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Considering Short Sales
May 25, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
In today’s economic climate, many families are finding themselves in dire straights. The home that was once a blessing has now become a financial burden.
In an attempt to avoid foreclosure, which can reap havoc on one’s credit for years to come, homeowners are searching out details on short sales.
In simple terms, a foreclosure is when, after defaulting on payments (typically after 3 months), an estate becomes the absolute property of the lender. And what’s more, in some cases you, the homeowner, may also be responsible for “deficiency judgments.” These mean if the sale of the foreclosed property doesn’t satisfy the amount of the loan, you may be obligated to pay the difference.
On the other hand, a short sale, according to MSN Money, is “the sale of a house for less than what the owner still owes on the mortgage. If the lender agrees to a short sale, the rest of the homeowner’s debt typically is forgiven. Lenders sometimes agree to the procedure in order to take a small loss and avoid the lengthy and costly foreclosure process.”
There are more reasons to avoid foreclosure than just your credit rating. A recent report from NeighborWorks America ® notes that other factors come into play in neighborhoods affected by foreclosures. These issues include such things as lowered property values, increased incidence of financial scams, youth stress and instability, and increased crime rates. The report notes, “Abandoned homes from the foreclosure crisis have a direct effect on the rise in crime in communities.” And according to another study by Dan Immergluck of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and Geoff Smith of the Woodstock Institute in Chicago, “When the foreclosure rate increases one percentage point, neighborhood violent crime rises 2.33 percent.”
There are some prudent steps to take when considering a short sale.
First, learn about loan modifications. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to lenders. Pick up the phone and call your lender, explain your situation, and see what your options may be that could allow you to stay in your home. The processes of foreclosure and short sale can be costly to lenders, and they may be willing to work out a payment schedule that will get you through this trying time.
Read the rest of the article:
Realty Times – Considering Short Sales.
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-05-23
May 23, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
- Hit triple digits today #hotarizona #
- Celebrating 24 years of marriage to Mrs Donna! Love you! #
- Fast fixes for foreclosed homes – http://tinyurl.com/23chpfu (via @davidspatterson) #
- Fannie Mae Extends 3.5 Percent Seller Assistance on its Real Estate Owned Properties | Anthem Foreclosures http://ow.ly/1NJ0Y #
- Enjoying the 90degree temps in phx #
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Prestigious Phoenician East in Scottsdale AZ – Lender Owned
May 23, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
Single Family Home for sale in Scottsdale, AZ
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Overview Maps Photos Description Market Stats |
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Fast fixes for foreclosed homes
May 18, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
Fast fixes for foreclosed homes
(ARA) – The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home’s appeal and value.
“Many people are finding huge opportunities in fixing up foreclosures,” says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. “Most of these houses can be completely transformed with just a few improvements. Often, the fixes are easy enough to be do-it-yourself projects.”
Here are some popular cost-effective options for breathing new life into a home in need.
Add new counter-tops.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home, since it is a space where people spend a lot of time – from cooking dinner to entertaining friends. One of the most dramatic changes that can be made to a kitchen is adding new counter-tops. It alters the appearance of the space by changing the color scheme, depth and texture of the whole room.
Counter-tops range in price depending on room size, type of material and mode of installation. In an average kitchen, a new laminate counter-top starts at around $1,000, with granite or quartz ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Butcher-block counter-tops are another attractive, yet cost-effective option. Williamsburg Butcher Block Company offers options in both maple and American cherry starting around $310.
Replace the bathtub.
Foreclosed houses frequently come with water stains left by standing water in sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Updating a bathroom by installing a new bathtub not only removes the problem, but, because the tub is a core item, it creates a more pleasant feeling in the room. Bathtubs are available in many different styles and sizes, so there is likely to be one that suits any taste, from traditional to contemporary. Bathtubs start at around $300, depending on the size and style.
Trade carpeting for new wood flooring.
Foreclosed houses are frequently abandoned with soiled carpet that continues to gather buildup over time. Mold is also common in homes that have been left bare for extended periods. To get rid of hidden odors, allergens, irritants and mold, replace carpet with wood, particularly in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and great rooms.
In addition to reviving these common areas, swapping carpet for wood adds style and creates a more spacious feel. The choice of wood can also make a big difference. Light wood colors can make a room appear larger, medium-toned woods can make a room appear more traditional and dark flooring can make a room appear warmer.
“The introduction of so many new species, colors and types of wood flooring in recent years gives homeowners a lot of options when renovating a room at different price points,” says Sullivan.
Laminate flooring can deliver the appearance of solid hardwoods, but costs less than $1 per square foot at places like Lumber Liquidators. This allows budget do-it-yourselfers the ability to transform a 400-square-foot area for as little as $750.
In addition to making a foreclosed home look new again, completing these easy and affordable updates can go a long way in restoring the value of the property when it comes time to sell.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-05-16
May 16, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
- Now the deadline passed how do I claim the first time home buyer tax credit? http://6xa29.th8.us #
- Great new Fannie Mae home in New River http://www.flexmls.com/share/Wrg/42925-N-46th-AVE-New-River-AZ-85087 #
- Anthem’s Arizona Music in the park in May has started http://6xqox.th8.us #
- Anthem's Music in May 2010 – http://tinyurl.com/38tezkk (via @davidspatterson) #anthem #anthemforeclosores #
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Anthem’s Music in May 2010
May 12, 2010 by David Patterson · Leave a Comment
Music in May is here starting on Friday May 7th, on each following Friday 14th, 21st, & 28th, 2010
from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Anthem Community Park. Come by and listen to some great music and discover what makes Anthem great.
Music_In_The_Park
With starry, starry nights, cool evening breezes and the beautiful Anthem Community Park as the perfect backdrop, Music in May returns once again to Anthem. This year, residents will enjoy the music of four diverse bands that play country rock, classic and contemporary hits, Beatles music and world music. Performers and dates are listed below.
Music in May takes place 7:00pm each Friday night in May at the amphitheater in the Anthem Community Park. Bring your blanket or lawn chair, your picnic and your family, sit back, relax and enjoy the music of the night.
Interested in being a sponsor of Music in May? For more information on sponsorship and more, please contact Michele DeMichele, Special Events Director, at mdemichele@anthemcouncil.com or 623-742-4510.
