The federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) is a consumer protection law for homebuyers that is enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The thrust of the law is to require that loan originators make certain … Continue reading
Websites and Where to Sue
After she became dissatisfied with the services of home remodeling contractors that she had obtained through an Internet referral website, Victoria sued the referral business for breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, and negligence. The referral website involved a series of … Continue reading
Overtime Pay Update
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay an employee an overtime rate of at least one and one half times the regular pay rate for any hours in excess of 40 hours a week. There are … Continue reading
Sculptor Slays Government Goliath
Some 20 years ago, a World War II veteran and prominent sculptor won a government competition to sculpt a memorial to Korean War veterans in Washington, D.C. His creation depicts a platoon of stainless steel, larger than life foot soldiers … Continue reading
Tax Credits for Historic Preservation
For over 30 years, the federal government has been using tax incentives to help preserve historic buildings. Originally, federal law allowed accelerated depreciation on rehabilitated buildings, but subsequent changes have made preservation and revitalization efforts even more attractive to taxpayers. … Continue reading