Audry Wolff-Certified Distressed Property Expert

Arizona to Get More Federal Aid under New Plan

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:55:14 GMT

Just Annouced! Obama Pledges $1.5B for Unemployed and Underwater Homeowners in the states hardest hit by the housing crisis.

Some homeowners who are unemployed cannot qualify for the traditional loan modification due to insufficient income. Many Arizonans are faced with this dilemma. The new program will pump funds into the state's Housing Finance Agency’s (HFA) program, which can include direct assistance for the unemployed and borrowers who owe more than their home is worth, as well as programs that address the challenges of second mortgages.

Arizona is one of the five hardest hit states in the nation and help is on the way in the form of a new federal grant. If you are unemployed and underwater you may be eligible for assistance. Read more...

Take the first step and see what your options are.
Visit www.YourOptionsNow.com
Help for Homeowners In the Phoenix East Valley
AUDRY WOLFF - Certified Distressed Property Expert
Phone/Text 480-244-8398 eMail: AudryW@Gmail.com

HAMP Loan Modifications Spiked in January

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:23:00 GMT

HAMP Loan Modifications Spiked in January

The Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP allows for loan modifications for those that can no longer afford to make their monthly mortgage payments. Borrowers may qualify for a loan modification under HAMP to make their payments more affordable. Millions of borrowers who are current, but are having difficulty making their payments and borrowers who have already missed one or more payments may be eligible. Under HAMP the borrower must answer these 5 questions:

Is your home your primary residence?
Is the amount you owe on your first mortgage equal to or less than $729,750?
Are you having trouble paying your mortgage?
For example, have you had a significant increase in your mortgage payment OR reduction in your income since you got your current loan OR have you suffered a hardship that has increased your expenses (like medical bills)?
Did you get your current mortgage before January 1, 2009?
Is your payment on your first mortgage (including principal, interest, taxes, insurance and homeowner's association dues, if applicable) more than 31% of your current gross income?

Mortgage servicers have recently increased efforts to change trial modifications to permanent status under the Obama administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program . The number of permanent mortgage modifications under the federal Making Home Affordable program has jumped 75 percent last month nationally and nearly 70 percent in Arizona and the Valley according to a report out today in the East Valley Tribune.

Who do you know that can answer "YES" to the five questions above? They should definitely check with me to see what their next step might be.

FTC bans upfront fees on loan mods

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:36:40 GMT

There's a lot of monkey business being conducted in the name of "helping homeowners avoid foreclosure". If you encounter anyone wanting to take an upfront fee from you, RUN the other way! In fact, the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on these scam artists. Click HERE to get a copy of the full story.

Remember, a licensed real estate professional like myself does not take any upfront fees from you. Look for the CDPE symbol to verify you are working with a Certified Distressed Property Expert.

Spring 2010, look for FHA to crack down on qualifying

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:21:41 GMT

FHA is raising the bar for homebuyer qualification. Come this spring, there will be higher FHA mortgage insurance premiums, higher FICO score requirements and less allowable contribution coming from the seller toward closing costs. FHA needs to bolster its security so it can be there for other homebuyers who are in underserved areas. Read more about this HERE

Help for Homeowners In the Phoenix East Valley
AUDRY WOLFF - Certified Distressed Property Expert
Phone/Text 480-244-8398 eMail: AudryW@Gmail.com

Qualifying for a loan after a short sale

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:45:30 GMT

Great News for Borrowers with a Short Sale in their Credit History. New guidelines were released by HUD Dec. 16th stating:

1. A buyer can immediately purchase a home if they executed a short sale on a previously owned residence if:

a. They were current on their mortgage and other installment debts at the time of the short sale (no 30 day late payments in previous 12 months from time of new loan application for new purchase) OR

b. The proceeds from the short sale serve as payment in full

2. A buyer must wait 3 years from the time of a short sale if:

a. They did a short sale simply to take advantage of declining market conditions AND

b. They are looking to purchase at a reduced price, a property that is similar or superior and within a reasonable commuting distance from the property that was sold short

c. They were in default at the time of the short sale

Be prepared to document a legitimate reason as to why the short sale was necessary (hardship, etc.)

Exceptions may be made to reason 2c if:

1. The default was due to circumstances beyond the borrowers control (death of primary wage earner, long term illness etc…) AND

2. The review of the credit report indicates satisfactory credit prior to the circumstances beyond the borrowers control that caused the default

**Reference: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee/files/09-52ml.pdf

Take the first step and see what your options are.
Visit www.YourOptionsNow.com
DIgnified Options for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
AUDRY WOLFF - Certified Distressed Property Expert In the Phoenix East Valley
Phone/Text 480-244-8398 eMail: AudryW@Gmail.com

Gov't unveils rules to speed up 'short sales'

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:43:50 GMT

Gov't unveils rules to speed up 'short sales'

By J.W. ELPHINSTONE (AP)

The Treasury Department unveiled sweeping rules this week to help financially troubled homeowners who need to sell but can't get a price high enough to pay off their mortgages. Homeowners will even get $1,500 to help cover their moving costs.

The plan is designed to help homeowners who don't have the income or debt levels to qualify for a loan modification under the Obama administration's $75 billion Making Home Affordable program. The plan establishes timelines, a standard process and documents, and cash incentives for participation.

"There's always efficiency with uniformity," said Vicki Vidal, associate vice president of government affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association. "It makes it easier for the parties involved to know what to expect."

Short sales, as these deals are known, reduce the damage to the borrowers' credit record and save the lenders the cost of foreclosure. Short sales also help neighboring property values because the sales price is usually higher than what the house would fetch in a foreclosure auction.

About one in 10 home sales this year was a short sale, or an estimated 500,000 sales, according to the National Association of Realtors. In areas like Las Vegas, southern Florida and California, the ratio is far higher.

To qualify under the new guidelines:

_The property must be the homeowner's principal residence.

_The homeowner is delinquent on the mortgage or default looks likely.

_The loan was made before Jan. 1 this year and is less than $729,750

_The borrowers' total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of their before-tax income.

The plan is designed to accelerate the necessary agreements between lenders, real estate agents, buyers and sellers. Too often short sales are anything but quick.

Nancy Philbrick, an agent in Manchester, N.H., waited half a year for Bank of America to approve or reject a short sale offer she sent in for her clients back in April. The couple fell behind on their mortgage after a difficult pregnancy saddled them with a stack of medical bills. They're now renting a home nearby and trying to get back on their feet.

Philbrick found out in late October her client's file moved to another party for review. But the offer expired Oct. 15 after two extensions and the buyer backed out of the deal. Philbrick and her sellers are back to square one.

For its part, Bank of America, like other lenders and servicers, has spent millions of dollars to upgrade computer systems and hire another 3,500 workers for its 12 call centers. The bank services 14 million loans, the most in the nation, including the troubled portfolio of Countrywide Financial, which it bought last year.

But the Treasury Department's plan for short sales has some short comings.

Mortgage companies don't have to launch the program until April 5, 2010, which is no relief for homebuyers, sellers and real estate agents mired in deals now. The program is also voluntary for lenders who hold second mortgages, such as home equity loans or piggy-back loans. The Treasury Department has estimated that about half of homeowners in default have more than one loan on their properties.

While those other secondary debt holders can receive up to $3,000 to release their claims on the property, that may not be enough for larger creditors who would rather go after the borrower.

"Three thousand dollars is not much if you have a $200,000 second lien," said Jeff Lischer, managing director of regulatory policy at the National Association of Realtors. "In large measure, the success of the program depends on the willingness of investors to accept a short sale."

Nevertheless, the new guidelines should reduce paperwork by requiring mortgage companies to use the financial and hardship documents submitted by borrowers seeking a loan modification. Mortgage companies will have to approve short sale terms, including the minimum listing price, before the house is put on the market, which should speed up the approval process.

The government also provides strict deadlines and specific documents for the process. Mortgage companies will receive $1,000 to cover administrative costs.

Deed for Lease Program

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:34:42 GMT

Fannie Mae's new DEED FOR LEASE program may prove to be another option for homeowners who are having trouble making payments and are facing foreclosure.

Homeowners who are upside down and cannot afford to make their mortgage payments may apply for a deed in lieu of foreclosure; and when the deed is recorded, their lender becomes their landlord and the former homeowner may remain in the property as a tenant for up to a year. The former homeowner is able to save the cost of a move, and stay in their current home providing greater stability for their families who are otherwise under severe stress. An added benefit is a reduction in the number of vacant homes in neighborhoods across the Valley, reducing neighborhood blight and crime.

The program is not for everyone, however. According to Fannie Mae, the following eligibility criteria must be met by the homeowner:

The mortgage loan is a first lien mortgage loan secured by a one- to four-unit property. All property types are eligible. Second lien mortgage loans are not eligible.
The mortgage loan is not guaranteed or insured by a federal agency (FHA, HUD, VA, or Rural Development).
The borrower resides in the property as a primary residence or has leased the property to a tenant who uses the property as a primary residence.
Second homes or vacation homes are not eligible.
At least three payments have been made since origination or since the last modification.
At the time of the referral to Fannie Mae for the D4L, the borrower is not 12 or more payments past due on the mortgage loan.
The borrower is not involved in an active bankruptcy proceeding and is not a party to litigation involving the subject property or the mortgage loan.
Marketable title is able to be conveyed (a title insurance policy is required). If there are subordinate liens secured against the subject property, lien releases can be obtained.
The occupant of the property (i.e., the borrower or the borrower’s tenant) has verifiable income. Occupants with no source of income are not eligible.

For more details on qualifying, complete the form below.

Getting De-Cluttered

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:59:15 GMT

Getting De-Cluttered

How you present your home for sale is the most important aspect of marketing. Today’s market is so competitive, it is truly like a beauty pagent. If you don’t think staging is important, just read these statistics:

· Staged homes sell 20 times faster than those not staged.

· Homeowners can enjoy up to a 3% increase in the sales price by staging.

· The cost of staging is insignificant when measured against a higher sales price. You can expect 150% return on your investment.

But what if you can't afford to stage your home? Some staging can be very inexpensive and you can do it yourself. The most important yet least expensive part of staging is de-cluttering. Your home will appear more spacious. Your potential buyers will be able to focus on the floor plan and imagine living in the house if it is sparsely furnished and de-cluttered. But how do you get rid of all that stuff!

Today’s buzzword is recycle. So think green and instead of tossing out your unwanted items, consider donating them. Contact your local Goodwill store for their drop off instructions. There are several other charitable organizations that will even pick up your donations. In addition to getting rid of your clutter, you can feel good about your stuff going to people who need it the most. Here are just a few local charitable organizations:

Salvation Army

241 E 6th St, Mesa AZ

(480) 833-8322

Disabled American Veterans

655 N Gilbert Rd

Mesa, AZ 85203

(480) 890-2424

Sunshine Acres Children’s Home (Mesa)

3405 N Higley Rd
Mesa, AZ 85215-9795
(480) 832-2540

St. Vincent de Paul Society

3405 N Higley Rd
Mesa, AZ 85215-9795
(480) 832-2540

Save the Family

450 W. 4th Place, Mesa, AZ 85201
Tel 480.898.0228

or go to www.freecycle.com for a host of local websites where you can post an item you want to give away.

Another way to de-clutter is to have a garage sale! Or, if you want to sell it without any overhead or expenses, try a www.craigslist.com Price it right and potential buyers will be knocking at your door to relieve you of your unwanted items. Some of the more valuable items might sell on Ebay.com, however there is a fee associated with selling your stuff on eBay. And you risk not making enough on the sale to cover your expenses.

Those items you choose to toss out should be disposed of responsibly. Contact your trash collection company or the appropriate City department for proper disposal rules. Start here for a list of helpful websites and telephone numbers:

http://www.audrywolff.com/Resources/page_1600656.html

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:42 GMT

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.

For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.

If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.

Audry Wolff
480-244-8398

Short Sale & Deed-In-Lieu

Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress.

To help you understand more about these two options, I’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below.

I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is my priority.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Avoiding Mortgage Modification Fraud

I Am An Agent Against Mortgage Fraud!

The last thing struggling homeowners need is to be victimized by fraud. Sadly, some people are preying on those who need help the most. Today, the real estate industry is the newest, biggest target for predatory schemes. In fact, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that mortgage fraud cases are 400 percent higher than they were five years ago.

With nearly 1 in 6 homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, understand that you are not alone. Knowing your legitimate foreclosure-avoidance options is the best way to fight this terrible trend.

The report on this site will tell you how to avoid mortgage fraud schemes, as well as what solutions are available to you. Enter your information below and get the facts now!

Options and Solutions

Thank you for visiting this site and taking the first step toward finding answers. I appreciate what it has taken for you to come here, and commend your efforts to get the facts about your situation. The current real estate environment can be frustrating, with misinformation and conflicting plans for how to proceed.

As a real estate agent, what I often see in troubled homeowners is a belief that they are alone with their challenges. Regrettably, over 70% of homeowners in foreclosure proceed without ANY visible assistance. This is not acceptable for the communities I serve.

That's why I've developed this site: to ensure you get the valuable resources that can reduce your financial strain and change your life for the better. As a CDPE I know the options for homeowners in foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgages, and I can send you a report detailing this information, prepared just for you.

Simply enter your information below and click "Send." I hope that you will review this information carefully, so that your next steps are the right steps toward a real solution.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get back on track to a solid, stable future.

Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have devoted my career to helping homeowners who face difficult situations, taking them from uncertainty to resolution. Lately I've found a lot of conflicting information going around, especially concerning short sales, which you should know about.

A short sale occurs when a lender accepts the selling price of a home, even if it is less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. For particular homeowners, this can be the best option to foreclosure. Yet, I still hear people suggest that short sales are basically the same as foreclosure.

This is absolutely wrong!

You need to have the CORRECT information. That’s why I'm glad you're here. To help, I’ve prepared a free report—just for you—that compares the realities of foreclosures and short sales side-by-side. Simply provide your information below, and I'll send you this report.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Audry Wolff 480-244-8398

7 Short Sale Myths

There are millions of homeowners just like you who are looking for answers and don’t know what to do. You’re not alone and you’re in the right place.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, there’s still an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the options available, especially short sales.

To give you a better idea of the short sale option, and to set straight some of the myths you may have heard, I’ve prepared a free report just for you - please fill out the information below to receive your free report. This report will clarify the following myths:

The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale
You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale
There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure
Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment
Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved
Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales
Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties

These ideas are potentially harmful to homeowners seeking real solutions. I hope you’ll review this information for yourself or share it with a homeowner in need.

In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.

Audry Wolff
480-244-8398

Your First Steps To Avoid Foreclosure

Your First Steps

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

Strategic Defaults are NOT Strategic

Walking Away Is NOT The Answer

You may have heard that a “strategic default” can be an appropriate and even beneficial reaction to an upside-down mortgage or impending foreclosure. While this idea is widespread, the truth is that default is never an easy road to choose, and rarely ever strategic.

Unfortunately, the ramifications of a “strategic default” are rarely explained, leaving many homeowners stranded on an island of misinformation. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the myths and misrepresentations of strategic defaults.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today!