RESPA: Washington Mutual (i) charged hundreds of dollars in “underwriting fees” when the underwriting fee charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to WAMU was only $20 and (ii) marked up the charges for real estate tax verifications and wire transfer fees. The court followed Kruse v. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (2d Cir. 2004) 383 F.3d 49, holding that marking up costs, for which no additional services are performed, is a violation of RESPA. Such a violation of federal law constitutes an unlawful business practice under California’s Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) and a breach of contract. Plaintiffs also stated a cause of action for an unfair business practice under the UCL based on the allegation that WAMU led them to believe they were being charged the actual cost of third-party services.mckell_v_washingtonmutual
Author: timothymccandless
The Impact—and Your Opportunity
As Our Client left the hearing room, he knew this victory was bigger than just The Crossings. Other property owners facing similar issues could now challenge their assessments with greater confidence. The case set a precedent, demonstrating that robust, market-informed evidence could lead to fair property valuations.
It had been a battle, but he had proved that the system could be challenged—and that fairness in taxation was worth fighting for.
Could You Be Overpaying on Property Taxes?
If you own Large apartment complexes or commercial property, you may be paying far more in property taxes than you should. Just like Our Client, you have the right to challenge an unfair assessment and secure the tax savings you deserve.
At Lower Property Tax CA, we specialize in helping property owners like you reduce their tax burden. Our expert consultants and appraisal team will analyze your property’s financials, market conditions, and county assessment methodologies to build a strong case for a reduction.We recognize that every client's tax situation is unique. That's why we take the time to understand your specific needs and tailor our services accordingly. You can count on us to provide personalized attention to your tax matters.
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