Understanding the ways to avoid a foreclosure

Number on way to avoid a foreclosure and the auction of your home is according to Bank of America is – A SHORT SALE!!!

A short sale is the a way to sell your home and settle your motgage debt for the less than what you own on it! This is not only a positive for the homeowner, but also for the bank because they get more than they would if you home was foreclosed on. Some additional benefits are below:

• It usually takes less time than a foreclosure
• You’re credit may improve at a faster rate
• You may be eligible for financial assistance during your relocation!

Another option is to get a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure, in which you give your property’s deed to the bank. This will still have a negative effect on your credit, but it is a much easier process than going through a foreclosure.

CLICK HERE for a checklist to smooth the transition from your home, and to get contact information for valuable assistance!

Short sales increasing in world’s largest lenders!

Bank of America is anticipating a 60-70% increase in short sales for 2012, which will be between 160,000 to 170,000 sales compared to 100,000 in 2011 and 90,000 in 2010. These increases are attributed to many things other than the increasing speed and ease of short sales, including the following as stated:

• Growth of a specialized short sale staff to 3,000—an increase from 250 in two years
• Assignment of dedicated transaction specialists
• Service agreements with standards for response times
• A specialized staff of 125 dedicated to escalations
• The creation of a Closing Center of Excellence, focused entirely on expediting the closing of short sales
• Community outreach to financially distressed homeowners
• A team of 35 specialists dedicated to the Equator relationship and customized programming in response to agent feedback to improve process flows

CLICK HERE to read the full article from CDPE.

Helpful Short Sale Video Guide

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!

A personal experience with our short sale specialist

“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

How to Get a Home After a Foreclosure

Buying a home is a difficult task for anyone, but is especially tough for those who have experienced a foreclosure or filed for bankruptcy. It may be difficult, but it’s NOT impossible! Here are some tips:

1.       Wait A While
The waiting period after these situations can be anywhere from 1-7 years, but most people don’t know that this period can be waived or shortened if the foreclosure was due to “extenuating circumstances or hardship beyond his or her control.”

2.       Clean Up Your Credit
Make sure to avoid any late payments on bills, rent, etc., and try to stabilize your employment to show that you are capable.

3.       Consult a Professional
Consult a loan officer or mortgage broker for advice on your personal situation.

CLICK HERE to read the full article