Renewed trust in tough times

Does it feel like trust is one of the major casualties of the economic meltdown, followed by the “Great Recession,” the “Jobless Recovery” and now the threat of a “Double Dip Recession?” I had a friend call it the “Great Correction”, not matter, when is the pain going to end? Weren’t we told home values were destined to go up and up?

There have been lots of promises that help is on the way and lots of warnings of scams and schemes that have only served to confuse the matter. So where’s a homeowner who’s underwater or overleveraged to turn?
The bottom line is the choices that homeowners make when they feel they are at the end of their rope will have ramifications for years to come on their ability to qualify for credit, their job prospects, their security clearance and their overall finances. When a family’s financial trajectory is rapidly heading in a negative direction, there’s no substitute for the helping hand of a knowledgeable expert who has the integrity, the experience and the training to reverse the course—someone who is tapped into regulatory initiatives and can separate fact from fiction.

It is my mission to serve as a credible source of information and perspective to homeowners who have found themselves in a tough situation and need help sorting through their options. That’s why I sought out the Certified Distressed Property (CDPE) designation and it’s why I continue to stay on top of regulatory and industry developments that impact options available to homeowners who are struggling with their current financial situations.

My message to homeowners who do not know where to turn, there is hope. Foreclosure is not inevitable and neither the government nor your bank wants to see that happen. No one expected to find themselves on the brink of foreclosure, but I have worked with clients who have managed to turn their financial trajectory around and get on a path of financial recovery.

It CAN be done! And it would be my privilege to help.

Our impact on our communities

So it’s been an exhausting couple of weeks for me on the real estate front here in Hampton Roads. I’ve had several poignant moments that have stopped me in my tracks. I thought I might share a few.

One of the most joyful parts of my job is helping my client (buyer or seller) accomplish their goals and/or dreams. It hit me a few days ago, what an incredible affect what we do as Agents and Real Estate Specialists has on our community and in the lives of so many. Some are starting a new life, while others are closing a chapter in theirs.

We often assist buyers in re-locations from different parts of the country and the world. In addition to coming to a community they are not familiar with, they are often faced with the reality that Hampton Roads housing market is priced above thier current market. I’ve seen this with re-locations from Texas, Georgia and a few other states. So, basically the buyer is getting less house than they currently have or had for more money. This can often make finding a home rather difficult and in some cases disappointing for the prospective purchaser. I try to keep my client’s spirits up, their expectations in order and help them find the best property that meets their housing needs at  the best price possible. It’s so rewarding to close the transaction and the buyer’s are delighted with their new home, although it’s not as big or grand, they are finally settling into their new life.

Another recent appointment was with a distressed property owner. I really can’t express how it burdens my heart to have to tell sellers their home is not worth what they paid for it, especially when the market value  is extremely lower than what they owe the bank. I find it even harder when they break down and fall apart. I will admit I have sat and cried with sellers more than a few times. As Real Estate Specialists, what we do and say has great impact on the lives of our clients. I find too often in this economy that compassion is lost and cynicism is rampant. Sit down and listen to your client’s needs.  Explain how foreclosure and short sale work, most don’t really know, as they never imagined they might face this terrifying possibility.

A highlight to our job is the excitement of the first time home buyer. Normally, they enter the process with fear and hesitation not to mention a long list of horror stories offered up by friends and family. We educate them about the buying process, their rights, get them pre-approved for a loan and hit the road. That’s when the “real adventure” begins! We find the home that evokes what I like to  call “perma-grin”, yep that smile that seems to be permanently affixed to the buyers face. When they talk about the property, they smile, when the re-visit the property, they smile. This is a tel-tale sign we’ve found “the one”. So we navigate the offer, negotiations, inspections, appraisals, etc and proceed to closing. After the ink of the last signature has dried, they receive the keys to their new home and the title “First Time Homeowner”. Of course the perma-grin is back!

I have to confess, real estate can be a roller coaster, but I have always loved roller coasters and I do love this job that I have been so blessed with. Thank you to my instructors, brokers, fellow agents, contractors, vendors, neighbors,  friends, family, clients and past clients you make my job as a Real Estate Specialist, worth it! I can honestly say I believe I am doing what I was called to do.

Hampton Roads Housing Stats – June & July 2011 ~ Good News!

Hampton Roads real estate market continues to show signs of progress. The great news is the number of active homes on the market decreased by 11.6% over July of 2010’s figures, while number of under contract and settled sales increased by 24.7% over July of 2010. What this means is the inventory is being absorbed, which leads to a more stable market thus stabilizing home prices.

Bank owned or short sales (also known as distressed properties) made up 30.3% of the sales in July of 2011.

INVENTORY      
     (# OF MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES ON THE MARKET)
  JUNE JULY REDUCED
      BY
VIRGINIA BEACH 7.53 7.5 0.03
CHESAPEAKE 8.85 8.77 0.08
NORFOLK 10.14 9.71 0.43

 

 

**NOTE: All statistics provided herein were provided by Real Estate Information Network (REIN)

Handling the Stress of an Unaffordable Mortgage Payment

Whenever I research the latest foreclosure and distressed property statistics, the sheer number of Americans facing the stress of losing their homes amazes me.  It is my goal to help as many homeowners I can either stay in their homes or relieve the burden of their mortgages. Knowing that there are so many that need my help is a driving force for me to continue doing what I do.

In fact, I just released another report that I’ve made available on my website today. It explains the CDPE designation and lists 10 options that homeowners can take advantage of to relieve the stress that comes with owing their mortgage lenders more money than they can afford to pay.

The report also draws a contrast between short sales and foreclosures. Unfortunately, there’s a growing trend of “strategic defaulters” who think it’s smart to let their home go into foreclosure. As any one who follows this blog knows, there is nothing strategic about foreclosure; it’s one of the most long-lasting, negative financial challenges you can go through.

I’m excited about acting as a resource for more homeowners who have questions about what they should do. As always, if you know homeowners who may need my help, have them contact me immediately! Together, we can put them back on the path to financial stability.

Foreclosure, how did I get here?

Did you know it’s estimated that most American families can only maintain their current living expenses for 30 days or less when income is interrupted.

Most common causes for Distress

  • Loss of employment
  • Reduced Income
  • Business Failure
  • Damage to Property
  • Death of a Spouse
  • Death of a non-wage earning family member
  • Severe illness
  • Inheritance & tax implications
  • Divorce
  • Relocation
  • Military Service
  • Payment Increase or Mortgage Adjustment
  • Insurance or Tax Increase
  • Separation
  • Too Much Debt
  • Incarceration

Most banks will give consideration to the causes listed above in the case of a foreclosure and often consider your short sale request.

Unfortunately in most cases the average agent who is not a CDPE, will excuse themselves from the process very quickly. Make sure you confirm that your agent has the training and certification to help you get the job done.