Santa Clara, CA: UPDATE: In July, 2017, US District Judge Andre Birotte dismissed all federal claims against Renovate America and its government bond-issuing partners in three lawsuits that had sought but never been granted class-action status.
In addition to dismissing all federal claims against Renovate America, Western Riverside Council of Governments, San Bernardino Associated Governments, and the County of Los Angeles, U.S. District Judge André Birotte remanded all remaining state claims back to state court where they may or may not be reasserted.
Each of the complaints had asserted statutory violations under the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) primarily related to disclosures associated with Renovate America’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing option. However, the judge dismissed all the federal claims with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled.
One of the proposed unfair business practices class action lawsuit was brought against Los Angeles County and Renovate America alleging the municipality took part in a home improvement loan program that overcharged low- and middle-income homeowners.
Filed by Michael Richardson, a resident of L.A. County, the complaint stated that defendant, Renovate America administered his home improvement loan which he received through California's residential property assessed clean energy, or PACE, program. The program is part of the for-profit company's Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, or HERO, loan program.
Richardson stated that Renovate used false and deceptive means to carry out the program, including imposing excessive fees and costs based on inflated interest rates and that it failed to credit borrowers for making payments in a timely manner.
"Defendant Renovate America overcharges virtually every cost, fee and amount due from borrowers in the HERO loan program to maximize its own profits at the expense of HERO loan borrowers, i.e., plaintiff and the other class members," the complaint stated.
The lawsuit further asserted that L.A. County shared in the excessive administrative fees charged under HERO, and that the county was a "necessary participant" in the loan program.
According to the complaint, the status of HERO loans, under the PACE program, is such that they are assessed through the county tax collector and have priority over even mortgage payments. "Unlike the subprime mortgage crisis that almost caused the collapse of the U.S. economy in 2007, the PACE bonds are practically risk-free because the bonds are secured by the unpaid contractual assessments and have first-lien status over each borrower's pre-existing mortgage(s)," the lawsuit states.
The suit brought claims of violations of the Truth in Lending Act and the Home Ownership Protection Act, among other claims, and sought to establish a class of borrowers who signed a contract with L.A. County for a HERO loan for use at their principal residence, estimated at more than 5,000 people.
Unfair Business Practices Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please fill in our form on the right and your complaint will be sent to a business frauds lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
There are too many construction / loan companies that take advantage of the uninformed and elderly. Yes, people have a responsibility to be informed. We all have a responsibility to treat others as we want to be treated...right and respectful. We all have family, friends and loved ones who at times are uninformed and elderly. How would we want them to be treated. We have to go after the predators with a vengeance and hit them where it hurts...in the pocket!
Posted by Steve Alkana
on
I'm not interested in a class action but would prefer to commence legal action against the HERO successors-in-interest. I was encouraged to obtain the largest loan possible and I do not believe anyone checked the status of my First Mortgage. No one checked my First Mortgage statement when giving me the HERO loan. My First Mortgage was extremely high and I was struggling to pay it and my lender was threatening foreclosure. Yet HERO and Contractor set up a $95,000 + loan (despite the status of my existing First mortgage) for a new solar power system claiming that I would save money to make up the difference in my high loan amount. The problem is that I could not afford my First mortgage let alone another $95,000 of new debt. Enticed by the simple approval process I obtained the loan in reliance of the budget provided to me, but I never received an amortization schedule that would tie to anything that appeared on my property tax bill. I have yet to understand how "they" arrived at the payments schedule being charged to me on my property tax bill. I have been unable to keep up with my tax payments and I’m attempting to sell my home. I am now faced with showing a price of my home at below market, but because a buyer will need to takeover the HERO loan, buyers have steered clear of my home because of the additional loan payment. The Hero lender represented to me that it would be easy to sell the house because of the addition value that was created from the install of solar panels, however, in reality, the loan amount exceeds the value of the solar panels because the cost of solar have drastically gone down. Hence, now I’m stuck with an expensive HERO loan and I don’t feel that I received what I bargained for in each of the above respects.
Posted by Steve J Vouis
on
A salesman/contractor came to my home around January of 2019. He used the Hero program to get paid for installing a solar system and other repairs to my home. He started with the solar system but never completed it and then abandoned the project when the City of Whittier disapproved of the electrical panel. Around April I found out that the Hero program paid him $ 118.000. The Hero people say that I approved the job and its completion. They sent me copies of electronically initialed papers with my wife and my initials on them. I could not believe that they gave away that much money based on forged electronic initials. I have one thousand dollars added to my monthly mortgage starting in January 2020. Not to mention the cost to complete and get working the solar system. If there is a class action, I want to be part of it.
Posted by Delia Swallow
on
Elderly abuse and false information was given when Hero came and did repairs. A Lien was put, without my consent nor signature.
Posted by Rosa Barcelo
on
I am in the process of selling my house and now realize that I will have to pay off the hero loan as most lenders will not be put in second position behind the loan. I was told when I signed on that the loan transferred with the property. I will have to pay 20,000.00 to Hero to sell home.
I am very interested in a class action suit. Please advise if there is one covering the riverside area.
Posted by ann marie
on
here is my cell number 626393xxxx would any of you please call me and let me know the status of this class action? I am having a very hard time getting an attorney to look at our case and I sent my inf to the posted and they do not return my calls. I called hero and they said have your attorney call us. Im getting mixed information looks like
a judge already dismissed the claims..thank you all...
Posted by loretta codgen
on
I am a senior and my daughter as well.. I am victim of predatory sales pitches given by contractors representing cal 1st and hero programs. we had a tax bill of 400 a month not only has our payment gone to 20,000 a yr but we are unable to claim on tax returns or see increase in property value. we fell pry to lies and promises and wish our moneys returned. we are presently applying for a modification of our loan in hopes that we can get our payment down to where we can afford again..we are on the verge of going into foreclose please help..
Posted by Mrs.. Lavonne Victor
on
we also were taken advantage of this hero and know we are in fear of loosing our home.. we are disabled seniors and was taken avantage and now threatening letters are coming in the mail.. my husband of 67 is devastated.. we have lived in our home since dec 1994 and now we are going to loose our only place of living and forced out into the streets.. with our dogs.. I am so scared .. we do the best we can.. so add us to the list as well.. these people are crooks .. taking advantage of seniors whom are on limited income so they can take our home away from us.. we are so devastated.. I am disabled with ms and white matter brain disease.. my husband is also a sick man.. they took advantage of us.. we got these people by Anderson deen solar company. they are not classified as class b licence and hire their friends to do the work whom do not speak English at all.. just cons out to take our home away.. wow.. criminals ..
we need to be added onto the lawsuit as well.. pro bono if we can.. please help us..
Posted by Michael Phillips
on
Total scam seems to me , payment has sky rocketed and they don"t ex[plain the program truthfully. would like to join the suit .
Posted by sofia vega
on
I WAS CHARGED THOUSANDS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT.....
MISLEADING PRACTICES.
Posted by Mary Varela
on
I live in Riverside County. Solar panels were installed in my home. I signed paperwork electronically on a tablet computer. It was my understanding that the Hero program was a government finance company; and was that which was to be used and had to be used. The name of the real finance company was not on the paperwork as printed out. There is only one small print notation at the bottom right-hand side which indicates that the form comes from "X". No one would think that "X" is the actual finance company. At the top of the form, just to the right and underneath the title are the words “Thank you for choosing the HERO Program to finance your home upgrade.”
I understood nothing about the interest rates involved, or I would never have agreed. It was not until my tax preparer looked over the paperwork that I realized that interest being charged was actually over 50%. I could not believe that something which carries a government program name and is supposed to help homeowners could have such exorbitant interest rates.
At the time, I could have gotten a home improvement loan at a much better rate, for the solar panel installation, along with a refinance.
The construction work was started and then stopped. Solar panels were simply left in my yard leaning against a fence for several months. The agency representing the construction company actually thought the work had been finished. I had a difficult time getting the work finished.
At this point, I would not recommend the HERO program because of the misrepresentation involved. That needs to be cleared up and borrowers better informed.
Posted by W. Mason-Cruz
on
Any Law Suits in Orange County I want in!!!!!
I'm also an Orange County resident that is suffering from the "Misguided, smooth talking, too good to be true HERO program ". I was told that the HERO program was a government program set up to help and assist those that were unable to afford any of the Energy Program Upgrades on their own. When presented it sounded good and affordable. Unfortunately when everything was said and done, NOTHING WAS AS IT SEEMED. I found that everything cost more than I was told it would. I also ended up with unfinished projects. As hard as I've tried I'm not getting all the work completed. I do have to admit that the roof they put on was awesome and roofers were the best.
I found out after it was too late that I could have received rebates for all of the work that was done had the contractors given me the information on all of the installation materials. Roof, AC, Heating, Windows & Doors. However, not all the jobs were done.
I also was unaware that I would have to pay 2 years in 1 year on my taxes, doubling my payment. Due to the interest rate and my fixed income I'm having trouble paying for the house payment & my bills. I am now 2 payments behind. The HERO program misrepresented themselves and didn't say anything about their interest rates or nor did they say that they would make us pay 2017 and 2018 all at the same time.
When I was told my first payment would be in November I figured at most half a year. Especially since not all of the work was even completed. When I received 2 bills for $10,000 you can imagine my surprise. What I thought I would be paying per month was a whole lot more than I am having to pay. They have totally misrepresented themselves and their are so many things that were not said. I have tried to get a loan to pay off the HERO program and because of them and my payments I have lost my good credit standing and now owe more than I can handle. Because of them I'm afraid I may losing my home. They said they were a government program. I can't believe a government program would do this to a person! If there is any kind of Law Suit in Orange County I would love to know about it!
Posted by Robert F. Soliz
on
I live in Hesperia California and I am also a victim of the Hero program. I was prepared to pay for my energy improvement but was convinced it would be a better financial move to go with the Hero program, I was told it would come out of my property taxes and that I would be entitled to deduct it from my taxes when I file. This turned out to be a complete lie. I was not prepared for how much my escrow account was going to increase! They were not notified in a timely manner and I lost my home owners insurance due to not having enough in my impound to pay it and by the time I found out my insurance was cancelled. By the time everything was adjusted my mortgage payment increased from $842.32 to $1183.27 plus the occasional extra increase to over 1200 to make up for shortages. So yes, I am very interested in participating in a lawsuit against this program. I was also surprised how quickly the payoff changed due to interest from 1-2 weeks. I'm 69yo & feel I was lied to and taken advantage of.
Posted by Cynthia E Morgan
on
My mom was also very mislead and informed by the sal rd people who came to her home. She was charged 40,000 for what should have been a 10,000 roofing job. She is close to losing her home as she cannot afford the payments. Please help. We would like to be included in on this lawsuit
Posted by Mary Sedacy
on
I live in L A the Hero program is making our house payment go up 700.00 dollars , and we can not afford that we must sell. We would like to enter in a class action suit.
Posted by Crystal Quigg
on
I live in Reseda and am also a victim of this program. A sales man from Southern California Home Improvements came to my house and sold me solar panels and a bunch of lies. My electric bill hasn't changed at all. I would like to join this lawsuit.
Posted by Allen gochenour
on
I am to a victim of this disgusting hero program I am interested in joining a class action lawsuit Please contact me if you guys get things going
Posted by Jennifer K
on
I was in a desperate situation where I needed a new roof. I was overcharged and not given all of the details. I ended up with a 63,000 bill for a 23,000 roof that was too high as it was. I would like to be included in the lawsuit.
Posted by tony
on
My mom was told the government program will pay the payments and there's no cost to us. shit our bill doubled. I want to join or create a class action law suit.
Posted by Theresa Brabander
on
The HERO Program and The Right Choice took advantage of my 98 year old father who not only has a hearing disability; but has lost the ability to reason. He completely did not understand the contract. He thought this was something to help out Veterans. He also thought the Edison Company was sending out contractors to help him. He was very confused and still is. The Hero Program documents reference our Family’s Living Trust. Yet those named in the Trusr were never contacted.
Posted by Gustav R. Goetsch
on
I too am a victim to the HERO program.
A TOTAL FRAUD. . HOME HAS A 1ST POSITION LIEN. CANNOT SELL OR REFI. TOTALLY DECEPTIVE SELLING PRACTICE. SALES REP TOTALLY LIED TO MY FACE. WOULD LOVE TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE.
Posted by Audrey Black
on
I live San Joaquin County and will also like to join the lawsuit
Posted by Elias E Beltran
on
TOTAL FRAUD. MY TAXES DOUBLED. HOME HAS A 1ST POSITION LIEN. CANNOT SELL OR REFI. TOTALLY DECEPTIVE SELLING PRACTICE. SALES REP TOTALLY LIED TO MY FACE. WOULD LOVE TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUITE.
Posted by Shirley Bennett
on
I was greatly mislead in every way by Hero. My mortgage payment has increased twice up to $800.00 more per month ( pregatory). I am unable to refinance because of mandatory first position of Hero. I definitely want to be part of the lawsuit. Please advise.
Posted by Tom swenson
on
I got the hero loan last year for a solar installation. I have been receiving mailings offering me ways to get rid of this loan and that selling or refinancing would be difficult to do if I do not get rid of it. I do not understand why. I am in the dark on this. Very confusing. I would like to be included in the law suit since it appears that hero loans are a misrepresentation. Laws may have been broken?
Posted by Jilma. Ucles
on
Hello I want to join I live in San Bernardino County and took "advantage of this awesome program". No advantage at all when you end up paying more than double your loan amount. My loan was for $14,000 and in 15 years I will end up paying $30,000! And.. I was not told that they would take first on my mortgage causing re-financing to be so difficult since lenders don't want to deal with the HERO program! As others have mentioned, I cannot believe how our counties have partnered with this program to rip people off. Please I need help
Posted by Christopher Sorbello
on
I live in Chatsworth, CA and am also a victim of this program. Is it possible to join the suit? My wife and I were planning on selling our property. We needed to fix a few things including I was told to not even worry about a payment for the 1st year.
I was NOT told that interest would be accrued during that 1st year
I was NOT told that most of my payment is interest.
I was NOT told that my property Taxes would be doubled.
I was NOT told that it becomes a Tax lien against my property and takes 1st position ahead of my mortgage.
I was NOT told that my interest rate would be over 8.
I was NOT told that if I attempt to get out from underneath this bondage I will be charged 5% penalty.
I have been misled by a Predatory Lending Scheme. I cannot Re-Fi without a much higher percentage rate and monthly payment. I now have to find a second job and try to figure something out. The one thing I am thankful for is that I did not use the entire amount I was approved for. If I had, I would be losing everything.
Please help me.
Posted by Lawrence Kay
on
Our property tax has increased from $4,000 to $10,000 and will remain that for six years due to the Hero Program Loan. There is also a lien on my house until the full bill is paid in full. We were not fully informed what the total loan amount would be nor for the how long the length of the loan would continue.
Posted by Serena Jackson
on
I live in La County, I would like to join a lawsuit against Hero. Please let me know where and when. Thank you
Posted by Ivan
on
I have the same problem as everyone else. Hero approved me $38.000 wish I only used $13.000 and know they said I owe them $30.000. My taxes are so high. Pls help. Add me to the list.
Posted by Ebony Jackman
on
I live in La County, I would like to join a lawsuit against Hero and California First Program, Please let me know where and when. Thank you
Posted by David E. Nommensen
on
My wife and I were planning on selling our property and moving out of the crumbling California state.
We needed to fix a few things including repairing/replacing our AC unit.
I was approved in the Hero Program for 40K
I was told that the Hero program would allow me to replace my AC/Furnace unit with an energy efficient one at 13K without taking out a loan and adding only $150 a month. I was told this is a government Energy Program that is tax deductible. I was told that this is transferable if we were to sell. This sounded so good that I planned to use the entire approval amount to get new widows and other improvements as well. I was told to not even worry about a payment for the 1st year.
I was NOT told that interest would be accrued during that 1st year
I was NOT told that most of my payment is interest.
I was NOT told that my property Taxes would be doubled.
I was NOT told that it becomes a Tax lien against my property and takes 1st position ahead of my mortgage.
I was NOT told that my interest rate would be over 8%, I could buy a car for less.
I was NOT told that if I attempt to get out from underneath this bondage I will be charged 5% penalty.
I have been misled by a Predatory Lending Scheme. I cannot Re-Fi without a much higher percentage rate and monthly payment. I now have to find a second job and try to figure something out. The one thing I am thankful for is that I did not use the entire amount I was approved for. If I had, I would be losing everything.
Please help me.
Posted by Armando Rodriguez
on
Please add my name to any class action lawsuit against HERO.
My only regret is not obtaining a written response from the HERO representative when I asked to clarify the interest on the bill. The original bill is $8,000.00 and after the 15 year pay off, it is over $20k. However, I was assured, the amount I would only pay was the interest no more than $10k. I then get my property tax with the very disappointing bill exceeding $20k.
The email responses I've received the HERO are rude and basically telling me I knew what I signed up for!
Signed- Frustrated and ripped off!!!
Posted by Rogelio A Jimenez
on
My mother is a victim of hero. Including contractor identity theft as they used my uncle's info to electronically finalize the project to get paid and Hero will not take responsibility.
Posted by Dinu Radian
on
I would like to be part of this lawsuit, as I have been charged interest for the amount of a HERO loan, which due to procedural escrow company shenanigans, CANNOT be paid off until March 2018, although the payment was sent to CaliforniaFirst on in August 2017.
Posted by Berry Randle
on
I live in San Diego as well and would like more informaiton.
Posted by Christina Perez
on
I would like to be part of this lawsuit. My ceiling is falling down from the A/C unit that was improperly installed. I have called them many times and they seem to not care. I don't know what else to do.
Posted by Emma Stafford
on
I live in Rancho Cucamonga, I'm a victim of Hero program, and the California first, their sales team ringed my door bell 11/16 with smiling faces, It was one of the worst mistake I've ever made, to allow them to come into my home, they talked me getting a energy roof and paint when the work was finished, the final bill was over 50,000 It was a shocking, it was 20,000 over the original amount that I signed for this was a setup to steal the equity in my home, my life have changed now facing financial hardship, Hero, and California first, are scams!! All homeowners should be aware of these types of programs. they are sales teams, who are scouting neighborhoods for innocent victims like myself.
Posted by A Amalitsa Anastasiou
on
I live in Riverside County I was never told that my first payment was going to be $4000 I was told it was only going to be 2000 I'm disabled I don't know how I'm gonna pay this I was also never told that it would be a huge problem if I ever try to sell my home because it's nearly impossible to sell it I was also never told that since it's attached to my property taxes now the county is going to raise my property taxes because of home improvements. I feel like I've been lied to you tricked and swindled where do I sign up for this lawsuit I owe $42,000.00 I'm very scared ????
Posted by Sylvia Morin
on
Hello i live in the coachella valley, Riverside county.
I too am a victim to the HERO program.
I had just had a severe accident and was awaiting emergency surgery and was under pretty heavy medications, i told the sales rep that i was awaiting surgery and that if they can wait a few weeks after surgery because i was supposed to be bed bound for 6 months, the sales rep said he needed some of my brothers info and so he can talk to his boss to see if they can move forward with the project ...i should of known when the sales rep was at my home from 3 pm till 11pm.. The sales rep promised the sighting would be replaced the broken main beam would be fixed . I was back from surgery and same day was called and basically was told if i didnt take advantage of it then that i wouldnt find anything else better so i had to agree they came out n started on the 3rd day i woke up to find a huge hole in my kitchen cieling and was told one of the three guys fell through. When i went outside to talk to one of them and ask him about the sighting and the main beam he said we only work on roofs i said yes thats part of it his next reply took me by surprise...he said "we dont have experience in roofing we do kitchen cabinets and sinks" now the sales rep had told me this job was a 5 to 8,000 dollar job and it came out to 19,000. Never was i told about a lien my roof wasnt even a year old and i got a leak with mold going on .I then received an email from Dana at HERO and was told she had just talked to my brother and told him how to get the pin to electronically sign the contract , so i emailed her back asking how in the world did she talk to my brother if he is in prison? I myself couldnt talk to him. I then received an email stateing that i should know that they record all their phone calls and to let her know so she can set up a time so we can listen to the phone call. I said just let me know whenever ,never heard back i called her and she said that the gentleman on the other end specified that they were my brother so i said n how do you know what my brother sounds like? All she could tell me is that the gentleman stated he was my brother.. A few months later my brother was released and i told him about the call and was again trying to contact Dana to tell her my brother and i would like to hear that phone call i still have not heard back from her. My fiance was up on the roof with an extenssion cord and we heard crack really loud we had the same inspector that passed it come back out and he said he must have inspected this roof at night he said theres poor workmanship and anything i needed from him or his office to let him know..they used the most cheapest material, didnt put insulation and no tar was used all the boards nails are completely off and they left a mess behind. Im about to loose my home that my brother and i inherited from my grandparents...this is all we have , and my grandparents worked very very hard for this .i need help my brother never signed anything and i really dont want these people to touch my house ever again my living room ceiling is caving in they ruined and destroyed my house .someone please help me..
Posted by Aaron Overturf
on
I was duped into thinking my mortgage payment would not go up and that the financing was a separate issue to pay on a different payment of approximately "$400." My mortgage has shot up and my panels do not seem to be producing as expected. I want in on this lawsuit!!!
Posted by LUPITA MORENO
on
I acquired a HERO program to do my windows and A/c Furnace in 2015. My taxes have increased dramatically. I am having a hard time paying my mortgage and County Tax Collector's Office just told me they don't recommend this program because people end up not being able to pay their taxes which was never disclosed to me in the discussion with the Glass and AC company. They only want to get paid and are deceiving to homeowners making it look like they are helping the consumer.
Posted by Gerald La Pierre
on
I live in Murrieta, in Riverside County and was never told that the " PACE" loans would not subordinate to a first trust deed. I just found this out about a week ago when I talked to my banker about selling my house. I owe $36,000 plus on my PACE loan, which if I had to pay that off, would hurt greatly when buying another home. Where do I sign up for the lawsuit?
Posted by Ann
on
So sad that t he contractors are the main people taking advantage of people ..and then they add things that they are going to do , but never do ..Stay away from Hero Program they dont care they consumer are been overcharged and contractors are overcharging.Without doing the work ..im foling complaint with BBB and Attorney General this needs to stop
Posted by Terri Lowe
on
I was told they would subordinate to a new lender (take 2nd position behind the first) when I got my HERO loan in the spring of 2017. I am having to sell my house now and am being told they "used to subordinate" but it was confusing so they "changed that rule" in May of 2017. They said there's nothing in my paperwork that bound them to that. Even though they told me and she admitted they told people that, they have the right to change their policies. Now instead of my loan being able to be assumed by a new buyer, I have to pay off the $35,000 loan and I will not get that back in the upgrades/equity. This is a huge loss to me! Is anyone looking to start another Class Action law suit against these people for misrepresentation?!!!!
Posted by Veronica Plascencia
on
I live in the city of San Bernardino. I have been advocating for myself since May 2016 and I still at point A. It is unfortunate no one is making the HERO program and contractor(pure solar, Corona) be accountable for their wrong actions. I want to unite our efforts to make justice. Our homes are now at risk as these companies are making thousands of dollars by the day.
Posted by Jan Cumstay
on
The problem we had was with assuming the loan when we sold. The buyer did not qualify for the amount. Since it is attached to your property taxes we were told they would not have to qualify because it was part of the property taxes. We ended up having to pay off the PACE loan so the buyer would not have to. Nightmare! They took the entire amount from the sale of the house! DO NOT EVER DO A LOAN THROUGH THIS PROGRAM!!!!!
Posted by Alina M
on
I too would like to join the lawsuit. I was misled in taking in a loan for over 100,000 for home improvements. It has been a nightmare with the contractors and the Hero program.
Posted by Amir Amirshahi
on
I would like to be a part of a class action too, was overcharged thousands of dollars.
Posted by Cecile Billauer
on
My uncle was ripped off by this HERO PACE program - and now faces losing his
Los Angeles home due to taxes from this lien going up to over $12,000/ year. He's 85 years old & in the hospital and is in default since he can not pay his taxes . He will be facing foreclosure soon.He inherited the home from his mother - and took out a reverse Mortgage an...prior to his falling prey to this Rip Off program which has not delivered the Improvements he was initially sold on. I also understand that there's a penalty if he pays off his HERO loan if he hasn't had it for at least five years.
What's the process to join in a Class Action Law Suit, and can his Trust still recover his money ( over $145,000 ) after he is Forced to sell his house?
There's no way this program should ever have been approved by the County for so many reasons ??
Posted by Anonymous
on
IF YOU ALL READ YOUR DOCUMENTS, ALL OF THIS INFORMATION IS DISCLOSED. I USED THE HERO PROGRAM AND I LOVE IT.
Posted by Patricia Mendoza
on
I had a roof and a sliding glass door installed, the contractor for the hero program, told me that my house payment would not go up that much. My house payment has gone from $1,016.00 to 1,600.00 a month. I am a working senior citizen, a cancer patient and I was horrified to see how much my house payment went up. I live in Rialto, California, it is not a ritzy city.
Posted by Ann Marie Caggiano for Loretta Codgen
on
I was told no payment for over a year but then you need to save because come tax time when that years up you have to pay a balloon tax payment as well as your existing mortgage so I just paid 5300 tax In march plus the mortgage. We're in this for 25 years we got solar 46,000 but now I'm seeing California has free solar not sure if that's true though.
Posted by Maria Paul
on
I live in LA county and I feel these programs are just another way of robbing people of their homes and sanity . I also use the Hero program for upgrades to my new fixer upper home, which were much needed but now I can't keep up with my payments. These people have no scruples they lie and mislead in order to get your business and ripped you off.
Posted by Carolyn Poullard
on
I would like to join this lawsuit I live in Altadena Ca. LA county. They are a complete rip off and liers!!!
Posted by Cristina
on
does anyone know if HERO loans can be discharged in BK and one keep their home? Normally if someone owns a home and has a 2nd loan they can file ch 7 bk and wipe out the debt of the 2nd loan and keep the home as long as they are current on their 1st loan, but not sure how the HERO loans work when it comes to this ? ? ? ? I live in Pomona CA
Posted by Marisol SANTOS
on
I live Los Angeles County and will also like to join the lawsuit
Posted by Peter Dinh
on
How can I add to this law suit. I was advised that I have a loan of approximately 28000 for an upgrade with an interested of 8.35%, not knowing there were other charge with them. Now reviewing the documents, I found out that I will be paying more than 60,000 for 20 years finance. This is absurd, more than 50% interest over 20 years.
Posted by Diane
on
I live in Fresno, County ... have every bit of paperwork showing that we were lied to. Did not get any of the paperwork until way way after the loan closed and the dispute deadline had past .. please help. What a mess.
Posted by claudia Figueroa
on
We also used the HERO program and are having issues with not only our taxes but the quality of work we now have a water leak in our room and they will not fix or address anything and we would like to file a lawsuit
Posted by Lynne Hagberg
on
I am a resident of San Diego Co. and was unfairly charged for the services. I also feel the terms were not presented clearly.. The payments, which I thought i could pay monthly. ended up attached to my property taxes. Because my taxes increased $10,000, I was unable to pay. I am now in foreclosure and feted to tol lose my home I have lived in for 31 years. Is there any way I too could join your suit or does anyone know if there is one in San Diego County?
Posted by Michael j
on
How do I add myself to this claim? I used the program in August of 16 using 30k and by January of 17' I asked for a payoff and I owe the 52k, they added 22k in 5 months. When it's supposed to be an 8% interest.
Posted by Willie Riley
on
I would like to be a part of the class action suit. Was overcharged by $25,000.00
Posted by Lyle Brakob
on
I'm an OC resident and interested in following this CAcase as we went for the insulation part of the program. If there is/will be a newsletter or update I'd appreciate being emailed the info
Posted by Carolina Perez
on
I live in San Bernardino County and took "advantage of this awesome program". No advantage at all when you end up paying more than double your loan amount. My loan was for $14,000 and in 15 years I will end up paying $30,000! And.. I was not told that they would take first on my mortgage causing re-financing to be so difficult since lenders don't want to deal with the HERO program! As others have mentioned, I cannot believe how our counties have partnered with this program to rip people off.
Posted by Laurie Dame
on
I was also given a horrible interest rate of about 10% on my HERO/Pace improvements for Solar, plus loan fees that were added to the lien. I did not get a TNL disclosure, they said they are exempt. I was not told that the lien would take priority over my existing mortgage liens on my property and that my lender could even call my mortgage loan due! They did accept a principal payment I made without any problem. I just think the costs were ridiculous (& predatory) for a government, non profit program. I do not know if I am being charged "double counting interest" but my $33K lien quickly became a $38K lien and has a 20 year pay off of about $70K. These loans should be made closer to the rare for 2nd liens. I will try to refi but not sure I have enough equity as those loans usually wont lend over 70% LTV.
Posted by I live in Orange County also a victim ocan I join the law suit
on
I live in Orange County and a victim on this program. I just refinanced my mortgage to pay off this loan. The fees and the interest rate was crazy. In order to refinance I paid almost 70000.00! On a $50000.00 loan for services Every time I got a payoff the price added 3 to 5. Thousands of dollars. I know I was ripped off and I can not believe the county would partnership with such a program that preys on hard working homeowners
Posted by Carol Burton
on
I live in Orange County and was also misled by the HERO program who stated in the payment contract that the contractor is required to submit permits, invoices, receipts and other pertinent documentation. When I asked about this I was told that they stopped requiring this several years ago. Also, HERO states that they require all contractors in their program to show proof of license. bond and insurance. HERO told me that they only started requiring proof of insurance a few months ago so my contractor did not have to provide proof of insurance because my job started before this requirement was enforced.
Posted by Hamlin Tallent
on
I live in San Diego county and am also a victim of this program. Is it possible to join the suit?
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