Audry Wolff-Certified Distressed Property Expert

Exciting Opportunity for my Arizona friends

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:16:09 GMT

Got a great deal for you to share with friends and family. Anyone you know who owes more on their home than it is worth will benefit from listening to the Short Sale Rulebook, a video program presented by Arizona real estate attorneys. As someone who works with short sales and foreclosures every day, I will do everything I can to help consumers make the best decisions. It is a well-known fact that more than 70% of defaulting homeowners never seek the advice of an attorney, an accountant or a real estate professional and they do not know what all of their options are. This is why I have partnered with these Arizona real estate attorneys to provide the absolute best information. And best of all, you can get it free of charge! (a $24.99 value)

Although the video program is presented by attorneys, it is designed for the layperson and is easy to understand. You get a series of short 1-2 minute videos that explain in detail all the options available to a homeowner: mortgage modification, forebearance, short sale, or deed in lieu. Also explained are the consequences of a foreclosure or a short sale, the different types of bankruptcy, and the resulting legal and tax liabilities. Anyone can find information online about this subject; however, this program is designed for Arizona homeowners.

Allow yourself an uninterrupted 35 minutes to listen to the entire program. You can repeat it as many times as you like. You can log-in and log-out as time permits. You will also have access to sample forms and calculators. This information is absolutely necessary for anyone who owes more than their home is worth and is considering a default.

I am committed to educating as many homeowers as possible on this subject, so I am offering this to you absolutely free. Through your connection to me, you can refer your friends or family, too. All I need to enroll you or your friend is a first name, last name and a valid email address.

AUDRY WOLFF - Certified Distressed Property Expert
Phone/Text 480-244-8398 eMail: AudryW@Gmail.com

New FTC Rule Protects Homeowners from Mortgage Relief Scammers

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:32:40 GMT

NEW FTC RULE AIMS TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM MORTGAGE RELIEF SCAMS
By: Heather Hill Cernoch 11/22/2010

A new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule bans providers of foreclosure rescue and loan modification services from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they decide is acceptable.

According to the FTC, the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rule was issued to protect distressed homeowners from mortgage relief scams that have proliferated during the mortgage crisis. The FTC warns that many of these operations pretend to be affiliated with the government and government housing assistance programs.

“At a time when many Americans are struggling to pay their mortgages, peddlers of so-called mortgage relief services have taken hundreds of millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of homeowners without ever delivering results,” said FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz. “By banning providers of these services from collecting fees until the customer is satisfied with the results, this rule will protect consumers from being victimized by these scams.”

Under the advance fee provision, mortgage relief companies must also provide a written document from the lender or servicer describing the key changes to the mortgage that would result if the consumer accepts the offer. They must also remind consumers of their right to reject the offer without any charge.

The MARS rule also requires that advertising and communications directed at individual consumers (such as telemarketing calls) disclose that the company is not associated with the government and their services are not approved by the government or the consumer’s lender. If companies tell consumers to stop paying their mortgage, they must also tell them that they could lose their home and damage their credit rating.

Companies must also explain to consumers that they can stop doing business with the company at any time and can accept or reject any offer the company obtains from the lender or servicer. If they reject the offer, they don’t have to pay the company’s fee, which the company must also disclose.

Additionally, the MARS rule prohibits mortgage relief companies from making any false or misleading claims about their services, including claims about the likelihood of consumers getting the results they seek, the company’s refund and cancellation policies, and the cost of services, among other claims.

Attorneys are generally exempt from the new rule if they are engaged in the practice of law, licensed in the state where the consumer or the dwelling is located, and complying with state laws and regulations governing attorney conduct related to the rule.

All provisions of the rule-except the advance-fee ban, which will be effective January 31, 2011-will become effective December 29, 2010.

Homeowners: If you are having trouble making payments and don't know where to turn, don't delay. Seek the help of a licensed real estate professional before time runs out. Just complete the form below and someone will contact you shortly.

RoboSigners Scrutinized by Congress

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:30:15 GMT

Has your home been foreclosed? Is foreclosure imminent? What does the RoboSigning scandal mean to you? Alex Charfen of CDPE reports:

"Some of the nation’s largest banks will appear before Congress today to explain their actions regarding the “robo-signing” scandal in which lenders allegedly filed thousands of inaccurate documents in foreclosure cases. This scandal initially led to the recent foreclosure freezes by major lenders.

A 125-page report just released by the Congressional Oversight Panel may influence the conversation on Capitol Hill. Alluding to the size, scope and potential large-scale consequences of this scandal, the report said: “If documentation problems prove to be pervasive and, more importantly, throw into doubt the ownership of not only foreclosed properties but also pooled mortgages, the consequences could be severe.”

CNNMoney.com reported the overall concern is that the “banks will be forced to buy back mortgages that had been bundled and sold in the $7.6 trillion market for Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, or RMBS. That could result in severe losses for the banks and destabilize the still-fragile financial system.”

Today’s appearances will include Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, and sessions will continue on Thursday." (excerpt from CDPE blog, Alex Charfen)

If Congress determines damages are due by lenders and servicers purported to be Robosigners, the remedy will likely be monetary damages, not restitution of the property. More to come, check back frequently.

Worried about losing your home? 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

Foreclosure Freeze is starting to Thaw

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:26:57 GMT

During the much debated nationwide foreclosure freeze by Bank of America, homeowners in danger of soon losing their homes to foreclosure have gotten a short reprieve. If you are in this situation, this is an opportunity for you to do something about your situation! Fact: More than 70% of homeowners who have lost their homes to foreclosure did not seek the advice of a Realtor®. So don’t be a statistic.

Now is the time for distressed homeowners to develop a strategy to put themselves back in control, especially through short sales. Bank of America announced today it is in the process of lifting its foreclosure freezes in 23 states that require a judicial foreclosure proceeding. However, Arizona and other non-judicial states may get a reprieve of a few weeks or months longer while the banks sift through their procedures and documents, to ensure that they are taking proper legal steps before finalizing a foreclosure. If you or someone you know is in this situation, there may still be time to get the home sold.

In fact, Bank of America has made short sales a priority in handling distressed properties. The bank has let the Real Estate industry know that they’re pushing heavily for agents to be “proactive” and notify the bank as soon as possible when they interact with a homeowner to list a potential short sale. This shows their willingness to work with agents–especially those who are short-sale-certified with the SFR or CDPE Designations–toward this dignified solution to foreclosure.

Although Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Ally (GMAC) have not entirely reinstated all of their foreclosure proceedings, it is only a matter of time before they do. It is vital that both Agents and distressed homeowners come together quickly to establish a plan and find real solutions. You may know someone in this situation. If you do, please tell them to contact a Realtor for help and advice.

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

What Foreclosure Freeze Means for Distressed Homeowners

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:18:30 GMT

October 10th, 2010 (courtesy of cdpe)

It’s hard to miss the news in real estate today: major lenders are investigating issues in their foreclosure processes. To date, GMAC (now Ally Financial), JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have announced foreclosure freezes to review how their companies are handling the process. While most lenders have stalled foreclosure procedures in roughly half the nation, Bank of America recently extended their freezes to all 50 states.
However, few are talking about what this means for distressed homeowners and the agents who can help them. While these major lenders evaluate their foreclosure processes, delinquent and seriously delinquent homeowners now have more time to evaluate alternatives to foreclosure. Real estate professionals, particularly CDPE-designated agents like Audry Wolff, have an opportunity to reach out to these homeowners and educate them about their options.

Not every distressed homeowner may qualify for a short sale. But solutions do exist for homeowners in need, even if it does not result in a sale. If you are facing a true hardship I want to help you salvage your financial future.

It’s important to note that time may be short in these foreclosure freezes. GMAC was even quoted as stating their halt could extend through the end of the year, but may be as short as a few weeks. Don't delay - Take the first step to see what your options are.

Visit www.YourOptionsNow.com
Help for Homeowners In the Phoenix East Valley
AUDRY WOLFF, Your CDPE-certified Realtor
Phone/Text 480-244-8398 eMail: AudryW@Gmail.com

Is your Bank Giving You the Run-Around?

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:47:03 GMT

Are you tired of being strung along by your lender? Do they repeatedly say they never got your fax even though you have a receipt? Help may be on the way.Leading the way: The California Democratic Congressional Delegation is petitioning federal regulators and the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a formal investigation into servicers' foreclosure practices. Named in the petition are 3 of the big banks: GMAC, JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

We are 3 years into this mortgage crisis and you would think they have their act together by now. You would thiink by;now the process of applying for and getting a short sale approved by your lender is seamless and can be done in a matter of weeks, not months. And it seems like there is still nothing but excuses from these lenders would have been the recipient of bailouts and incentives to work with borrowers toward saving their homes. Yet the crisis continues with now 1 in 5 homeowners having mortgage problems.

Citing thousands of cases, banks and their servicers are accused of repeated misleading and obstructing homeowners from getting approval on a short sale. Stay tuned, more to come...

Find Help for Homeowners at www.YourOptionsNow.com

What is a Short Refinance?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:01:44 GMT

Short Refinance Program Initiated

September 6th, 2010 in CDPE by cdpe

In an effort to help homeowners who owe more on their homes than they’re currently worth, the government will initiate its “short refinance” program on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

According to an August 6 Mortgagee Letter released by HUD (click here to download the entire letter), the program will allow “borrowers who are current on their mortgage to qualify for an FHA refinance loan provided that the lender or investor writes off the unpaid principal balance of the original first lien mortgage by at least 10 percent.”

While lender consent is required and program participation voluntary, the FHA has stated the program could modify between 500,000 and 1.5 million upside-down mortgages.

Following are a few of the eligibility requirements detailed in the Mortgagee Letter:

Homeowner must have negative equity, be current on the existing mortgage, and have a FICO score greater than or equal to 500
It must be for the homeowner’s primary residence
Existing loan can’t be FHA-insured
First lien holder must write off at least 10 percent of the unpaid principal balance
Refinanced mortgage must have a loan-to-value ratio (LTV) no greater than 97.75 percent
Second liens must be re-subordinated so the new loan does not exceed a combined LTV of 115 percent

Because of this last requirement, this program may have difficulty when confronted with situations involving second lien holders.

Arizona gets $125 M under Hardest-Hit Mortgage Relief Fund

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:54:51 GMT

Just announced: The Obama administration has approved a massive Mortgage Relief program for states that have been hit the hardest by the mortgage crisis and Arizona is one of them. Arizona will be getting $125.1 Million under the program and will use the money to fund principal and interest rate reductions and term extension modifications. The state will also eliminate 2nd liens where they prevent modification of first liens; and will grant financial aid to under-employed borrowers while they seek employment. Read full article here: .http://bit.ly/a16YTV

Do You Qualify for HAFA Short Sale?

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:44:48 GMT

Visit www.YourOptionsNow.com and let's get started.

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

More and more lenders are approving short sales these days. Want to know if your lender will approve your request for a short sale? There's a couple of steps you need to take to find out. First, you need to see whether your loan is guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

For Fannie Mae:
1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST)
www.FannieMae.com/loanlookup

For Freddie Mac:
1-800-FREDDIE (8am to 8pm EST)
www.FreddieMac.com/mymortgage

Next, check to see whether your lender is participating in the HAFA program (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives). For the latest info, check the official list at Making Home Affordable website: http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/contact_servicer.html

If you have already applied for a modification under HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program), you are already halfway there. The same application forms can be used. Your lender will let you know what your home may be offered for and instruct you to list it with a Realtor.

Fannie/Freddie now accepting HAFA Short Sales

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:42:53 GMT

Great news! Homeowners wishing to pursue a short sale where loan modification has failed may now pursue HAFA short sale even if they have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. When the HAFA program was rolled out in April, these "GSE" loans were not eligible which was quite puzzling to many in the industry since the Government sponsors Fannie and Freddie. We were told they were devising their "own program". Now, both Fannie and Freddie are encouraging all loan servicers to begin implementing HAFA procedures immediately. Since these represent a majority of the loans that have been made in the past few years, we are thrilled that help is on the way for so many more homeowners! Use the tools available at www.YourOptionsNow.com to determine if your loans is a Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae loan. Then decide if the HAFA program is right for you with the quick survey. I stand ready to help when you decide the time is right.

Strategic Default

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:35:29 GMT

A strategic default has far-reaching effects on the economy and the ability for you and all your friends, family and neighbors to get home loans in the future. Mortgage industry leaders in Phoenix sound off:

http://bit.ly/bvVRBP

Explanation of the HAFA Foreclosure Alternative plan

Fri, 14 May 2010 11:55:06 GMT

Here's another excellent explanation of HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative), this time by NAR's Jeff Lischer. You may qualify for this program, or others available under Federal regulations. (You may also want to take the simple surveys available on this site to see if you fit into this program or others that are available. If you have questions, I'd be happy to listen.

ALSO, If you'd like to attend a free seminar on HAFA, sent me an email to reserve a spot for you. These seminars are held every few weeks right here in the East Valley by top attorneys who will answer your most pressing questions. If you decide you need more detailed advice, your participation in the seminar entitles you to a 1 hour legal consultation for only $95.

Who is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:52:44 GMT

Who is Fannie Mae? Freddie Mac?

It’s not who, but what. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are Acronyms given to the 2 GSE’s (Government Sponsored Enterprises) that were created years ago by the federal government to ensure that low-cost loans would be made available to the public for home purchases.

Fannie Mae, or FNMA, is an abbreviation of Federal National Mortgage Association.

Freddie Mac, or FHLMC, is an abbreviation of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

To find out if your home loan is owned by one of these GSE’s, check out these links:

FANNIE MAE --or-- FREDDIE MAC

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

How do I Know Whether a Short Sale is Right for Me?

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:24:30 GMT

There are many options available these days for homeowners who are upside down and feeling hopeless Which program works best for your situation? Take a free online survey at www.YourOptionsNow.com to find out

And if you are wondering: How it will affect my credit? Am I facing bankruptcy? Do I stop making payments? When do I move out?

You may want to attend one of the FREE SEMINARS for homeowners offered by Attorneys that specialize in Short Sales, Foreclosures and Bankruptcy. For a schedule and more information how to sign up for these FREE SEMINARS, please feel free to call me at 480-244-8398 or email me at audryw@gmail.com

Do you have any choice or power when dealing with the lender(s). With me and an attorney on your side, we can be a powerful negotiating team when dealing with your the lender(s). To better serve you, I have aligned myself with attorneys that specialize in Short Sales, Foreclosures and Bankruptcy. If you want to find out the right answers to all your questions, take advantage of one of these FREE SEMINARS conducted by Attorneys who know the best way to deal with your lender(s). Mention me as your Realtor so that they know to treat you with the utmost care. AND by attending one of these FREE SEMINARS you are eligible to receive a one hour Consultation with one of these incredibly informative Attorneys for the low fee of $95.Such a bargain! (This a $250 value).

Take the first step and see what your options are Visit www.YourOptionsNow.com

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...

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

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.

Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy

Considering filing for bankruptcy? There may be alternatives you've never considered …

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and are possibly considering bankruptcy, there may be better solutions for your particular circumstances. I've created the free report available on this page, "The Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy," to provide more information.

Alternatives to foreclosure, such as conducting a short sale and moving into a rental residence with less expensive payments, may offer the breathing room you need to reorganize your finances.

To get your free report, fill out the form below and click send. However, if your situation is urgent and you need immediate assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I'm here to assist you.

Audry Wolff-Certified Distressed Property Expert

Exciting Opportunity for my Arizona friends

New FTC Rule Protects Homeowners from Mortgage Relief Scammers

NEW FTC RULE AIMS TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM MORTGAGE RELIEF SCAMS By: Heather Hill Cernoch 11/22/2010

RoboSigners Scrutinized by Congress

Foreclosure Freeze is starting to Thaw

What Foreclosure Freeze Means for Distressed Homeowners

Is your Bank Giving You the Run-Around?

What is a Short Refinance?

Short Refinance Program Initiated

Arizona gets $125 M under Hardest-Hit Mortgage Relief Fund

Do You Qualify for HAFA Short Sale?

Fannie/Freddie now accepting HAFA Short Sales

Strategic Default

Explanation of the HAFA Foreclosure Alternative plan

Who is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

How do I Know Whether a Short Sale is Right for Me?

Arizona to Get More Federal Aid under New Plan

HAMP Loan Modifications Spiked in January

FTC bans upfront fees on loan mods

Spring 2010, look for FHA to crack down on qualifying

Qualifying for a loan after a short sale

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

Deed for Lease Program

Getting De-Cluttered

Getting De-Cluttered

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Options and Solutions

Options and Solutions

Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy

Considering filing for bankruptcy? There may be alternatives you've never considered …

NEW FTC RULE AIMS TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM MORTGAGE RELIEF SCAMS
By: Heather Hill Cernoch 11/22/2010