I Can’t Pay My Mortgage and I Don’t Know What To Do :-/

About 75% of folk who lose their home to foreclosure, do so because they either do not seek help, or they get the wrong kind of help.

I am often asked legal questions to which I must invariably reply…I am not an attorney. The best I can do is speak from personal experience and remind them that it is imperative to seek competent and relevant legal and tax advise from active professionals.

In real estate for example, not all real estate agents are even Realtors.  Realtors are agents who as members of the National Association of Realtors(c) (NAR), they must adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics. In addition, many are no longer in the business full-time nor are they truly keeping up with all the industry changes.

Homeoners looking to sell must always seek the assistance of full-time professionals. When in distress, they must take extra precautions in order to avoid falling victims of scams and even, downright fraud.

Below are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about foreclosure avoidance.  If you have further questions not addressed below, or would like additional information and resources, feel free to Contact Us.

Do I qualify for a short sale?

The qualifications for a short sale include any or all of the following:

1. Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2. Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3. Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

What is a mortgage modification?

A mortgage modification is a process through which your mortgage lender changes any or all of the following:

• Your interest rate
• Your principal balance (through a reduction)
• Your loan terms (example: from an adjustable to a fixed rate)

This process can allow borrowers to stay in their property when they can no longer afford their current mortgage payments.

Why would a lender modify my mortgage?

Lenders have realized that in some cases it is better for them to work with current borrowers to lower payments or possibly improve terms in order to keep homeowners in their properties. The average foreclosure can cost a lender from 35-50% of the value of a property, so keeping borrowers in their homes is a good option for everyone.

What do I need to qualify for a mortgage modification?

According to the Making Home Affordable Web site (www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov), you will need the following information for your lender to consider a modification:

• Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house
• Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards
• Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about your savings and other assets
• Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources

If applicable, it may also be helpful to have a letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to reduce or expenses to increase (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.)

How do I qualify for a mortgage modification?

The first call you make should be to your lender, have the information above ready to discuss with them and call your customer service line to ask them what options you have available. If the person you speak with does not understand what you are asking, you can ask to be referred to one of the following departments (different lenders have different names for these departments):

• Loss Mitigation
• Mortgage Modification
• H.O.P.E.

Prior to contacting your mortgage lender you can quickly complete an eligibility test atwww.MakingHomeAffordable.gov. This test will let you know if you are eligible for a modification through the government-sponsored Home Affordability and Stability Program (HASP). For a list of mortgage lenders and servicers, visit www.HopeNow.com.

What if I don’t qualify for a mortgage modification, can’t afford my home, and owe more than it’s worth?

You are not alone and foreclosure is not the only option. If your mortgage lender or servicer will not work with you to reduce your payment, you may want to consider a short sale. Agents like me, with the Certified Distressed Property Expert® Designation, have undergone extensive training in how to process and negotiate short sales. A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than what you owe and avoid foreclosure. Speak to your market expert to see if you may qualify.

What is a Home Affordable Refinance?

If Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your mortgage, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance. This will allow you to refinance your home and often lower your payments.

What are the qualifications for a Home Affordable Refinance?

According to the resources released by the government, following are a list of qualifications:

• You are the owner occupant of a one- to four-unit home
• The loan on your property is owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (see Useful Links)
• At the time you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments (you haven’t been more than 30 days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months, or if you have had the loan for less than 12 months, you have never missed a payment)
• You believe that the amount you owe on your first mortgage is about the same or slightly less than the current value of your house
• You have income sufficient to support the new mortgage payments, and the refinance improves the long-term affordability or stability of your loan

Courtesy:  ©2009 Distressed Property Institute, LLC. | All Rights Reserved

The Distressed Property Institute LLC is behind the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation that over 29,000 professionals now hold.

MIAMI’S CLOSED PRICES UP FOR SECOND MONTH IN A ROW

Not surprisingly, Miami-Dade county’s Average and Median Closed prices were up again, for the second month in a row.

Recently, you read my blog post “LISTENING TO NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS MAY BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH” where in response to recent news claiming that national resale prices were down 2% in Q3/2010, I reported that these were already stale reports that were 2-months old and that by contrast, in October, 2010, the Average Closed Price in Miami-Dade had gone up 6.3% while the Median Closed Price went up 5.5% from September, 2010.

As it turns out in November, 2010 and for the second month in a row, the Average Closed Price in Miami-Dade went up another 5.7% and Median Closed Prices also went up another 3.8% from Oct./2010.

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Although the number of properties Sold went down 9.4% from October, 2010, and 1.1% from October, 2009, the number of Pending Sales was up again by 4.1% from October 2010 and up 38.3% from October, 2009.

So, is this proof certain that we’ve hit bottom? I don’t know.

What I do know is that, if you are looking to buy in Miami-Dade county, and you are looking to close before the 12/31/2010 deadline so you can get the deductibility and Homestead Exemption, you must hurry.

Although you do not need to have the deed recorded by 12/31/2010, all documents must be executed by then.

Also, waiting may already cost some people about 12% more based on the recent increases in the Average Closed Price since September, 2010 and 9.3% more based on the Median Closed Price since September, 2010, which stood at $125,000 then and stands at $135,000 as of November, 2010.

Sellers must also understand that, this is NO time to play or allow greed to take over. It is time however to get serious about discussing your marketing with your Realtor.

There are several components of marketing and Sellers control one of the most critical: PRICE

Although a buyer’s ability to have easy access to see the property and how the property shows (is it staged or cluttered), are also two-critical components sellers control, price is a function of almost everything else, including property condition, market condition and other factors we cannot control.

Your professional Realtor controls the promotion and marketing of the property. However, when a property does not show very well or making showing appointments becomes inconvenient for buyers, your Realtor’s best efforts to get the property sold at the highest price, within the shortest time and the least hassles, may be (at least to a degree), negated.

Buyers on the other hand are competing for deals with other buyers and investors. This is no time to hesitate, over-analyze or waste time before looking at the potential deals your Realtor is sending you. It is also no time to second-guess prices if you are at risk of suddenly, being priced out of the market.

With prices on the rise and interest rates also on the rise (even if marginal), the combination of higher prices and higher rates could be lethal to a border-line buyer.

If you are looking to make a purchase or selling decision in the next 15-30 days, don’t hesitate to contact a professional Realtor (remember, not all real estate agents are Realtors – members of the National Association of Realtors who adhere to a strict Code of Ethics), and one who is additionally trained in helping you navigate through the idiosyncrasies of distressed properties*.

If you are looking to sell (not list for sale but list to sell), you may request a Free Market Analysis at FreeMiamiHomeValuation. There is no cost or obligation and you will also get two special reports with your Free Valuation report and will also entitle you to a 30-minute, no cost or obligation consultation.

For Miami Beach, the numbers are even more staggering.  Closed sales in November, 2010 were up 5.9% from October, 2010 and up a whopping 38.5% from October, 2009.

At the same time, Pending Sales in November, 2010 were up 42.1% from October, 2010 while up an incredible 80% from October, 2009, clearly demonstrating that the beaches, as a localized location, is quite more attractive and continues to produce strong results.

More on Miami Beach on a separate post.

*Visit www.CDPE.com and find a Certified Distressed Property Agent near you.  With about 29,000 CDPE’s nationwide, this is the largest professional association of its kind in the nation.

So…What is a Short Sale?

Whether buying or selling, knowing what a Short Sale is and how they work can help you through the process. In this article, I will concentrate on helping home owners in distress explore this very important alternative to foreclosure.

A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy and the Obama administration have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved.

But to be technical, here’s a more official definition:

• A homeowner is ‘short’ when the amount owed on his/her property is higher than current market value.
• A short sale occurs when a negotiation is entered into with the homeowner’s mortgage company (or companies) to accept less than the full balance of the loan at closing. A buyer closes on the property, and the property is then ‘sold short‘ of the total value of the mortgage.

For homeowners to qualify for a short sale, they must fall into all of the following circumstances:

• Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
• Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
• Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

This seems simple enough, but it is a complicated process that takes the expertise of experienced professionals. Find a CDPE in your area by clicking here. Together, you can identify all possible options and, when possible, a CDPE can assist you in the quick execution of a short sale transaction.

Ignoring your lender and court notices can be very costly over the long run. For instance, many employers may frown on a foreclosure record, including some financial industry, military and positions requiring security clearance to name a few.

Also, selling short can allow you to buy again in as little as two to three years. A foreclosure would stop you from being able to buy again for at least 5-7 years, it stays in your credit report for at least 7-10 years and requires you to answer “yes” to any loan or employment application where you are asked if you have had a foreclosure in the past, affecting your ability to borrow (even if allowed, your rate, down payment and other factors may cost more), or apply for certain employment opportunities.

Even more important, there is the issue of what happens to the short fall. Lenders can choose to issue a 1099 causing “phantom income” that must be reported with your income tax (consult a competent tax expert/CPA to see how this may affect you), or a deficiency judgment.

A deficiency judgment is an injunction against you the lender obtains from the court that allows them to pursue you for the shortfall (consult with a competent real estate/bankruptcy attorney for possible solutions), possibly stretching this difficult period beyond the foreclosure date.

Although either is also a possibility with short sales, the size of the short fall is usually mitigated during a short sale, where a foreclosure typically leads to bigger shortfalls. This means that allowing the property to be foreclosed, may cost you more in the long run than if you were to work with a team of competent experts to sell your house ‘short’.

For more information and to explore this option to foreclosure CONTACT US today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foreclosure

It is understandable to have questions when coping with a new and challenging situation, especially when a home is at stake. The reality is that millions of homeowners across the country are finding out that they have more questions than answers.

We hope that the following information will help you better understand the circumstances. If you have further questions not addressed below, or would like additional information resources, feel free to Contact Us.

Do I qualify for a short sale?

The qualifications for a short sale include any or all of the following:

1. Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2. Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3. Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

What is a mortgage modification?

A mortgage modification is a process through which your mortgage lender changes any or all of the following:

• Your interest rate
• Your principal balance (through a reduction)
• Your loan terms (example: from an adjustable to a fixed rate)

This process can allow borrowers to stay in their property when they can no longer afford their current mortgage payments.

Why would a lender modify my mortgage?

Lenders have realized that in some cases it is better for them to work with current borrowers to lower payments or possibly improve terms in order to keep homeowners in their properties. The average foreclosure can cost a lender from 35-50% of the value of a property, so keeping borrowers in their homes is a good option for everyone.

What do I need to qualify for a mortgage modification?

According to the Making Home Affordable Web site (www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov), you will need the following information for your lender to consider a modification:

• Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house
• Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards
• Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about your savings and other assets
• Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources

If applicable, it may also be helpful to have a letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to reduce or expenses to increase (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.)

How do I qualify for a mortgage modification?

The first call you make should be to your lender, have the information above ready to discuss with them and call your customer service line to ask them what options you have available. If the person you speak with does not understand what you are asking, you can ask to be referred to one of the following departments (different lenders have different names for these departments):

• Loss Mitigation
• Mortgage Modification
• H.O.P.E.

Prior to contacting your mortgage lender you can quickly complete an eligibility test at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov. This test will let you know if you are eligible for a modification through the government-sponsored Home Affordability and Stability Program (HASP). For a list of mortgage lenders and servicers, visit www.HopeNow.com.

What if I don’t qualify for a mortgage modification, can’t afford my home, and owe more than it’s worth?

You are not alone and foreclosure is not the only option. If your mortgage lender or servicer will not work with you to reduce your payment, you may want to consider a short sale. Agents like me, with the Certified Distressed Property Expert® Designation, have undergone extensive training in how to process and negotiate short sales. A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than what you owe and avoid foreclosure. Speak to your market expert to see if you may qualify.

What is a Home Affordable Refinance?

If Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your mortgage, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance. This will allow you to refinance your home and often lower your payments.

What are the qualifications for a Home Affordable Refinance?

According to the resources released by the government, following are a list of qualifications:

• You are the owner occupant of a one- to four-unit home
• The loan on your property is owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (see Useful Links)
• At the time you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments (you haven’t been more than 30 days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months, or if you have had the loan for less than 12 months, you have never missed a payment)
• You believe that the amount you owe on your first mortgage is about the same or slightly less than the current value of your house
• You have income sufficient to support the new mortgage payments, and the refinance improves the long-term affordability or stability of your loan

This represents only a summary of some of the solutions available to homeowners facing foreclosure. Locate a CDPE in your area for an evaluation of your individual situation, property value, and possible options.

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If you or someone you know and love is facing this difficult challenge, make sure to Contact Us. 7 our of 10 foreclosures happen because the borrower (home owner), did not seek proper professional advise from experts dedicated full-time to helping folk find ways to overcome this challenge. Get the answers that suit YOUR needs, today. Get more answers at http://www.cdpe.com/faqs

Beacon Economics: Housing most affordable in more than 40 years

Beacon Economics: Housing most affordable in more than 40 years SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 13, 2010 – Beacon Economics’ new Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index finds that in August homes were at their most affordable level since data became available (1969). Beacon Economics developed the Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index based on the percentage of income an average family would need in order to make mortgage payments on an average priced home.

The August estimate shows the cost of homeownership (mortgage interest plus principal payments after a 20 percent downpayment) falling to 16.9 percent from 17.1 percent in July. Overall, the Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index has remained below 20 percent for the past twenty-one months.

“Home affordability has reached an historic high,” says Beacon Economics Founding Principal Christopher Thornberg. “Nationwide, prices are down approximately 25 percent from their peak, and mortgage financing rates are at all-time lows.” Moreover, the high level of affordability is likely to drive demand and reduce the stock of excess inventory, ultimately resulting in the need for new housing, a rise in prices, and a pickup in new construction, according to Thornberg.

“While prices may fluctuate modestly over the next several months, we believe the worst of the housing crisis is behind us,” adds Beacon Economics Research Manager Jordan G. Levine. “We expect prices to stabilize around current levels and likely be higher in the next twelve months.”

Thornberg agrees. “Although there could be some modest volatility over the next several months, our research indicates the housing market is at or near the bottom,” he says.

The Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index is intended to help homebuyers and policymakers alike understand the current state of the market.

Reprinted by Permission: © 2010 Florida Realtors®

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Open Letter to Obama and Congress

With our economy draging (in spite of the recession being over according to “experts”), it is more important than ever to find common ground, leave politics aside, get comfortable, get friendly and come together to find answers, compromises and solutions.

The recent foreclosure fiasco is absolutely appalling. The government and oversight entities, failed; banks and investment houses, failed; borrowers failed and everyone in between, failed; while those who were never even interested and stayed in the sidelines,  are all paying for it.

Some title insurers are already issuing statements refusing to insure recently litigated foreclosure properties.

If we want to see this country come out of the ashes and be the beacon of financial opportunity for everyone again, we need to start coming up with ways to incentivise certain bahaviour and dis-incentivise other.

For instance…for prices to begin to stabilize, even increase, real estate needs to improve. For this to happen, we all agree that jobs must improve.

Looking at the stabilization of real estate, there are certain actions that can be taken with government policy/legislation that will motivate lenders to act in a way that will, in my view, improve market conditions.

The now on-going foreclosure fiasco, has investors/first-time buyers in the sidelines or competing for less properties. An unintended consequence of this may be that prices may begin to rise as buyers/investors compete over remaining inventories, raising the bottom to new highs during this period.

Temporarily, this may also drive investors across the proverbial fence if they insist in avoiding Short Sales and feel that they don’t want to compete at higher prices for the REO inventory now in play.

The higher prices go, the more diluted their returns can be if they feel that the increases are still unsustainable until the employment/ tax situation is sorted.

Lenders must be given a choice to either continue to pay more attention to the REO area of their business, rather than to actually begin to pay attention to short sales and to divert attention and resources that lead to the settlement and conclusion of these, less costly deals.

To continue to ignore this cheaper, friendlier and still competitive alternative that helps save money in legal and other REO related expenses and legal responsibilities and liabilities, while helping to stabilize neighborhoods further, would be a shame.

Worst still…for the government to continue to incentivise rather than dis-incentivise lenders to take the REO route with pain – pleasure oriented programs that help lenders “choose” to continue rather than to abandon the REO alternative (unless absolutely necessary), in favor of the short sale route, would be aweful.

Leadership, starts with our government and the policies they create on behalf of and to help the citizens they represent. If the policies implemented create an environment where sellers can get their property sold with dignity, while keeping a gleam of hope for some future chance of home ownership again, then we are helping multiply the blessings in the future.

Otherwise, foreclosed home owners loose their chance of buying again while required to answer whether they’ve ever had a property foreclosed on or gave it back to the bank in lieu of.  Lenders in the future will be reluctant to lend to these folks.

To create policy that “overlooks” the foreclosure / character side of the mortgage application process in the future as a patch to address the needs of these borrowers 10 years from now, will be in that future, a hindrance to good lending practices. Instead, those borrowers should be allowed to sell with dignity today so they can perhaps buy again tomorrow.

Diverting resources and creating policy that “encourages” lenders to make a deal in a short sale rather than foreclose, will help stabilize prices, will help buyers get into good properties, and will help those outgoing homeowners get their act together so they can consider buying again in 3 to 5 years.

In the meantime, investors will consider buying short sales (once expediently processed), so they can enjoy rental income and then sell to future home owners when things improve, or continue to repair and resell to end-users and other investors as they have. Again, only if they can avoid the pain of the current short sale process.

I’m not coming up with anything that hasn’t been thought of. However, it is time for simple, sensible leadership, NOW.

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OPINIONS WELCOMED

So You Want To Buy a Condo, huh….Get Ready Then to Take Some Responsibility

Here’s the scary part…I don’t recommend anyone in particular – you must consider the professionals you work with carefully and examine several before you can make the right choice.

Once you’ve chosen which seller type you will pursue (there are at least three and some will argue, four – they are at least, those in distress, REOs and regular sellers), you’ll need to consider what strategy will work for each, and for this, you’ll need at least two professionals: a Realtor and a Lender/Broker

Like you, I have also worked with a number of professionals in different industries and, you get good and bad in each.

One of the first things you need to do BEFORE you find that “ideal” place you want to buy or BEFORE you decide to sell, is to interview several real estate agents. If you are buying, you must also choose, in a close second, a mortgage professional.

Focusing on your financing alternatives, you’ll need to choose between a mortgage broker and a traditional lender (typically a bank), and make sure they will treat you with honesty and a high degree of integrity and professionalism.

Your agent will not (normally), offer you the name of a lender who may have ever done something to jeopardize that agent’s license or relationship with a buyer.  Remember though that each, will have different experiences, access to different resources and each can be an asset to you in their own way. It is up to you however, to discover which among the many, many choices, is right for you and your needs.

In my humble opinion (and you know what they say: “Opinions are like noses….everybody has one”), mortgage brokers often have access to more than one source of funds and this is why I like brokers best. They’re not tied to what their boss says they must provide as an option to their clients/ borrower-applicants and they are actually…not the boogeyman the media has played them to be.

Remember that, a mortgage broker’s main job is to counsel you on loan alternatives, take your application, collect data and “shop” to find the best lender for your needs. In the end however, it is the actual lender who must evaluate the entire package submitted by the broker on your behalf, during a process called “underwriting” when the lender decides if they want to approve the loan.

Therefore, the funds do not come from the brokers, the brokers act as intermediaries. The funds come from the actual lenders who approve the loan.

These lenders then either keep your loan in their portfolio or sell them in the secondary market to any number of investors, including Freddie and Fannie. This is how our economy takes each dollar lent, and turns it into $10 in a process I now forget what is called.

Just the same, buyers must vett these brokers (or any lender for that matter – after all,  look at all the trouble they are ALL in), and ask all the right questions. Choose one, and keep a backup.

In the end, always remember that is not the company (mortgage brokerage or institutional lender), who provides you professional service, it is the broker/loan officer you select who provides you service on behalf of their employer and you need to vett them both.

Let them know a bit about the property you’re looking to buy, they’ll need to know about your financials, and at the appropriate time, they’ll need to pull your credit and obtain your tax returns, etc in order to give you a valid pre-approval/pre-qualification letter (which we’ll need to provide along with your offer).

Ask them how long have they been in business, how many lenders do they represent, how to find out about their company and their personal license (you can check the status and record of their license online), how do they determine which program is best for you, can they provide you more than one or two choices for the purchase you’re looking to make, how do they communicate with you, how do you keep track of your file, how do they handle your questions throughout, etc.

In short, you need to determine if they’re a good fit for you, just like folks may want to know about you and your services before they hire you – you’ll want to know about any service provider, including Realtors(c), attorneys, doctors and CPAs.

Brokers can only control how they qualify “you”, and as a second step, help you determine if a property you like, meets financing criteria. Once they can put a checkmark on both…we have the potential for a deal.

After that, or when they advise, you’ll need to complete a formal loan application (AKA: 1003 application), provide any additional documents they require from you, request a Condo Questionnaire from the association (which will typically cost you between $100-$150), verification of employment and domicile, request appraisal, etc.  In other words…that’s when the fun begins.

Up to the day of closing, they’ll need to re-verify that the building is not in worse financial shape than when the process began, that your credit has not dropped, that your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio is still within guidelines, that there are no new surprises (in conjunction with the title agent), that can affect closing (lien, open permits or other title issues that may come up), make sure property insurance coverage is in place, that you have condo association approval, etc.

In short, there’s a LOT of paper and behind-the-scenes work we all have to do (I also need to keep all parties communicating and all dots or links in the chain connected throughout), and working with a professional that will help you the way you expect them to, is critical.

A professional Realtor(c) (remember that, only a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and who adheres to their strict Code of Ethics, can call themselves Realtor(c)), will want to make sure to guide you and empower you to make the right decision. By the same token, you nust make sure you are being served by the right professionals along the way, including the lender you choose – and the choice is yours.

Speak to them (there’s no charge or obligation for this process – we all get paid when we close the deal), reach them by email, ask them to call you, see how responsive they are, do they answer all your questions to your satisfaction and like in a beauty contest – you’ll need to then choose a winner  😉

With the situation in condo financing the way it is, you don’t want to waste your time using an agent who does not know how to qualify your buyer (if you are selling), or if you are buying, qualify and guide you as a buyer. Either can kill the deal and potentially cost you money.

Other points to consider is the recent Halt of all foreclosures by some of the major lenders (see previous post), and the fact that condo units in some buildings simply, can only be purchased with cash since no financing may be possible in many of them due to current market conditions.

In short, buying real estate is not like buying a can of beans at the supermarket. You  don’t just pick one, pay for it, and enjoy it. Most people find buying a car confusing. Buying real estate is no different and, being that this is among the largest purchase you’ll make, you should approach it responsibly.

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Your comments / opinion welcomed

FORECLOSURES HALTED! What does that mean to you?

Recent developments have called for a full STOP of all foreclosures (see Awaiting Bailout, Several Big Banks Halt Foreclosures and Foreclosures Halted In 23 States: Plantiffs’ Lawyers Rejoice), including the State of Fla.

It seems that this move will not only affect new and pending foreclosure files, but all properties already on the market as well as pending transactions.

Therefore, if you are currently under contract to purchase an REO, you should contact the listing agent and the closing agent to determine the status of your transaction.

The upside about this new development is that it will make it the best time since the recession began to get short sales and regular sellers on the market, priced correctly and sold.

“I anticipate that this foreclosure stoppage will create a supply shortage in the short term and you will have a greater chance now than ever before to get your listings sold!”, says Natascha Tello, Broker, Operating Partner, Keller Williams Realty Partners SW, Pembrooke Pines.

So, if you are a seller that is looking to sell your home and avoid foreclosure or is considering selling your home, this new development should provide a favorable opportunity to do so.

Our market may be Shifting Again!

If you are an investor, home buyer or home owner, make sure you screen your real estate professional. Make sure they are in business full time, that they are members of the National Association of Realtors (which is the only way they can call themselves Realtors(c) and adhere to their strict Code of Ethics), and make sure they are additionally trained for this market.

If you feel you must sell and you owe more than your property is worth, make sure you consult a Realtor(c) who is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (c) (CDPE). Search for one near you at http://www.CDPE.com.

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For any questions or for a complementary 30-minute, no obligation and confidential consultation, feel free to contact Wenceslao Fernandez Jr, CDPE by calling 786-361-6463 or by writing to Wenceslao@KW.com

First-Time SELLERS: HGTV WANTS YOU

We’ve heard of “Property Virgins” and other First-Time buyer t.v. shows. Well…now there’s one looking at the issues First-Time sellers deal with….

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SELLING YOUR FIRST PLACE?

Then HGTV is looking for you!

MY FIRST SALE, the popular primetime HGTV show, is looking for first-time home sellers (and their real estate agents!) in and around MIAMI and Ft. LaUDERDALE, FL.

We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are starting the process of selling their first place!  Our cameras will be there to capture all the trials and tribulations, stress and success of prepping for sale, pricing, negotiating, and ultimately selling a home for the first time.

Taping will begin in Fall 2010 and will continue through Spring 2011.  Ideal candidates will be motivated, financially candid people who want to share the experience and the SALE details with HGTV and their audience.  Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply!

If this sounds like fun, first-time sellers should apply now for immediate consideration!   Casting will continue on a rolling basis from fall 2010 until January 2011 or until all spots are filled.

For more information or an application contact:

Amy Sabreen

asabreen@highnoontv.com

303-712-3178

A sweeping change to affect home ownership is being considered

Value of homeownership under fire WASHINGTON – Sept. 17, 2010 – Some people blame the recession on real estate problems, and are even suggesting ways to devalue homeownership and encourage rentals.

One suggestion: Nix the federal IRS tax break on mortgage interest.

The National Association of Realtors® established a webpage that responds to negative attacks in the media. Background material is on realtor.org (http://go-to.realtor.org/r/18QPH7/FDBUK/JVSQE/OK1Q6/9IO4L/HQ/h).

In a webinar scheduled for Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. – Standing Up for Homeownership: Know the Facts – NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and independent policy analyst Howard Glaser will explain what the media is saying, and try to separate the myths from the facts. The webinar will last one hour.

Reprinted by Permission: © 2010 Florida Realtors®