The article “Recent Efforts to Speed Up Foreclosure Proceedings in N.Y.” (NYLJ, Aug. 31) is more inflammatory than informative. It flogs crude and scornful stereotypes about distressed homeowners that bear no resemblance to the reality that advocates for these homeowners have seen since before the housing crisis began.
Contrary to the absurd caricature painted by Adam Leitman Bailey, homeowners defending themselves against foreclosure actions and participating in mandatory court-mediated settlement conferences aren’t playing tricks or engaging in shrewd delay tactics. They’re participating, the vast majority without the benefit of legal representation, because they’re at risk of losing what is likely the fundamental source of stability financial, familial and otherwise in their lives: their homes.
