's Day 2019
Father's Day is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate your dad's role in your life. A nice meal together at your father's favorite restaurant is an excellent gift. It represents appreciation for his efforts in the form of a meal together and bonding time. Here are some of the restaurants offering the best free food deals and specials for Father's Day 2019: Click here for more.
Your Money
Consumers house-hunting during the spring homebuying season have had the wind at their backs in terms of mortgage rates. They fell last week for the sixth straight week, according to Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fallen to 3.82 percent from a recent high above 4 percent -- the lowest level since 2017. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.20 percent while the 5/1-Yr ARM dipped to 3.52 percent. The seemingly-small decline in interest rates can have a big impact on home affordability since it means a lower monthly payment. By shopping around and getting a single additional mortgage rate quote, Freddie Max estimates a borrower can save an average of $1,500 over the life of the loan. Affordability has been a major impediment to the housing market in recent months, with industry experts singling it out as the main reason the housing market has slowed. But that now appears to be changing. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Class awarded $50,000 in FDCPA case—Attorneys’ fees awarded in the amount of $200,000. A Florida district court judge rejected a magistrate judge's recommendation to award just $128,870 in attorney fees, ruling that the complicated case against debt collector involved a novel legal theory and was fiercely litigated, so an hourly sum on the higher end of the market rate was warranted and reasonable. He awarded $184,195 in fees and $16,890 in costs. "The amount involved, results obtained and the experience, reputation and ability of the attorneys weigh in favor of a high-range fee award," the judge said. "Plaintiff succeeded at trial and appeal, and plaintiff's counsel have shown they are experienced and successful consumer class action lawyers." An Orlando jury awarded a statutory maximum of nearly $50,000 in 2017 to a class of about 34,000 Florida consumers, who claimed Texas-based LTD Financial improperly sent collection letters offering to settle time-barred debts that did not inform the recipients that making a partial payment could revive their obligations under Florida law and open them to being sued for the full amounts. Baez v. LTD Financial Services LP ( U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 2019) Click here for more.