If you've ever been turned down for a home loan, you know how disappointing, frustrating and embarrassing it can be.
You can't move into the home you had your heart set on. You have to stay in the house or apartment you've outgrown, and you have to keep shelling out money for rent if you don't own the place.
Worst of all, the loan denial triggers doubts about yourself that you're not the person of means and the good provider that you thought you were for yourself and your family -- if you have one. It can be a dispiriting experience.
On the other hand, being approved for a loan –- especially when you weren't sure you would be –- can be cause for jubilation.
Being upset about rejection and excited about approval are easy to understand. What's peculiar is being upset about approval.
Yet, that's the reaction that Lourie Brown had when Quicken Loans approved the refinancing of her home in 2009.
Relying on an assessment from a licensed West Virginia appraiser, Quicken offered Brown a loan of $144,800, which reduced her monthly mortgage payments by $300, lowered her interest rate, and provided her the funds to buy a new car.
But Brown was not happy. She quickly filed suit against Quicken, accusing the company of taking advantage of her and lending her too much money.
Surprisingly, the circuit court in Wheeling found merit in Brown's claim, held Quicken liable for $18,000, and canceled Brown's note and mortgage. Judge Arthur Recht even awarded $2 million in punitive damages and $600,000 in attorney fees.
Quicken is appealing the decision.
Brown had to have seen the appraisal she now claims was inflated. She also asked for and accepted the loan based on that appraisal.
Brown may claim she was taken advantage of, but there are plenty of other borrowers out there who would love to be mistreated in similar fashion.