Bank of America posted brand new videos that I found to be extremely helpful for agents, on several different complicated topics in regards to the rules of short sales. The first one and what I felt was most important is called, “Initiating the Short Sale”.

What exactly is a Short Sale?
An alternative to a foreclosure
An investor accepts an amount less than what is owed on the mortgage
Investor guidelines will determine the eligibility for short sale and foreclosure postponement

Short Sale Assistance:
- Can be up to #3,000 for Relocation
- Possibly eligible for HAFA  (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) program

How to Qualify for HAFA:
- It must be your primary residence
- The mortgage must have originated on or before January 1, 2009
- Delinquencies or default must be foreseen 
- All HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) options must be exhausted
- Unpaid principle balance must be less than $729,750 for 1-unit properties (varies per amount of units – cannot be more than 4)

CLICK HERE to see an informational video that goes more in-depth with these short sale processes

CLICK HERE to read more about our Short Sale specialist at Showcase Realty, and what some of his clients had to say about him!

“I would like to commend Michael Simonini of Showcase Realty for coming to my rescue and helping me favorably part with investment properties I had in North Carolina. In 2006, I purchased a few properties hoping to rent them but, was unable to do so; I found myself paying these mortgages on my own. After several years I was no longer in the position to continue making payments and therefore, started to receive foreclosure notices. For anyone facing foreclosure, you know how frustrating and difficult it is trying to work with your lender to salvage your credit and at the same time preserve your dignity. I reside in New York, which posses many challenges because I was not able to regularly travel to North Carolina in order to maintain these properties or meet with realtors to list these properties for sale.

“In December 2009, after countless hours of internet searches and telephone conversations trying to locate a realtor in North Carolina, I was referred to Showcase Realty by GMAC Mortgage. Showcase Realty was instrumental in successfully obtaining short sale on these properties. I am extremely grateful and fully satisfied with the high level of professionalism received from the staff at Showcase Realty. I can assure you, Showcase Realty will be by your side every step of the way in assisting to find a favorable solution for your situation. In the future, if I am in the position to purchase properties in North Carolina I will not hesitate to contact Showcase Realty. I am confident in highly recommending Showcase Realty for all your real estate needs.”

Brian M., New York

Short sales, which many people are still unfamiliar with, are becoming more and more popular throughout the country with a noticeable increase in many states. Large banks including Bank of America and Wells Fargo have also had an increase in the amount of short sales they have seen in the last year, expecting more than double of what they had in 2009. 

Short sales are not new and nothing drastic has happened with the process recently, people are just finally starting to understand what it is! Showcase Realty specializes in short sales and encourages sellers to use this process, rather than go through the devastation of a foreclosure. CLICK HERE for more information on short sales, along with the contact information of someone on our team who can help you go through this process quickly and efficiently.

Read this article in USA TODAY:

Number of short sales on the rise

Great investment opportunity on Charlotte ranch-style home, priced over 50K below tax value! The home comes with three bedrooms, one bathroom, and three parking spaces for only $19,000! For more information, call 704-889-5600.

Click below for property MLS listing sheet:

4207 Dinglewood Ave.

“Treasury is currently reviewing a proposal to aid distressed homeowners by allowing a short sale of mortgage notes from mortgage-backed securities (MBS) trusts to new investors.” (DSNews.com)

Jordan D. Dorchuck of American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc. developed the proposal in hopes of making the lives of distressed homeowners much easier with the use of principal reduction modifications. He believes that the plan will reduce the losses and increase benefits for both the investors and the borrowers, as long as it refrains from being driven by consumer demand.

Administration Considering New Housing Policies