Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Small Business Owners Need To Know Before Signing Commercial Contracts
Running a business in Ohio often means entering into contracts: leases, vendor agreements, service contracts, employment arrangements, and more. These documents form the backbone of your company’s relationships. But too often, small business owners rush through signing without fully understanding the risks involved. A contract that looks harmless on its face can carry hidden… Read More »
What Should I Do If My Credit Report Has Errors: Understanding The FCRA
Your credit report is one of the most important financial documents in your life. It influences whether or not you qualify for a mortgage, can rent an apartment, or, in some cases, get a job. But what happens if the information on your credit report is wrong? In many cases, credit report errors are… Read More »
Understanding HOA Foreclosure In Dayton, OH
Homeowners Associations (or HOAs) are quite common in planned communities. They help maintain shared spaces and enforce community rules. Homeowners in these communities generally pay periodic fees to the HOA to cover costs. If you fall behind on these payments, it can have serious consequences, including the possibility that the HOA will place a… Read More »
How Can Ohio’s RESPA Rights Stop A Wrongful Foreclosure?
Receiving a foreclosure notice can be a frightening experience. The very thought of losing your home, a place where you’ve built so many memories, raised your family, and invested your savings, can overwhelm most people. But before you assume that foreclosure is inevitable, it’s important to know that you have rights under the law…. Read More »
Quiet Title Actions: Clearing Title And Resolving Ownership Disputes In Ohio
When you’re buying, selling, or investing in property, very few things are more important than holding a clear and marketable title. A clouded title, or one in which ownership is disputed, can derail a sale, complicate refinancing, or lead to costly disputes down the road. However, one of the most effective legal tools at… Read More »
Loan Modifications Versus Foreclosure: How To Use Ohio’s Loss Mitigation System To Stay In Your Home
Are you facing the possibility of foreclosure? If so, you likely know this is one of the most stressful experiences a homeowner can face. In Ohio, thousands of families confront the prospect of losing their homes each year. This is due to financial hardships created by job loss, medical bills, or other unexpected life… Read More »
Are Non-Compete Agreements Still Legal?
The legality of non-compete clauses in the U.S. is a complicated subject. Non-competes are generally governed by state laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has attempted to enact a nationwide ban on non-competes. However, this rule is being challenged in the courts. The State of Ohio permits non-compete agreements as a means for employers… Read More »
Defending Against Aggressive Debt Collectors In Ohio
For many Ohio residents, financial struggles can lead to late payments, mounting bills, and calls from debt collectors. While debt collectors have the right to pursue legitimate debts, there are established legal limits on how they conduct themselves. When debt collectors cross the line into harassment, intimidation, or deception, consumers have a powerful tool… Read More »
Excess Proceeds After Foreclosure: How To Claim Funds That Are Rightfully Yours
When most folks think about foreclosure, they imagine only the loss of their most precious asset. But what many Ohio homeowners fail to realize is that foreclosure can sometimes create an opportunity to recover money. If your property sells for more than what is owed on the mortgage, the remaining balance (known as excess… Read More »
Unpacking Ohio’s Planned Communities Act: Why Your HOA Can’t Just Foreclose On A Whim
If you’re like a lot of Ohio homeowners, living in a community governed by a homeowner’s association comes with both benefits and frustrations. HOAs are generally designed to maintain common areas, enforce community standards, and protect property values. But when an HOA overreaches, particularly by threatening foreclosure, homeowners can sometimes feel powerless. Ohio law… Read More »