Homeowners File Lawsuit Against EasyKnock Inc. Alleging Predatory Mortgage Scheme
Attorney Robin Wagner and Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers partner Kevin Carlson represented homeowners, including Randee Myree and Adam Noggle, in a lawsuit against EasyKnock Inc. and others aiming to reclaim their home title and seek damages for deceptive business practices. This case highlighted a troubling trend affecting financially distressed homeowners across the Detroit metro area and the country.
The company EasyKnock, since dissolved, promoted a "Sell & Stay" program, which ostensibly offered homeowners a chance to unlock home equity without credit checks but was in reality a predatory scheme that led to losing their homes.
The Noggles, who purchased their home in Taylor, Michigan, turned to EasyKnock during a financial crisis exacerbated by health issues and reduced work hours. Instead of aid, they found themselves entrapped in a cycle of escalating rents and unaffordable fees, falling thousands behind on payments.
According to the complaint, EasyKnock's practices violated several state and federal laws, including the Michigan usury laws, the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and other states’ leadersl took steps that ended EasyKnock’s operations.
Robin, as part of the PMPBR legal team, helped these homeowners in their pursuit of justice and will continue to fight for stronger protections against such predatory tactics.
Read more at the Detroit Free Press and NPR.