Joe Lents of Boca Raton, Fla., apparently requested proof from Washington Mutual Inc. — the lending institution that claimed to own the promissory note to his home — that it was indeed the rightful mortgage owner when foreclosure proceedings were initiated.

Washington Mutual Inc. couldn’t come up with the proper paperwork, and Joe has been living in his $1.5 million home since 2002 without making a single mortgage payment, according to Tampa Bay Online.

Here’s a snip from Joe:

“If you’re going to take my house away from me, you better own the note.”

Apparently, short cuts when large “bundles” of mortgages were bought and sold from 2003 to 2006 resulted in more than a few clerical errors — the assignment of ownership wasn’t always properly completed.

And when the original lender no longer exists — more than 100 mortgage companies ceased operations in 2007 alone — unlucky homeowners can all of a sudden find themselves in very lucky situations.

Just ask Joe.

For those not fortunate enough to share these same circumstances (and the probability is low) feel free to take advantage of a free consultation about how to beat foreclosure right here.