In Trouble?
Short Sales and 2012
December 30, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
By all indications, it appears that 2012 will be a year with even more short sale listings … and closings than 2011. Some of the major banks have embraced the idea that short sales can be a bit more profitable than letting houses sit for months on end and then ultimately end up in foreclosure. [...]
Mediation?–Yes, You’re Entitled!!
December 14, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Yesterday I posted information about what to do as soon as you fall behind in your mortgage payments. As a second step in the foreclosure process in Washington State, the Foreclosure Fairness Act stipulates that if your loan is through one of the big banks, after receiving notice that a Notice of Default has been [...]
Just Open the Mail!
December 13, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
In Washington State, folks that get behind on their house payments have options as described in the Foreclosure Fairness Act. The Act prescribes a series of steps to which a homeowner is entitled prior to any auction of their home. One of the first steps a lender must take for a home in Washington is [...]
Facing a Foreclosure or Short Sale?
October 6, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
The Washington State attorney general’s office recently released three videos that explain your rights and options should you be facing a foreclosure or short sale of your home. As an active Realtor®, I frequently receive phone calls from people that are already behind on their payments, or feel as though they will soon be in trouble [...]
HURRY! — JP Morgan Chase — Strugging Homeowner Event TODAY
September 30, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Buried deep in the newspaper yesterday was an announcement that JPMorganChase Bank is holding an event TODAY, September 30th, for homeowners struggling to make their house payments for Chase and EMC mortgages. Being held from 11am – 5pm at the Chase Homeownership Center, 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 200 in Tukwila, homeowners should bring their most [...]
The Business of Short Sales in Auburn, WA
September 17, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Short sales are a huge part of our area’s current listing inventory and sales statistics. They’re difficult transactions and time consuming. They require specialized knowledge and dedication to the task in order to be successful. They also require impeccable business practices and an adherence to the highest of ethical standards. The business of real estate [...]
What is a Deed-in-Lieu?
August 12, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
A Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure is a process where the lender agrees to take the deed to your home rather than pursue a foreclosure action against you for nonpayment of your loan. This option is easiest where there is only one mortgage, and where there are no other liens. Depending on your lender, a payment might [...]
Sometimes a Short Sale is Just NOT the Right Answer!
August 9, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
I like to consider myself a resource for sellers who are considering their options. Should they pursue a short sale? Should they just walk away? Should they just try to hang on no matter what? Recently I had an opportunity to meet with a wonderful couple that were truly truly trying to do “the right thing,” [...]
Is a Loan Modification for Me?
August 9, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
A number of considerations should be made when you are either in trouble already with your current mortgage, or anticipate that you might be soon. One excellent option might be a loan modification, which is designed to reduce the amount of your mortgage payment to no more than 31% of your gross income. Unfortunately as [...]
Should You Refinance Your Home?
August 9, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
If you feel you have sufficient income to continue making payments on your home, but need to lower the payments, one of the best choices — providing current interest rates are justifiably less than your existing rate — is to refinance the home. By refinancing, you may be able to remain with your existing lender, [...]
7 Tips for Short Sale Success
August 1, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Another easy-to-understand article about selling short sales! Thanks to BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com, By: G. M. Filisko, Published originally on March 19, 2010 Have to sell your home for less than it’s worth? Our seven tips will help you get the best price. When you owe more on your home than it’s worth, but you have to sell, you need to [...]
Foreclosure Sales Account for 31 Percent of All Residential Sales in First Quarter 2010
July 20, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Foreclosure Sales Account for 31 Percent of All Residential Sales in First Quarter According to New Report From RealtyTrac. As an active short sale broker, assisting both buyers and sellers of short sale properties, I consider it a critical party of my job to help keep all parties involved and informed. A recent statistical article by [...]
Want to Buy or Sell in Auburn, WA? Better Use an Experienced Short Sale Agent!
May 18, 2010 by Gabrielle · 6 Comments
At a recent Short Sale and Foreclosure class, I observed that possibly over 70% of agents in the greater Seattle/Bellevue/Tacoma area have never handled a short sale or bank-owned (foreclosure) property on either the buyer or seller side. Now that may be okay in some areas of King County, but as you work your way south into the [...]
Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
May 18, 2010 by Gabrielle · 2 Comments
I recently completed requirements by the National Association of Realtors to receive certification as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource, although I’ve been assisting buyers and sellers of these types of properties since 2004. Taking the certification class was a fascinating experience – of the group of approximately 50 agents present, fewer than 30% of [...]
Watch Your Credit Score If You Do a Loan Modification!
January 19, 2010 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
This morning I was startled to read an article in RIS Media, an information service that scans the news services and gathers articles impacting real estate — for homeowners, buyers and for agents — reporting that Credit Scores are being reduced as much as 100 points for successful Loan Modifications! Loan Modifications are one avenue that [...]
