News & Blogs | Gantenbein Law Firm

Sep 6, 2018

Aretha Franklin Died Without Leaving A Will- Why?

It’s happened again, another wealthy celebrity passed away and did not have a will nor did she have a trust set up. Aretha Franklin will be joining the dozens of other celebrities who also died without leaving a will. Big names such as Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Pablo Picasso, Kurt Cobain, Howard Hughes, Michael Jackson, Sonny Bono and even Martin Luther King, Jr. all passed away without having a will. Prince died in April 2016. His estate is still tied up in the courts. Not a si

Is Swapping Student Loan Debt For Mortgage Loan A Good Idea?

Keith Gantenbein

Sep 4, 2018

Is Swapping Student Loan Debt For Mortgage Loan A Good Idea?

The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) is the largest backer of mortgage credit in our nation. Recently, Fannie set new rules and guidelines that would let homeowners refinance their mortgages to pay off student loans. The new guidelines expand a program that was introduced last year with a personal finance company called Social Finance commonly known as SoFi. Fannie Mae said the resulting policy will be easier for borrowers to apply, and may result in a lower

How Did The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Begin?

Keith Gantenbein

Jul 17, 2018

How Did The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Begin?

The first tax levied in the United States was from the Stamp Act in 1765. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Great Britain. Basically any piece of paper was tax such as documents, ship’s papers, licenses, newspapers, publications and even playing cards were taxed. Great Britain enacted the tax to help with the costs of their maintaining a military presence protecting the American Colonies. Great Britain continued to levy more taxes. Common products imported into the Ame

Tax, Business, Probate & Real Estate Attorneys at Gantenbein Law Firm Named Among Best in Colora

Keith Gantenbein

May 10, 2018

Tax, Business, Probate & Real Estate Attorneys at Gantenbein Law Firm Named Among Best in Colora

Congratulations to Gantenbein Law Firm Denver, Colorado attorney Keith Gantenbein Jr. who was again, recognized as Super Lawyers, Rising Stars for 2018. For Keith, this is his fourth consecutive year as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star. Mr. Gantenbein is nationally recognized for his work in Real Estate Law, which also includes Foreclosures Defense and HOA Law. Mr. Gantenbein worked extensively last few years with the Colorado Supreme Court to pass updated Rules of Civil Procedure

Keith Gantenbein

Mar 20, 2018

IRS Warns Tax Payers of Scams

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning for a quickly growing scam involving taxpayers. An original alert was issued February 2, however the number of victims jumped from a few hundred to several thousands in just a couple of days. The IRS Criminal Investigation division is investigating just how deep and far-reaching this scheme is. The new scam is actually just a new twist on a scam they’ve used before. These criminals have stolen client data from email phis

It's Tax Season & There Are New Tax Laws- Why Choose An Experienced Tax Attorney?

Keith Gantenbein

Mar 6, 2018

It's Tax Season & There Are New Tax Laws- Why Choose An Experienced Tax Attorney?

Two years ago, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had 74,608 pages in their Tax Code (laws). More pages have been added since then. Is it no wonder taxes are one of the most complicated and complex legal issues today? Adjustments are made yearly to the income tax brackets which most of us are aware of. However, there are also other adjustments made, making taxes even more confusing. Thirty-three years ago “tax indexing” was added to the tax codes. Tax indexing adjusts variou

Keith Gantenbein

Mar 1, 2018

Inheriting Real Estate in Colorado

If you should inherit real estate property in Colorado, you will also inherit any ‘baggage’ that may be attached to it. Once you have received any inherited property, it’s always a good idea to seek an experienced attorney who will determine the legal disposition of the property, the status of the mortgage, the title and verify if there are any liens or judgments filed against the property. Gantenbein Law Firm’s accomplished real estate, tax and estate attorneys all have the

Keith Gantenbein

Feb 13, 2018

IRS Tax Audit or Investigation

Nothing chills our veins like a letter from the IRS. Especially when you open the letter and find you’re under an IRS Audit or under an IRS Investigation. After you get over the shock - think twice before you even think of calling them. What you say to the IRS and what documents you provide can and most likely will be held against you. Most people think if they cooperate with the IRS, answer all their questions and give the IRS everything they ask, they’ll be treated better.

Why You Need To Evaluate Your Estate Plan

Keith Gantenbein

Jan 31, 2018

Why You Need To Evaluate Your Estate Plan

Your Estate Plan may consist of a Last Will and Testament, Trust, Power of Attorney and other important documents that need a tune-up from time to time. Not just because your life may have changed, but outside events can affect what’s in your estate plan as well. One recent outside event is the new tax reform that Congress passed at the end of December. Did the tax reform, or new estate tax limits affect or alter your estate plan? It’s the beginning of the year and time to th

Real Estate and Housing Market Forecast For 2018

Keith Gantenbein

Jan 23, 2018

Real Estate and Housing Market Forecast For 2018

Overall, in this new year, it is predicted the housing market will continue to bounce back as it has been for the past year. In November 2017, existing home sales escalated to a rate that hasn’t been seen in the past 10 years and reaching an 11-year high. The existing home sales totaled 5.81 million that amounted to an increase of 5.6% from the month before. The inventory of homes decreased 7.2% to 1.67 million that is 9.7% lower than it was in November 2016. It’s also predic

Rental Caps and Your Homeowners' Association ( HOA )

Keith Gantenbein

Jan 16, 2018

Rental Caps and Your Homeowners' Association ( HOA )

Many properties in Colorado are used as a second home or a vacation home. These owners often rent these properties for part or all of each year to help cover expenses and provide additional income. When owners or investors buy a property that is under the jurisdiction of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), they were given a set of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) that outline all the rules and ‘laws’ of the community. The buyers agreed to follow the rules and restric

Mortgage Applications For Real Estate Closings And Re-Finances May Be Delayed Due To IRS Glitch

Keith Gantenbein

Jan 8, 2018

Mortgage Applications For Real Estate Closings And Re-Finances May Be Delayed Due To IRS Glitch

On December 8, 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made changes to its authentication system. This is the system that verifies tax returns that mortgage applicants provide. The system is known as the Income Verification Express System (IVES) and is in place to make sure tax returns aren’t fraudulent. Within five days of the changes, on December 13, mortgage groups were finding problems with the new system. Other groups said problems with the changes began almost immediat

Do You Have A Will Or A Trust? Estate Planning Is Critical To Avoid Or Shorten Probate.

Keith Gantenbein

Oct 16, 2017

Do You Have A Will Or A Trust? Estate Planning Is Critical To Avoid Or Shorten Probate.

The decisions regarding end-of-life arrangements can be difficult to deal with. Whatever assets you have, an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney can evaluate your financial situation and create a plan that is custom-fitted to your needs. There are many aspects to consider besides the financial assets such as; taxes, medical issues, business succession, heirs, directives, Power of Attorney, living wills, guardianship designation, burial instructions and trusts.

HOA Assessments : Should You Hire A Colorado HOA Defense Attorney?

Keith Gantenbein

Oct 3, 2017

HOA Assessments : Should You Hire A Colorado HOA Defense Attorney?

When you buy a home in a covenanted community, you will receive a copy of the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) along with your closing documents. The CC&Rs will spell out all the regulations (rules/conditions) and the amount of Homeowner’s Association (HOA) fees, which are typically paid monthly. Each year the HOA’s Board of Directors meet to discuss and set the budget that will include how much every household (property or unit) will be charged for their monthl

What Coloradoans Need To Know If They Own Property In Florida After Hurricane Irma

Keith Gantenbein

Sep 11, 2017

What Coloradoans Need To Know If They Own Property In Florida After Hurricane Irma

Colorado has long since had a connection with Florida. Many people own homes or vacation homes in both Florida and Colorado. Weather catastrophes occur in both states. Right now, most of our nation is tuned in to Hurricane Irma, her path and the damage being done as she moves over the state. It may be tough and confusing as to where you can turn to look for guidance and assistance if you own property in Florida. After any natural disaster, The Federal Emergency Management Age

Keith Gantenbein

Jul 18, 2017

SUPER LAWYERS Names Keith Gantenbein of Gantenbein Law Firm Denver, Colorado To 2017 Attorneys List

Gantenbein Law Firm, Denver, Colorado is proud to announce its attorney, Keith Gantenbein, was named to 2017 Colorado Super Lawyers, Rising Stars list. Congratulations to owner and managing attorney Keith A. Gantenbein Jr, who was selected, named and included on the “2017 Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Stars” list. Super Lawyers is the Thomson Reuters lawyer rating service. To be selected as a Super Lawyer, attorneys are nominated by their peers and evaluated on 12 indicators

Keith Gantenbein

Jun 20, 2017

Thinking Of Buying A Home?

If you’re thinking of buying a home you’ve probably noticed the inventory of available houses for sale has been declining and mortgage rates and housing prices are on the rise. After years of having a huge inventory of houses to choose from, thousands of foreclosures and very low mortgage rates, the market is heading the other way. Denver is number three regionally for having the fastest time to sell a house. The average amount of days in Denver to sell a home is now 18 days,

Repeat Foreclosures On The Rise- Should You Hire A Colorado Foreclosure Defense Attorney?

Keith Gantenbein

May 17, 2017

Repeat Foreclosures On The Rise- Should You Hire A Colorado Foreclosure Defense Attorney?

Nationwide, home foreclosures have dropped to their lowest level since November 2005. During April 2017, there were 77,049 filings reported in the U.S. This number includes default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. The figures reflect the lowest number of foreclosures since the housing crisis began. While the drop is significant, at the same time there was a rise in repeat foreclosures. A repeat foreclosure is noted as any property address with the same owne

Freddie Mac Sells Off $667 Million
In Non-Performing Mortgage Loans

Keith Gantenbein

Mar 31, 2017

Freddie Mac Sells Off $667 Million In Non-Performing Mortgage Loans

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, known as Freddie Mac, announced last week that it’s selling off non-performing loans to private investors. Freddie Mac is a public government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) headquartered in Virginia. Freddie Mac was created in 1970 to help expand the mortgage market alongside the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). Previously, from 1938 to 1968 Fannie Mae was the only institution that bought mortgages leading to and enco

CFPB Gets Another Day In Court To Defend Its Constitutionality

Keith Gantenbein

Feb 25, 2017

CFPB Gets Another Day In Court To Defend Its Constitutionality

Last year, in 2016 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) levied a multi-million dollar fine against PHH Corporation for allegedly illegally referring consumers to mortgage insurers in exchange for kickbacks. PHH provides mortgage services to some of the world’s largest financial services firms and is located in New Jersey. PHH then sued the CFPB, challenging the CFPB’s Director Richard Cordray ability to be able to increase their original $6 million fine against PHH