Tag: For Sale by Owner

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Avoiding Foreclosure

Options to Sell Your House Fast When Facing Foreclosure

So, you’re facing foreclosure? One of the best options you have is to sell your house fast when facing foreclosure. We can help with that!

Selling a house can be a daunting process for those inexperienced in the real estate business.

However, this article will help you break down and explain all questions you might have about how to sell your house fast when facing foreclosure.

I’ll teach you how to sell a house to avoid foreclosure, how the owner can sell a house fast when facing foreclosure, how to sell your house before foreclosure and selling your house during foreclosure.

Let’s go.

sell your house fast when facing foreclosure

What is foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a legal process which is undertaken if the homeowner fails to pay his mortgage. If you’re from Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, have a look at my FL Foreclosure Process article to fully understand the laws and the consequences of the foreclosure process in FL.

The trick most people aren’t aware of is, that you can sell a house fast when facing foreclosure.

Here’s how.

How to sell your house fast when facing foreclosure

There are several options you have when you want to sell a house fast:

  • Sell with an agent at a reduced price
  • Sell to cash home buyers
  • Sell for sale by owner
  • Marketing sale

Sell with an agent at a reduced price

Plenty of websites will tell you how to sell a house with an agent, but not many go into how to sell with an agent at a reduced price. There are a few tricks you can consider when you want to sell your house fast when facing foreclosure.

Trick #1: Lower the commission fees

Realtors usually charge 6% or more on commission. It’s what many accept as a standard fee, however, you are often able to negotiate this fee in half.

Trick #2: Compare agent fees

Don’t go with the first agent you find just because they’re the closest to you – they might be charging fees out of this world. Instead, shop around – find someone who you feel will be willing to lower the fees and still perform an excellent job.

Trick #3: Up the value of your property

Although this might not necessarily lower your agent fees, it will help you balance it all out and keep a steady cash flow.

san Francisco sell your house fast when facing foreclosure

Sell to cash home buyers

Selling your house fast to a cash home buyer is becoming a popular option in the USA and it’s slowly spreading around the world. There are many pros that come with this decision:

  • Your house can be sold in a week – if you sell with PHP Houses, we will aim to sell in just a couple of days if necessary.
  • Sell without making any repairs on the house.
  • Receive a cash offer within 24 hours.
  • Hassle-free sale.

Sell for sale by owner

There are many reasons why someone might not want to go through a realtor to sell their house:

  • It’s expensive.
  • It takes time.
  • It’s a gamble.
  • It depends on the season.

If you’re real estate savvy and an excellent negotiator, you can sell your house fast when facing foreclosure by selling it by yourself. The truth is, you can save more than 7% of the property value if you decide to sell a house by owner.

sell your house fast when facing foreclosure plan

Here’s how you can be your own real estate agent:

  • Put a value on your home.
  • Obtain a flat fee listing on the MLS
  • Research laws in your state.
  • Hold a house viewing.
  • Sell, sell, sell!

Please note that selling your own home is not for everyone – it requires plenty of business skill and some marketing experience.

But don’t you worry – just move on to the next step in this article to find out how to correctly market your property and sell your house fast when facing foreclosure.

Must-do marketing tricks to sell your property FAST

So here’s how you should market your house to sell it fast when facing foreclosure.

  • ‘For sale’ sign on your front yard.
  • List your property on reputable services such as Zillow or any newspaper ads if you’re looking for a local buyer.
  • Start a property auction!
  • Create a website for your property. Use Google Adwords to attract more users.
  • Put your property website in your email signature.
  • Promote your property on Facebook and Facebook real estate / house buying groups.
  • Do a tour of your house on Youtube.
  • Network. Network. Network.
  • Word of mouth – your buyer might be living next door!
  • Use flyers to attract locals.
  • Advertise at your local events.
  • Find property buyers in your area.
  • Email campaign!
  • Open and friendly communication with everyone you come in contact with – be AWESOME!

Marketing tips: Don’t overdo it. Make sure your reputation is positive – sometimes too much marketing can bring bad reputation to your property and it will make it harder for you to sell. The best option is always to start locally – just ask around, you never know what or who you might find in your area. For more information about preventing foreclosure, please read this article.

avoiding to sell your house fast when facing foreclosure

Avoid Foreclosure By Selling Your Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties House Before Auction

Remember: PHP Houses can make you a cash offer to buy the house as-is. Paying cash for houses allows us to close very quickly…in as little as 2 days if absolutely necessary.

Click here to get a cash offer for your house or just give us a call at 407-641-1531. We look forward to talking with you about what options you have.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

Today’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later.

1. Virtual Consultations – Instead of heading into an office, you can meet with real estate and lending professionals through video chat. Whether it’s your first initial needs analysis as a buyer or your listing appointment as a seller, you can still get the process started remotely and create a plan together. Your trusted advisor is still on your side.

2. Home Searches & Virtual Showings – According to theNational Association of Realtors (NAR), the Internet is one of the three most popular information sources buyers use when searching for homes. Your real estate agent can send you listing information and help you request a virtual showing when you’re ready to start looking. This means you can virtually walk through the homes on your wish list while keeping your family safe. As a seller, you can still have virtual open houses and virtual tours too, so as not to miss those buyers looking to find a home right now.

3. Document Signing – Although this is another area that varies by state, today more portions of the transaction are being done digitally. In many areas, your agent or loan officer can set up an account where you can upload all of the required documents and sign electronically right from your computer.

4. Sending Money – Whether you need to pay for an appraisal or submit closing costs, there are options available. Depending on the transaction and local regulations, you may be able to pay by credit card, and most banks will also allow you to wire funds from your account. Sometimes you can send a check by mail, and in some states, a mobile escrow agent will pick up a check from your home.

5. Closing Process – Again, depending on your area, a mobile notary may be able to bring the required documents to your home before the closing. If your state requires an attorney to be present, check with your legal counsel to see what options are available. Also, depending on the title company, some are allowing drive-thru closings, which is similar to doing a transaction at a bank window.

Although these virtual processes are starting to become more widely accepted, it does not mean that this is the way things are going to get done from now on. Under the current circumstances, however, technology is making it possible to continue much of the real estate transaction today.

Bottom Line

If you need to move today, technology can help make it happen; there are options available. Let’s touch base today to discuss your situation and our local regulations, so you don’t have to put your real estate plans on hold.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent

How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent

There’s a ton of real estate information available in the news today and on the Internet. It can be extremely confusing, especially in times of uncertainty like we’re facing right now.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, you need an agent who can help you:

  • Make sense of this rapidly evolving housing market
  • Navigate everything from virtual showings to new online marketing strategies
  • Price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process
  • Determine what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller

Dave Ramsey, a financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the current market will make your buying or selling experience so much easier.

So, how do you identify who truly understands what’s happening right now? How do you know who will take the time to simply and effectively explain what today’s market conditions mean to you and your family?

Check out the agent on social media. What are they posting on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more? Are they using their social media platforms to share relevant, helpful information, or are they just posting memes and recipes? The best agents are committed to educating the consumer so they can feel confident when buying or selling a home.

Bottom Line

What agents are posting online will help you determine who meets the criteria Dave Ramsey suggested you look for: someone with the heart of a teacher. Let’s connect today, so you can work with a true trusted real estate professional.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

Let’s Connect:
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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks. The next announced unemployment rate on May 8th is expected to be in the double digits. Because the health crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, many are feeling a personal financial crisis. James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explained that the government is trying to find ways to assist those who have lost their jobs and the companies which were forced to close (think: your neighborhood restaurant). In a recent interview he said:

“This is a planned, organized partial shutdown of the U.S. economy in the second quarter. The overall goal is to keep everyone, households and businesses, whole.”

That’s promising, but we’re still uncertain as to when the recently unemployed will be able to return to work.

Another concern: how badly will the U.S. economy be damaged if people can’t buy homes?

A new concern is whether the high number of unemployed Americans will cause the residential real estate market to crash, putting a greater strain on the economy and leading to even more job losses. The housing industry is a major piece of the overall economy in this country.

Chris Herbert, Managing Director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, in a post titled Responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic, addressed the toll this crisis will have on our nation, explaining:

“Housing is a foundational element of every person’s well-being. And with nearly a fifth of US gross domestic product rooted in housing-related expenditures, it is also critical to the well-being of our broader economy.”

How has the unemployment rate affected home sales in the past?

It’s logical to think there would be a direct correlation between the unemployment rate and home sales: as the unemployment rate went up, home sales would go down, and when the unemployment rate went down, home sales would go up.

However, research reviewing the last thirty years doesn’t show that direct relationship, as noted in the graph below. The blue and grey bars represent home sales, while the yellow line is the unemployment rate. Take a look at numbers 1 through 4:

Unemployment Rates and Home Sales
  1. The unemployment rate was rising between 1992-1993, yet home sales increased.
  2. The unemployment rate was rising between 2001-2003, and home sales increased.
  3. The unemployment rate was rising between 2007-2010, and home sales significantly decreased.
  4. The unemployment rate was falling continuously between 2015-2019, and home sales remained relatively flat.

The impact of the unemployment rate on home sales doesn’t seem to be as strong as we may have thought.

Isn’t this time different?

Yes. There is no doubt the country hasn’t seen job losses this quickly in almost one hundred years. How bad could it get? Goldman Sachs projects the unemployment rate to be 15% in the third quarter of 2020, flattening to single digits by the fourth quarter of this year, and then just over 6% percent by the fourth quarter of 2021. Not ideal for the housing industry, but manageable.

How does this compare to the other financial crises?

Some believe this is going to be reminiscent of The Great Depression. From the standpoint of unemployment rates alone (the only thing this article addresses), it does not compare. Here are the unemployment rates during the Great Depression, the Great Recession, and the projected rates moving forward:

Unemployment Rates Compared to Past Financial Rates

Bottom Line

We’ve given you the facts as we know them. The housing market will have challenges this year. However, with the help being given to those who have lost their jobs and the fact that we’re looking at a quick recovery for the economy after we address the health problem, the housing industry should be fine in the long term. Stay safe.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Buying a House

Why Pre-Approval Is a Great Step to Take Today

If you’re in the position to buy a home this year, pre-approval is something you can still do right now to get ahead in the homebuying process. Let’s connect to talk about your goals for 2020.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram

THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

As our lives, our businesses, and the world we live in change day by day, we’re all left wondering how long this will last. How long will we feel the effects of the coronavirus? How deep will the impact go? The human toll may forever change families, but the economic impact will rebound with a cycle of downturn followed by economic expansion like we’ve seen play out in the U.S. economy many times over.

Here’s a look at what leading experts and current research indicate about the economic impact we’ll likely see as a result of the coronavirus. It starts with a forecast of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Investopedia:

“Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. As a broad measure of overall domestic production, it functions as a comprehensive scorecard of the country’s economic health.”

When looking at GDP (the measure of our country’s economic health), a survey of three leading financial institutions shows a projected sharp decline followed by a steep rebound in the second half of this year:

Major FInancial Institutions Are Calculating for a Rapid V-Type Recovery

A recent study from John Burns Consulting also notes that past pandemics have also created V-Shaped Economic Recoveries like the ones noted above, and they had minimal impact on housing prices. This certainly gives hope and optimism for what is to come as the crisis passes.

With this historical analysis in mind, many business owners are also optimistic for a bright economic return. A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey shows this confidence, noting 66% of surveyed business owners feel their companies will return to normal business rhythms within a month of the pandemic passing, and 90% feel they should be back to normal operation 1 to 3 months after:

Survey of 50 Leaders from a Cross-Section of Industries

From expert financial institutions to business leaders across the country, we can clearly see that the anticipation of a quick return to normal once the current crisis subsides is not too far away. In essence, this won’t last forever, and we will get back to growth-mode. We’ve got this.

Bottom Line

Lives and businesses are being impacted by the coronavirus, but experts do see a light at the end of the tunnel. As the economy slows down due to the health crisis, we can take guidance and advice from experts that this too will pass.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

The Best Advice Does Not Mean Perfect Advice

The Best Advice Does Not Mean Perfect Advice

The angst caused by the coronavirus has most people on edge regarding both their health and financial situations. It’s at times like these when we want exact information about anything we’re doing – even the correct protocol for grocery shopping. That information brings knowledge, and this gives us a sense of relief and comfort.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home today, the same need for information is very real. But, because it’s such a big step in our lives, that desire for clear information is even greater in the homebuying or selling process. Given the current level of overall anxiety, we want that advice to be truly perfect. The challenge is, no one can give you “perfect” advice. Experts can, however, give you the best advice possible.

Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to her office, she won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. If she could, that would be perfect advice. What a good attorney can do, however, is discuss with you the most effective strategies you can take. She may recommend one or two approaches she believes will be best for your case.

She’ll then leave you to make the decision on which option you want to pursue. Once you decide, she can help you put a plan together based on the facts at hand. She’ll help you achieve the best possible resolution and make whatever modifications in the strategy are necessary to guarantee that outcome. That’s an example of the best advice possible.

The role of a real estate professional is just like the role of the lawyer. An agent can’t give you perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout the transaction – especially in this market.

An agent can, however, give you the best advice possible based on the information and situation at hand, guiding you through the process to help you make the necessary adjustments and best decisions along the way. An agent will get you the best offer available. That’s exactly what you want and deserve.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, contact a local real estate professional to make sure you get the best advice possible.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

Let’s Connect:
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Linkedin
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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Real Estate Market

What You Can Do to Keep Your Dream of Homeownership Moving Forward

What You Can Do to Keep Your Dream of Homeownership Moving Forward

Some Highlights:

  • Don’t put your homeownership plans on hold just because you’re stuck inside.
  • There are several things you can do right now to keep your home search moving forward.
  • Connect with an agent, learn about resource programs for things like down payments, and get pre-approved today.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram

THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.
Categories
Avoiding Foreclosure

I’m Facing Foreclosure What Are My Options?

Homeowners Have Several Options When Facing Foreclosure.

facing foreclosure options

Loan modifications, secondary loans, borrowing from acquaintances, filing for bankruptcy, and selling are all possibilities with varying success rates.

But all foreclosure options aren’t equal. Some common methods used to avoid facing foreclosure can leave the homeowner incurring a larger debt. Other recommended strategies used to stop foreclosure require third-parties to be sympathetic to the foreclosure plight.

If halting foreclosure is a homeowner’s goal, the best foreclosure option might be the least likely.

Modifying Your Loan When Facing Foreclosure

facing foreclosure loan

One of the most common foreclosure options homeowners consider when facing foreclosure is modifying their pre-existing mortgage. This method consists of contacting your mortgage company and requesting one of the many loan modification programs currently out there. While this method is attractive due to its lack of major lifestyle intervention and the ability to keep your home, many homeowners can’t meet the strict modification regulations to keep the foreclosure process at bay.

Typically, loan modifications change the terms initially instituted by a loan agreement between a borrower and a lender.

The lender can change the mortgage payment multiple ways: by lowering the interest rate or late fees, extending the loan term, or reducing the original amount of the agreement. The goal is the same though. Loan modifications are used strategically to lower the monthly payment plan so the homeowner can keep making payments.

It’s an effective solution as long as a borrower is willing and able to continue payments.

There are several loan modification programs to assist homeowners in making those monthly payments. One of the most popular is the new Home Affordable Modification Program, enacted by President Obama. Also known as the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), it allows homeowners to refinance to reduce monthly payments. This program implements a special Making Home Affordable loan modification that can be applied by lenders for homeowners at risk of facing foreclosure.

HASP, as well as most other loan modification programs, comes with mountains of paperwork and a hefty application process. To begin, a lender will ask the homeowner for a set of documents which will be assessed for general qualification. This will include a hardship affidavit in which the borrower explains the set of circumstances that led them to the inability to pay the current mortgage amount.

It also must include the reasons way the borrower will be able to pay the proposed modified mortgage. These hardship letters can be tricky and time-consuming to write and are not often accepted when considering a home loan modification.

Borrowing Money

money back when facing foreclosure

Other common foreclosure options include borrowing money. Homeowners threatened with facing foreclosure need money fast to keep the creditors satiated. Even with a successful loan modification, borrowers need to pay their monthly payments. Often times, cash-strapped homeowners will seek help from friends and family.

Borrowing a large amount of money from friends and family is a bad idea though, especially when your home can be seized by the bank at any time. Money Crasher’s Casey Slide compiled a list of reasons why a person shouldn’t lend money to family and friends.

However, this list can be used to argue why homeowners should avoid borrowing from their loved ones too. Some of Slide’s complaints included people’s ability to be unreliable, borrowers feeling like a servant to the lender, and ending an important relationship due to a loan agreement gone wrong. At best, receiving a loan from a friend or family member will leave a homeowner indebted; at worst, it can leave them with an eviction notice and a failed relationship. Before borrowing money from loved ones, consider other foreclosure options.

Homeowners also choose to borrow money from other loan-offering entities to offset any arrears accrued by their missed mortgage payments. Attempting to pay off a loan with another loan can be dangerous for a homeowner’s credit and lead to a larger debt. It’s an ill-advised method to avoid facing foreclosure.

Facing Foreclosure & Filing Bankruptcy

facing foreclosure options bankruptcy

Many homeowners in financial distress believe the best foreclosure option is filing for bankruptcy to stop foreclosure.

This is due to the numerous misconceptions associated with bankruptcy relief. These misconceptions allow homeowners to believe several fallacies, including bankruptcy will stop you from facing foreclosure, it’s a simple process to file, and that filers will be able to keep their home without paying what they owe on their mortgage. Unfortunately for homeowners, these blanket statements are simply untrue.

Although declaring bankruptcy will buy time during the foreclosure process, it won’t stop the process completely.

If a homeowner files for bankruptcy during the foreclosure process but before the bank sets an auction date, homeowners will be granted an automatic stay. This motion stops lenders from collecting a homeowner’s assets to repay what they owe on the mortgage.

Although an automatic stay is initiated as soon as the borrower files for foreclosure, lenders have rights to appeal this motion. Mortgage companies may file a relief from stay, especially if the borrower has already stopped making monthly mortgage payments. If the bankruptcy grants the lender’s motion, the mortgage company will be able to continue with the foreclosure process and limit the homeowner’s foreclosure options.

A major hassle when filing for bankruptcy are the laws and restrictions associated with the process. Even though all homeowners are allowed to seek the bankruptcy option, many are unable to file due to recent laws that were passed by Congress.

The new bankruptcy laws require homeowners to receive credit counseling from creditors approved by the United States Trustee’s office before filing a bankruptcy case. If the counselors believe a borrower can meet monthly payments due to any number of factors, they’re required to submit their findings to the bankruptcy court. These preliminary findings can devastate a borrower’s bankruptcy case while forcing homeowners to continually pay for a mortgage they can’t afford.

In addition to mandatory credit counseling, homeowners must pass a stricter means test to qualify for bankruptcy. The newest bankruptcy laws restrict some homeowners with higher incomes from filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Whereas outdated bankruptcy laws allowed homeowners to file for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 without restraint, the new regulations require homeowners to pass a means test if a filer’s current monthly income is greater than the median for a household of equal size in their state. This addendum to the already tedious bankruptcy laws are costly to homeowners in need of speedier foreclosure options.

Whether it’s a Chapter 7 liquidation of all debts or a Chapter 13 repayment plan, filing for bankruptcy is not a permanent solution to avoid facing foreclosure. Homeowners are not guaranteed to keep their home while risking seven years of poor credit. For borrowers that need to stop foreclosure immediately, this is not the best foreclosure option.

Selling Your Home Fast

house for sale when facing foreclosure

One of the best options a homeowner has when facing foreclosure is selling their home before an auction. This allows the homeowner to pay off their mortgage and other secondary loans associated with the house, while pocketing any extra profit made from the sale. If the threat of foreclosure is imminent, selling your home as quickly as possible is the best way to avoid facing foreclosure. When a homeowner sells their property, they avoid the credit-destroying experience of foreclosure while able to pay off any lingering debts that caused their initial financial hardship. Consider a cash home buyer to sell immediately, if you’ve already received your Notice of Default. Selling before the lender regains ownership saves the homeowner time and money.

Foreclosure help comes in various shapes and sizes. While asking for help from your mortgage lender or family can be successful, homeowners are often put in precarious financial situations worsening their debt. Filing for foreclosure may also help some borrowers in need, but the heavy restrictions and general misconceptions make it an unreliable option. One of the best options when facing foreclosure is selling your home before auction and paying off your mortgage. Selling a foreclosed home can be simple and lucrative if sold to the right buyer. Weigh your options before attempting to stop foreclosure.

Get a Cash Offer if You’re Facing Foreclosure

We buy houses in Florida and can close very fast. This gives you an option if you are facing foreclosure. We are able to buy the house completely as-is so that you don’t have to make repairs or wait for them to be made.

You won’t have to wait for a qualified buyer to come along because we are the buyer!

We make cash offers within 24 hours and there is no-obligation or fee for us to do so. If you like the offer, we move forward. If you don’t, we won’t. Simple as that.

Give us a call at 407-519-0719 to see what can pay for your house today.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

Let’s Connect:
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Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or as any other type of advice.
Categories
Real Estate Market

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Home?

Money and home,loan,mortgage. Change home into cash concept. US Dollar in sack bag, Wooden house model put on scales on wood table with green tree bokeh as background. Balance home and debt.

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

1. Lower Your Interest Rate and Payment: This is the most popular reason. Is your current interest rate higher than what’s available today? If so, it might be worth seeing if you can take advantage of the current lower rates.

2. Shorten the Term of Your Loan: If you have a 30-year loan, it may be advantageous to change it to a 15 or 20-year loan to pay off your mortgage sooner rather than later.

3. Cash-Out Refinance: You might have enough equity to cash out and invest in something else, like your children’s education, a business venture, an investment property, or simply to increase your cash reserve.

Once you know why you might want to refinance, ask yourself the next question:

How much is it going to cost?

There are fees and closing costs involved in refinancing, and The Lenders Network explains:

“As an example, let’s say your mortgage has a balance of $200,000. If you were to refinance that loan into a new loan, total closing costs would run between 2%-4% of the loan amount. You can expect to pay between $4,000 to $8,000 to refinance this loan.”

They also explain that there are options for no-cost refinance loans, but be on the lookout:

“A no-cost refinance loan is when the lender pays the closing costs for the borrower. However, you should be aware that the lender makes up this money from other aspects of the mortgage. Usually charging a slightly higher interest rate so they can make the money back.”

Keep in mind that, given the current market conditions and how favorable they are for refinancing, it can take a little longer to execute the process today. This is because many other homeowners are going this route as well. As Todd Teta, Chief Officer at ATTOM Data Solutions notes about recent mortgage activity:  

“Refinancing largely drove the trend, with more than twice as many homeowners trading in higher-interest mortgages for cheaper ones than in the same period of 2018.”

Clearly, refinancing has been on the rise lately. If you’re comfortable with the up-front cost and a potential waiting period due to the high volume of requests, then ask yourself one more question:

Is it worth it? 

To answer this one, do the math. Will it help you save money? How much longer do you need to own your home to break even? Will your current home meet your needs down the road? If you plan to stay for a few years, then maybe refinancing is your best move.

If, however, your current home doesn’t fulfill your needs for the next few years, you might want to consider using your equity for a down payment on a new home instead. You’ll still get a lower interest rate than the one you have on your current house, and with the equity you’ve already built, you can finally purchase the home you’ve been waiting for.

Bottom Line

Today, more than ever, it’s important to start working with a trusted real estate advisor. Whether you connect by phone or video chat, a real estate professional can help you understand how to safely navigate the housing market so that you can prioritize the health of your family without having to bring your plans to a standstill. Whether you’re looking to refinance, buy, or sell, a trusted advisor knows the best protocol as well as the optimal resources and lenders to help you through the process in this fast-paced world that’s changing every day.

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 519-0719
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OR AS ANY OTHER TYPE OF ADVICE.