Janos Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338 (5th Cir. 2013). · Go Syfert
Janos Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338 (5th Cir. 2013). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
85 citation events (85 in the last 25 years) across 18 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Gapasin v. Wells Fargo Bank (txsd, 2024-06-05)
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Under fire: who is questioning this case
Citations from separate opinions of courts that could overrule this case. This is a warning signal, not a treatment change. The flag color above is unaffected.
Dissent Esperanza Corral v. Select Portfolio Servicing (2017)
“Co., 651 F.3d 1039 , 1045 n.2 (9th Cir. 2011) (per curiam); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam). .”
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Gapasin v. Wells Fargo Bank (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
S.D. Tex. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
martins permits mers and its assigns to bring foreclosure actions under the texas property code.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Adegbenro v. Bank of America, N.A
S.D. Tex. · 2022 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
in actions enjoining a lender from transferring property and preserving an individual's ownership interest, it is the property itself that is the object of the litigation; the value of that property represents the amount in controversy.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Parmer v. Bank of America, N.A.
M.D. Ala. · 2019 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
in actions enjoining a lender from transferring property and preserving an individual's ownership interest, it is the property itself that is the object of the litigation; the value of that property represents the amount in controversy.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) US Bank National Association, for asset backed funding corporation asset backed certificates 2006 HE1 v. Falissa Micheaux, Schnika McKissic, individually and as legal guardian for E.T., Natalie Verse, Tanosha Bishop, Montoya Targton, Terry Targton, Jr., and Tariq Targton
N.D. Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
As to the amount in controversy, “[i]n actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (quoting Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver.
cited Cited as authority (rule) James Harrison Fisher v. Letricia Ann Smith et al.
E.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Indeed, “the value of that property represents the amount in con- troversy.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) US Bank National Association v. White
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
“In actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jackson v. Mortgage Research Center L L C
W.D. La. · 2025 · confidence medium
July 3, 2019) (quoting Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Strangis v. First Horizon Bank
D. Mass. · 2024 · confidence medium
In such cases, “it is the property itself that is the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam); see Corral, 878 F.3d at 776 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Seaforth v. LOANCARE, LLC
W.D. Tex. · 2024 · confidence medium
Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2012).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Amaya-Aldaba v. Fifth Third Bank
N.D. Tex. · 2024 · confidence medium
Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Trustee of Finance of America Structured Securities Acquisition Trust 2019-HB1 v. Meyer
W.D. Tex. · 2023 · confidence medium
(ECF No. 1:4) (citing, e.g., Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Davis v. TikTok Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2023 · confidence medium
The Value of Davis’s Claims for Equitable and Declaratory Relief When, as here, a plaintiff seeks declaratory or injunctive relief, it is “well established” that the amount-in-controversy is measured by “the value of the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam) (quoting Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Burch v. Freedom Mortgage
5th Cir. · 2023 · confidence medium
Comm’n, 432 U.S. 333, 347 (1977) (“In actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.”); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam) (where the object of requested injunctive and declaratory relief was to stop the foreclosure sale of property, the property’s value represented the jurisdictional amount in controversy).
cited Cited as authority (rule) CIC Coatings, LLC v. The Idaho Painter, Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2023 · confidence medium
Tex. Sept. 6, 2018) (quoting Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Imbrahim v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company
E.D. La. · 2022 · confidence medium
Prior decisions from the Fifth Circuit offer clarifying language: (1) “the plaintiff's right sought to be enforced,” Garcia v. Koch Oil Co. of Tex. Inc., 351 F.3d 636, 639 (5th Cir. 2003); (2) the plaintiff's “claimed injury,” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013); and (3) perhaps most comprehensively, “the right to be protected or the extent of the injury to be prevented,” St.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Durbois v. Deutsche Bank Ntl Trust
5th Cir. · 2022 · confidence medium
Comm’n, 432 U.S. 333, 347 (1977) (“[I]t is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.”); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) 1400 FM 1417 LLC v. CertainTeed Corporation
E.D. Tex. · 2022 · confidence medium
As an action seeking equitable relief, “it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Darrell Berry v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
5th Cir. · 2022 · confidence medium
They thus “lack the requisite standing to bring suit to enforce the terms of the [agreement] that govern the assignment of the mortgagor’s note.” See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clete Pavone v. NPML Mortgage Acquisitions, LLC, A Foreign Corporation
W. Va. · 2022 · confidence medium
See Haynes v. McCalla Raymer, LLC, 793 F.E2d 1246, 1251 (11th Circ. 2015) (borrowers lack standing to bring their claim because they “are not parties to the assignment they are challenging”); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013) (a non- 10 party mortgagor “lacks requisite standing” to challenge assignment of deed of trust); Yuille v. American Home Mortg.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mejia v. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association
S.D. Tex. · 2022 · confidence medium
No. 1-1 at 7–8. 14 Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam). 15 Dkt.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cisneros v. Williams
S.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
Tex. Dec. 16, 2020) (citing Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Vision Import Group, LLC v. The Fresh Group, Ltd.
S.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 953 F.3d 285 , 293 (5th Cir. 2019) (quoting Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013)). 31 Dkt.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Scrushy v. Tucker
S.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
“In actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation[,] . . . the value of the right to be protected[,] or the extent of the injury to be prevented.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam) (quotation marks and internal citation omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Walker v. The Bank of New York Mellon (2×) also: Cited "see"
D.R.I. · 2021 · confidence medium
Mass. Sept. 13, 2016) (quoting Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ordonez v. NewRez LLC (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
S.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Corp., 296 F.2d 545 , 547–48 (5th Cir. 1961). 33 Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curium) (quoting Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Elmore v. Kalin
S.D. Miss. · 2020 · confidence medium
Defendants are correct that “[i]n actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (quoting Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wells Fargo Bank National Association v. West
N.D. Tex. · 2019 · confidence medium
LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curium) (citing Tex. Prop.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ayati-Ghaffari v. Dimon
E.D. Tex. · 2019 · confidence medium
Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hellas Construction, Inc. v. Beynon Sports Surfaces, Inc.
W.D. Tex. · 2019 · confidence medium
Comm’n, 432 U.S. 333 , 346–47 (1977). “[T]he amount in controversy, in an action for declaratory or injunctive relief, is the value of the right to be protected or the extent of the injury to be prevented.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (quoting Leininger v. Leininger, 705 F.2d 727, 729 (5th Cir. 1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Berry v. Loancity
M.D. La. · 2019 · confidence medium
The Fifth Circuit has held that a borrower, “who is not a party to, or an intended third-party beneficiary of, an agreement that purports to transfer the mortgagor's note and/or mortgage to another party, does not have standing to bring suit to enforce the terms of the agreement that governs the assignment of the mortgagor's note.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Janos Farkas v. Ocwen Loan Servicing, L.L.C., et a (2×) also: Cited "see"
5th Cir. · 2018 · confidence medium
(Farkas I), 737 F.3d 338, 339 (5th Cir. 2013).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Esperanza Corral v. Select Portfolio Servicing (4×)
9th Cir. · 2017 · confidence medium
Co., 651 F.3d 1039 , 1045 n.2 (9th Cir. 2011) (per curiam); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Steven Strong v. Bank of America
5th Cir. · 2017 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Cf. Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (per curiam) (“The purpose of the injunctive and declaratory relief, to stop the foreclosure sale of the properties by GMAC and Deutsche Bank, establishes the properties as the object of the present litigation.”).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Deutsche Bank Natl Trust Co. v. Joanna Burke, et a (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
5th Cir. · 2016 · confidence medium
“Under Texas law, a non-judicial foreclosure may be initiated by the current mortgagee including: ‘the grantee, beneficiary, owner, or holder of a security instrument;’ a ‘book entry system;’ or ‘the last person to whom the security interest has been assigned of record.’ ” Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013) (quoting Tex. Prop.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ben Melton v. CU Members Mortgage, a Division of Colonial Savings, F.A. And First Western Title Co. (2×)
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Appx. 407 (5th Cir., June 20, 2011) ..................................................6 Broom v. MacMaster, 992 S.W.2d 659, 664-65 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1999, no pet.) .................................................................................................12 Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013).........................16 Gant v. DeLeon, 786 S.W.2d 259, 260 (Tex. 1990) ..................................................8 Hoehn v. Dallas County Mental Health & Mental Retardation Ctr., No. 05-94-01515-CV, 1995 Tex. App. LEXIS 3406 , 1995 WL 500271 , at *3 (Tex. App.…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) George Campbell v. DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., et
5th Cir. · 2015 · confidence medium
But Texas law—which the parties agree applies here—recognizes assignments of deeds of trust by MERS, and, moreover, explicitly “permits MERS and its assigns to bring foreclosure actions under the Texas Property Code.” Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir.2013); see generally Harris Cty.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dallas County, Texas v. MERSCORP, Incorpora
5th Cir. · 2015 · confidence medium
See Tex. Prop.Code Ann. § 51.0001(1), (4)(B); see also L'Amoreaux v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 755 F.3d 748, 750 (5th Cir.2014) (per curiam); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir.2013) (per curiam); Martins, 722 F.3d at 255 ; Athey, 314 S.W.3d at 166 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Irene A. Rogers v. Bank of America, N.A.
8th Cir. · 2015 · confidence medium
Mellon, 562 Fed.Appx. 473, 480 (6th Cir.2014) (applying state contract law); Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir.2013) (per curiam) (applying Texas law).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Karey Statin v. Deutsche Bank National Trust, et a
5th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
The value of the property is the relevant consideration for determining amount in controversy for these common foreclosure cases seeking injunctive relief, Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir.2013), but Defendants cited nothing to support their $87,500 valuation. 1 Statin then filed a Motion to Change Venue.
cited Cited as authority (rule) John Svoboda v. Bank of America, N.A., et a
5th Cir. · 2014 · confidence medium
Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir.2013).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hunt v. Stonebridge Life Ins.
W.D. La. · 2014 · confidence medium
Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, LLC, 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir.2013) (internal citations omitted). .
examined Cited as authority (rule) Santiago v. BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. (4×) also: Cited "see"
W.D. Tex. · 2014 · confidence medium
Pursuant to Texas law, a nonjudicial foreclosure may be initiated by the current mortgagee, including “ ‘the grantee, beneficiary, owner, or holder of a security instrument;’ a ‘book entry system;’ or ‘the last person to whom the security interest has been assigned of record.’” Farkas v. GMAC Mort., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir.2013) (per curiam) (citing Tex. Prop.Code § 51.0001(4)).
discussed Cited "see" Curtis G. Snell Sr. and Tywanic L. Snell v. 21st Mortgage Corporation; John Does 1-10
N.D. Miss. · 2026 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mort., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (citing Garfinkle v. Wells Fargo Bank, 483 F.2d 1074, 1076 (9th Cir. 1973)) (“In actions enjoining a lender from transferring property and preserving an individual’s ownership interest, it is the property itself that is the object of the litigation; the value of that property represents the amount in controversy.”); see also Tubwell v. Specialized Loan Service LLC, 2017 WL 4228760 , at *2 n. 2 (N.D.
cited Cited "see" Freedman v. Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing
S.D. Tex. · 2024 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 343 (5th Cir. 2013); Tex. Prop.
discussed Cited "see" Ruiz v. The Bank of New York Mellon
W.D. Tex. · 2024 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (“In actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” (citation omitted)).
discussed Cited "see" Dempsey v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
S.D. Tex. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir. 2013) (stating that in declaratory or injunctive actions seeking to stop a foreclosure sale of property, “it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation”) (quoting Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver.
discussed Cited "see" Michael W. Schuetz and Jamie K. Schuetz v. Source One Mortgage Services Corporation Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Citimortgage, Inc. Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engle Robert Ferguson, and Barbara Ferguson
Tex. App. · 2016 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2013) (holding that MERS’s assignee was “mortgagee” under section 51.0001(4) and was “appropriate party to initiate non-judicial foreclosure actions”).
discussed Cited "see" Robert Ferguson v. Bank of New York Mellon
5th Cir. · 2015 · signal: see · confidence high
See Farkas v. GMAC Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir.2013) (per curiam) (deciding MERS's as-signee was a valid “mortgagee” under Chapter 51 because MERS was a valid beneficiary capable of assigning DOTs); Martins v. BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P., 722 F.3d 249, 255 (5th Cir.2013) (recognizing MERS qualifies as a mortgagee under Chapter 51 with authority to initiate foreclosure).
discussed Cited "see" Karey Statin v. Deutsche Bank National Trust, et a
5th Cir. · 2015 · signal: see · confidence high
See id. at-, 2014 WL 7235168 at *1 (“The value of the property is the relevant consideration for determining the amount in controversy for these common foreclosure cases seeking injunctive relief’ (citing Farkas v. GMAC *323 Mortg., L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir.2013))).
cited Cited "see" Ernesto Solis v. HSBC Bank USA
5th Cir. · 2014 · signal: accord · confidence high
Corp., 296 F.2d 545, 547-48 (5th Cir.1961); accord Farkas v. GMAC Mortgage, L.L.C., 737 F.3d 338, 341 (5th Cir.2013).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Janos FARKAS, Plaintiff-Appellant
v.
GMAC MORTGAGE, L.L.C.; Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Defendants-Appellees
12-20668.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Dec 2, 2013.
737 F.3d 338
2013 WL 6231114
2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 23991
Janos Farkas, Austin, TX, NTC pro se., Jeffrey Michael Anderson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Marc James Ayers, Esq., Graham .Webster Gerhardt, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, L.L.P., Birmingham, AL, Defendants-Appellees.
Jolly, Demoss, Southwick.
Cited by 60 opinions  |  Published
PER CURIAM:

Janos Farkas appeals the district court’s ruling granting the defendants’ motion for summary judgment on claims arising out of the threatened foreclosure on two residential investment properties he owned. Farkas argues that the district court had no jurisdiction because of an ’insufficient amount in controversy under Section 1332. He also argues that it was not shown that these defendants had the right to foreclose. We AFFIRM.

[*340] Janos Farkas purchased two residential investment properties in 2006. One of the properties is located on Claretfíeld Court in Humble, Texas, and the other on Oak-view Creek Lane in Houston. Cornerstone Mortgage Company was the lender and the mortgage servicer at the time of the origination of the loans. The loans for each property were evidenced by a promissory note signed by Farkas and secured by a deed of trust, also signed by Farkas. Each deed of trust named Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), its successors and assigns, as Cornerstone’s beneficiary with the right to enforce Cornerstone’s legal interests. The purchase price was $87,288 for the Claret-fíeld property and $88,061 for the Oakview property.

Cornerstone sold both the Claretfíeld and Oakview promissory notes in 2006 to Residential Funding Corporation (“RFC”), an affiliate of GMAC Mortgage. Later in 2006, the promissory notes for both loans were securitized and pooled with others in a trust, with Deutsche Bank National Trust Company Americas named as the trustee. The deeds of trust were registered with MERS and were not conveyed with the promissory notes. MERS subsequently assigned the Claretfíeld Deed of Trust on May 31, 2011 and the Oakview Deed of Trust on June .17, 2010 to Deutsche Bank. Each assignment was recorded in the real property records of Harris County, Texas.

The mortgage servicing rights were transferred separately from the deeds of trust and the promissory notes. The servicing right for the Claretfíeld promissory note was transferred from Cornerstone to Homecomings Financial, LLC on July 1, 2006, who transferred it to GMAC on July 1, 2009. The servicing right for the Oak-view promissory note was transferred from Cornerstone to Homecomings on August 1, 2006, then to GMAC on July 1, 2009. GMAC continues to service both promissory notes.

Farkas made monthly payments on each note until December 2010. During this time, Farkas acknowledged receiving notice of the change in mortgage servicer for both the transfer of servicing to Homecomings and the transfer to GMAC.

In August 2010, Farkas contacted GMAC as to each loan in separate letters. He asked for confirmation under the Truth in Lending Act that GMAC was the “Rightful Holder in Due Course.” He also stated that if GMAC is “just a servicer, I demand that you identify both the Holder in Due Course ... and written authorization that entitles you to service this instrument.” GMAC’s responses, dated August 26, 2010 for the Claretfíeld note and August 27, 2010 for the Oakview note, did not provide the requested documentation proving the right to service the loans. It provided the account’s payment history and the basic originating documents for both loans. As to the Claretfíeld loan, GMAC stated that the loan was registered with MERS. The response additionally said the loan had been “transferred to GMAC Mortgage LLC for servicing on June 27, 2006,” and the current owner of the loan was Deutsche Bank. On the Oakview loan, GMAC said that the “holder in due course” was Deutsche Bank.

Farkas sent GMAC notice of an “Intent to Litigate” as to both mortgages in September 2010 as a result of his dissatisfaction with GMAC’s response. He ceased making payments on both loans in December 2010.

GMAC sent Farkas notices of default and intent to accelerate payments for the Claretfíeld note on May 16, 2011 and for the Oakview note on May 13, 2011. At the time Farkas suspended payment, the unpaid principal and interest on the notes[*341] were $85,773.20 on the Claretfield property and $88,092.20 on the Oakview property. Neither property, though, has been subject to a foreclosure sale due to a restraining order granted by the state court prior to removal to federal district court.

Farkas brought suit in state court against GMAC and Deutsche Bank. The defendants removed the case to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The parties consented to proceed before a magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). We will refer to the magistrate judge’s rulings as being those of the district court. In a detailed opinion, the district court granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment, denied Farkas’ motion for partial summary judgment, and dismissed defendants’ motion for judgment on the pleadings as moot. Farkas appeals.

DISCUSSION

We review a district court’s grant of summary judgment de novo. Onoh v. Nw. Airlines, Inc., 613 F.3d 596, 599 (5th Cir. 2010). We view all evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. Id. Summary judgment should be granted only if “there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.CivP. 56(a).

I. Subjectr-Matter Jurisdiction

Farkas argues that his claim did not meet the minimum amount in controversy for removal to federal court. Our review of jurisdictional issues is de novo. Volvo Trucks N. Am., Inc. v. Crescent Ford Truck Sales, Inc., 666 F.3d 932, 935 (5th Cir.2012). Federal courts have original jurisdiction over civil actions where the parties are diverse and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. 28 U.S.C. 1332(a). In his initial claim, Farkas sought damages “not to exceed $60,000,” a temporary restraining order, declaratory judgment, and a permanent injunction to stop the foreclosure actions on both properties.

“In actions seeking declaratory or injunctive relief, it is well established that the amount in controversy is measured by the value of the object of the litigation.” Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Adver. Comm’n, 432 U.S. 333, 347, 97 S.Ct. 2434, 53 L.Ed.2d 383 (1977). The purpose of the injunctive and declaratory relief, to stop the foreclosure sale of the properties by GMAC and Deutsche Bank, establishes the properties as the object of the present litigation. As this court has explained, “the amount in controversy, in an action for declaratory or injunctive relief, is the value of the right to be protected or the extent of the injury to be prevented.” Leininger v. Leininger, 705 F.2d 727, 729 (5th Cir.1983). Farkas’ claimed injury was the potential loss of use and ownership of the properties. In actions enjoining a lender from transferring property and preserving an individual’s ownership interest, it is the property itself that is the object of the litigation; the value of that property represents the amount in controversy. Garfinkle v. Wells Fargo Bank, 483 F.2d 1074, 1076 (9th Cir.1973). Under any reasonable basis for valuing the properties, whether purchase price, market value, or outstanding principal and interest, the amount in controversy threshold is exceeded and federal subject-matter jurisdiction exists.

II. Validity of Defendants’ Foreclosure

Farkas challenges the validity of the foreclosure action initiated by the defendants. Farkas contends that Deutsche Bank is not a proper grantee, beneficiary, owner, or holder of the deeds of trust; that the transfer of the notes to Deutsche[*342] Bank was improper under the Pooling & Services Agreement (“PSA”); that GMAC is not a proper servicer; and that no evidence supports GMAC’s continued role as servicer after assignment to Deutsche Bank. We will address each argument.

A.Whether Deutsche Bank was a Mortgagee

“[W]here federal jurisdiction is based on diversity of citizenship ... a federal court is in effect only another court of the state in which it sits and applies the same law that would be applied if the action had been brought in state courts.” Aerosonic Corp. v. Trodyne Corp., 402 F.2d 223, 229 (5th Cir.1968). Under this principle, and applying Texas law, we conclude that the district court was correct in its determination that Deutsche Bank was a mortgagee and could proceed with the foreclosure action. Under Texas law, a non-judicial foreclosure may be initiated by the current mortgagee including: “the grantee, beneficiary, owner, or holder of a security instrument;” a “book entry system;” or “the last person to whom the security interest has been assigned of record.” Tex. PROp.Code § 51.0001(4). As the record demonstrates, the deeds of trust named MERS the beneficiary of Cornerstone and MERS later assigned the deeds of trust to Deutsche Bank. As this court has concluded, “[bjecause MERS is a book-entry system, it qualifies as a mortgagee.” Martins v. BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P., 722 F.3d 249, 255 (5th Cir.2013). Our holding in Martins permits MERS and its assigns to bring foreclosure actions under the Texas Property Code. Deutsche Bank became the mortgagee as defined under Section 51.0001(4) by valid and recorded transfer of the deeds of trust and therefore was an appropriate party to initiate non-judicial foreclosure actions against the Oakview and Claretfield properties.

B. Challenge to the Assignment to Deutsche Bank Under the PSA

Farkas next challenges the assignment of the notes to Deutsche Bank. He asserts that they are void because they were in violation of the PSA governing the RAI Series 2006-QS9 trust. He argues that the improper assignment precludes Deutsche Bank from properly assuming the status of mortgagee and foreclosing on the properties. Farkas concedes, though, that he is not a party to the PSA, the terms of which he seeks to enforce. We have addressed a similar challenge to a foreclosure action based on the violation of the terms of a PSA and found that borrowers lacked standing to challenge the transfer of a note in violation of the terms of the PSA. Reinagel v. Deutsche Bank Nat’l Trust Co., 735 F.3d 220, 228-29 (5th Cir. 2013). We explained that borrowers, as non-parties to the PSA, “have no right to enforce its terms unless they are its intended third-party beneficiaries.” Id. Further, the “Texas Supreme Court has established ‘a presumption ... that parties contracted for themselves,’ which applies ‘unless it clearly appears that they intended a third party to benefit from the contract.’ ” Id. (internal citations omitted). As a non-party mortgagor, and without any evidence showing Farkas to be an intended third-party beneficiary, we conclude that Farkas lacks the requisite standing to bring suit to enforce the terms of the PSA that govern the assignment of the mortgagor’s note.

C. Challenge to GMAC’s Status as Mortgage Servicer

Finally, Farkas argues that the district court erred in concluding that GMAC was the mortgage servicer under Section 51.0001(3) of the Texas Property Code. See Tex. PROp.Code § 51.0001(3). Farkas con[*343] tends that GMAC was not the mortgage servicer and was therefore incapable of initiating a foreclosure proceeding under Section 51.0025.

A “ ‘[mjortgage servicer’ means the last person to whom a mortgagor has been instructed by the current mortgagee to send payments for the debt secured by a security instrument.” Tex. Prop.Code § 51.0001(3). A later provision in the same statute allows mortgage servicers to initiate and process foreclosures. See Tex. Prop.Code § 51.0025. Farkas argues that GMAC, who initiated the challenged foreclosures, was not a valid mortgage servicer because he had never been properly notified of that fact.

We have already quoted Section 51.0001(3), which provides the mechanism by which a debtor will come to know the identity of its mortgage servicer: it is the entity that the current mortgagee identified in notice sent to the mortgagor. The entity so identified has the rights and responsibilities permitted mortgage servicers under the statutory scheme, including the ability to foreclose on behalf of a mortgagee.

It is undisputed that Farkas made monthly payments on both the Claretfield and Oakview mortgages to companies identified to him as mortgage servicers beginning with the origination of the mortgages in 2006 and extending until December 2010. The servicing for each mortgage was transferred from Cornerstone to Homecomings in 2006 and to GMAC in 2009. In each case, the preceding mortgage servicer and not the new mortgagee notified Farkas of the identity of the succeeding mortgage servicer. When Deutsche Bank became the “current mortgagee” of the Oakview property in 2010, no notice was given Farkas by anyone that GMAC remained the servicer. MERS remained the mortgagee on the Claretfield deed of trust until after Farkas went into default.

In his appellate brief, Farkas complains that he “has never been instructed by the current mortgagee to make payments to GMAC,” and the “notices contain no instructions by the current mortgagee to whom the mortgagor needs to make payment to.” The district court rejected the complaints by emphasizing the notice that was provided, the unbroken chain of assignment of interests for both loans, and Farkas’ acknowledged awareness of having to make payments to GMAC. It found these facts, in concert with the absence of evidence suggesting an alternate mortgage servicer or that GMAC was no longer the mortgage servicer, to render Farkas’ argument untenable. We do not disagree, but we conclude that the requirement in Section 51.0001(3) that the current mortgagee provide the notice requires us also to consider the defendants’ argument that quasiestoppel under Texas law precludes Farkas from challenging GMAC’s status as mortgage servicer. Even though the district court did not address the estoppel argument, we may affirm summary judgment “on any grounds supported by the record.” Lifecare Hosp., Inc. v. Health Plus of Louisiana, Inc., 418 F.3d 436, 439 (5th Cir.2005).

Texas courts apply the term “quasi-estoppel” to legal bars such as ratification, election, acquiescence, waiver, or acceptance of benefits. See Steubner Realty 19, Ltd. v. Cravens Rd. 88, Ltd., 817 S.W.2d 160, 164 (Tex.App.-Houston 1991) (citing 31 C.J.S. Estoppel § 107 (1964)). Quasi-estoppel “precludes a party from asserting, to another’s disadvantage, a right inconsistent with a position previously taken. The doctrine applies when it would be unconscionable to allow a person to maintain a position inconsistent with one to which he acquiesced, or from which he[*344] accepted a benefit.” Lopez v. Munoz, Hockema & Reed, L.L.P., 22 S.W.3d 857, 864 (Tex.2000) (citations omitted).

At any point after the 2006 origination of the mortgages, Farkas could have raised the issue that only the current mortgagee could provide effective notice of the identity of the mortgage servicer. He did not do so until this litigation. Farkas made payments to GMAC, the entity whose status as mortgage servicer is presently subject to challenge, from July 2009 until December 2010. The duration and regularity of these continued payments to mortgage servicers who had not been identified by current mortgagees constitute acquiescence to the validity of notice of transfer from one mortgage servicer to the next. The equitable relief afforded by quasi-estoppel assures that a party’s position on a given issue is more than a matter of mere convenience but is instead a stance to which it is bound.

Quasi-estoppel is supported by different facts as to each property. As to the Claretfield property, the preceding mortgage servicer provided notice to Farkas of a new servicer each time the mortgage servicing for the property was transferred. The mortgagee of the Claretfield loan did not change until after Farkas defaulted on the loan, as MERS transferred its interest to Deutsche Bank in May 2011. The only possible defect in the notice provided to Farkas prior to default was that the wrong entity, the preceding mortgage servicer, twice provided the notice of a new mortgage servicer. Quasiestoppel precludes Farkas from pressing this claim after he defaulted on the loan because he did not object on this basis after the preceding changes in mortgage servicers.

As to the Oakview loan, though, MERS transferred its interest to Deutsche Bank in July 2010. GMAC remained the mortgage servicer after the transfer. GMAC’s August 2010 letter responding to Farkas’ inquiry assured him that it was the current servicer. Farkas did not suggest in the course of his exchange with GMAC that communications from a servicer were no longer sufficient, though Farkas did demand that GMAC (not the current mortgagee) provide documentation showing its status as servicer. The claimed statutory violation, though, is not GMAC’s failure to document but Deutsche Bank’s failure to notify Farkas of the identify of the mortgage servicer. [1]

Quasi-estoppel applies to Farkas’s challenge to GMAC’s status as mortgage servi-cer of each loan. AFFIRMED.

1

. We find no doubt on this record that Deutsche Bank was the mortgagee and GMAC the servicer, despite possible defects in the manner in which Farkas was notified. That clarity distinguishes this case from a decision by a Texas federal court denying a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), when there was doubt on the pleadings as to the identity of the mortgagee and the servicer. Shelton v. Flagstar Bank, F.S.B., No. 11-03805, 2012 WL 1231756, at *2 (S.D.Tex. Apr. 12, 2012).