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Buying a House

The #1 Thing You Can Do Now to Position Yourself to Buy a Home This Year

The #1 Thing You Can Do Now to Position Yourself to Buy a Home This Year

The last few weeks and months have caused a major health crisis throughout the world, leading to a pause in the U.S. economy as businesses and consumers work to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The rapid spread of the virus has been compared to prior pandemics and outbreaks not seen in many years. It also has consumers remembering the economic slowdown of 2008 that was caused by a housing crash. This economic slowdown, however, is very different from 2008. In the next paragraphs we’ll show you the #1 Thing You Can Do Now to Position Yourself to Buy a Home This Year.

One thing the experts are saying is that while we’ll see a swift decline in economic activity in the second quarter, we’ll begin a sharp rebound in the second half of this year. According to John Burns Consulting:

“Historical analysis showed us that pandemics are usually V-shaped (sharp recessions that recover quickly enough to provide little damage to home prices), and some very cutting-edge search engine analysis by our Information Management team showed the current slowdown is playing out similarly thus far.” 

Given this situation, if you’re thinking about buying a home this year, the best thing you can do right now is use this time to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which you can do from the comfort of your home. Pre-approval will help you better understand how much you can afford so that you can confidently do the following two things when you’re ready to buy:

1. Gain a Competitive Advantage

Today’s low inventory, like we’ve seen recently and will continue to see, means homebuyers need every advantage they can get to make a strong offer and close the deal. Being pre-approved shows the sellers you’re serious about buying a home, which is always a plus in your corner.

2. Accelerate the Homebuying Process

Pre-approval can also speed-up the homebuying process so you can move faster when you’re ready to make an offer. Being ready to put your best foot forward when the time comes may be the leg-up you need to cross the finish line first and land the home of your dreams.

Bottom Line

Pre-approval is the best thing you can do right now to be in a stronger position to buy a home when you’re ready. Let’s connect today to get the process started.

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.
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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

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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

Don’t Let Frightening Headlines Scare You

Don’t Let Frightening Headlines Scare You

There’s a lot of anxiety right now regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The health situation must be addressed quickly, and many are concerned about the impact on the economy as well.

Amidst all this anxiety, anyone with a megaphone – from the mainstream media to a lone blogger – has realized that bad news sells. Unfortunately, we will continue to see a rash of horrifying headlines over the next few months. Let’s make sure we aren’t paralyzed by a headline before we get the full story.

When it comes to the health issue, you should look to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most reliable information.

Finding reliable resources with information on the economic impact of the virus is more difficult. For this reason, it’s important to shed some light on the situation. There are already alarmist headlines starting to appear. Here are two such examples surfacing this week.

1. Goldman Sachs Forecasts the Largest Drop in GDP in Almost 100 Years

It sounds like Armageddon. Though the headline is true, it doesn’t reflect the full essence of the Goldman Sachs forecast. The projection is actually that we’ll have a tough first half of the year, but the economy will bounce back nicely in the second half; GDP will be up 12% in the third quarter and up another 10% in the fourth.

This aligns with research from John Burns Consulting involving pandemics, the economy, and home values. They concluded:

“Historical analysis showed us that pandemics are usually V-shaped (sharp recessions that recover quickly enough to provide little damage to home prices), and some very cutting-edge search engine analysis by our Information Management team showed the current slowdown is playing out similarly thus far.”

The economy will suffer for the next few months, but then it will recover. That’s certainly not Armageddon.

2. Fed President Predicts 30% Unemployment!

That statement was made by James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. What Bullard actually said was it “could” reach 30%. But let’s look at what else he said in the same Bloomberg News interview:

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

According to Bloomberg, he also went on to say:

“I would see the third quarter as a transitional quarter” with the fourth quarter and first quarter next year as “quite robust” as Americans make up for lost spending. “Those quarters might be boom quarters,” he said.

Again, Bullard agrees we will have a tough first half and rebound quickly.

Bottom Line

There’s a lot of misinformation out there. If you want the best advice on what’s happening in the current housing market, let’s talk 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

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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

Why the Stock Market Correction Probably Won’t Impact Home Values

Why the Stock Market Correction Probably Won’t Impact Home Values

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What’s taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market.

This time, the stock market correction is being caused by an outside event (the coronavirus) with no connection to the housing industry. Many experts are saying the current situation is much more reminiscent of the challenges we had when the dot.com crash was immediately followed by 9/11. As an example, David Rosenberg, Chief Economist with Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc., recently explained:

“What 9/11 has in common with what is happening today is that this shock has also generated fear, angst and anxiety among the general public. People avoided crowds then as they believed another terrorist attack was coming and are acting the same today to avoid getting sick. The same parts of the economy are under pressure ─ airlines, leisure, hospitality, restaurants, entertainment ─ consumer discretionary services in general.”

Since the current situation resembles the stock market correction in the early 2000s, let’s review what happened to home values during that time.

Dot.com and 9/11 Market Crash

The S&P dropped 45% between September 2000 and October 2002. Home prices, on the other hand, appreciated nicely at the same time. That stock market correction proved not to have any negative impact on home values.

Bottom Line

If the current situation is more like the markets in the early 2000s versus the markets during the Great Recession, home values should be minimally affected, if at all.

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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Real Estate Market

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

Some Highlights

  • The COVID-19 pandemic is causing an economic slowdown.
  • The good news is, home values actually increased in 3 of the last 5 U.S. recessions and decreased by less than 2% in the 4th.
  • All things considered, an economic slowdown does not equal a housing crisis, and this will not be a repeat of 2008.

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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Avoiding Foreclosure

Where Can I Get Foreclosure Help in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, FL

Homeowners can have a tough time trying to avoid foreclosure. Late fees, exorbitant monthly payments, and other bills can make affording your current home a nightmare. Tackle on unexpected financial hardships and you’ll almost certainly experience the foreclosure process. But homeowners aren’t alone when needing foreclosure help in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, FL. There are many programs and methods to avoid foreclosure when trying to save your home.

Government Foreclosure Help

foreclosure help money back

There are several places to find foreclosure help in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, FL. Seeking foreclosure help from the government is one of the most common methods. Before contacting your lender about general loan modification, familiarizing yourself with the current initiatives enacted by the federal government can give homeowners the much-needed edge to avoid foreclosure.

One of the most common programs used by homeowners in foreclosure trouble is the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).

Specifically, HAMP is used to lower a borrower’s monthly mortgage payments to make them both affordable and sustainable. The program achieves this by adjusting interest rates, extending payment terms, and reducing – or even forbearing – the loan’s principal for qualified homeowners. HAMP boasts that homeowners save approximately $500 per month on average. Half a grand can be home-saving for homeowners seeking foreclosure help.

Another loan modification plan went into effect 2013 to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Created by Federal Housing and Finance Administration (FHFA), the Streamlined Modification Initiative (SMI) is similar to HAMP by offering homeowners the opportunity to redefine their mortgage payment plan.

Unlike HAMP, however, SMI allows borrowers to qualify for mortgage relief without gathering mountains of paperwork and applying. The mortgage company must mandatorily offer SMI after a borrower misses payment deadlines before initiating foreclosure, typically between 3 and 24 months.

Before SMI modifies the loan permanently, eligible borrowers will be required to make 3 on-time trial payments. The exact terms for those trial payments will differ among homeowners, but will be based on a fixed interest rate and sent through a letter in the mail. Once the trial is completed successfully, the loan changes are permanent. The SMI may also require principal forbearance and extended payment terms for some underwater borrowers.
court foreclosure help. the problems that can come up with foreclosing

“This new option gives delinquent borrowers another path to avoid foreclosure.” FHFA acting director Edward DeMarco said in a press release when SMI was initially proposed. “We will still encourage such borrowers to provide documentation to support other modification options that would likely result in additional borrower savings.”

SMI was enacted to minimize losses and help financially troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure. The program specifically targets government-sponsored agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two of the leading insurers in the nation. Currently, the program works in tangent with a new government initiative enacted this year called the Principal Reduction Modification Program (PRMP).

PRMP is a one-time program for underwater borrowers that need assistance meeting monthly mortgage payments. This new program builds on the pre-existing SMI. If the homeowners can meet the lower payments and accept the lender’s final modification, the principal forbearance amount instituted by SMI will be forgiven. This means that homeowners who qualify for a PRMP will not have to pay back portions of their loans ever. It’s a greatly limited program for borrowers that need foreclosure help in San Antonio, TX.

If homeowners can’t qualify for any of the multitudes of loan modification programs or seek general consultation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free housing counseling services. By contacting an HUD-approved foreclosure avoidance counselor, homeowners can receive information and assistance necessary to avoid foreclosure. This option can be found conveniently on HUD’s website and is no-cost foreclosure help from the government.

Foreclosure Help for Veterans

veterans dealing with foreclosure help

Seeking foreclosure help in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, FL can be especially easy for veterans. In addition to the government programs offered above, veterans can seek help from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA not only offers ample benefits, news, and careers for active and retired servicemen and women, it provides a plethora of resources designed to keep veterans in their homes.

One of VA’s more helpful resources is the Home Loan Guaranty Service (HLGS). This program offers the assistance of more than 150 trained loan technicians situated throughout the country.

Much like HUD’s housing counselors, the service helps veterans understand how to retain their homes and avoid foreclosure with knowledge and assistance. They have some of the lowest rates in the industry while specifically targeting veterans that need government foreclosure help. Impressively, HLGS has helped nearly 300,000 veterans who were delinquent in their mortgage find a solution to avoid foreclosure.

Many veterans struggling to make monthly mortgage payments find relief in a VA streamline refinance loan. They’re similar to SMI but are restricted to homeowners that are also veterans.  Officially known as an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), an IRRRL is a VA-guaranteed loan that lowers your interest rate. Consequently, it decreases the monthly principal and interest payments and offers veterans a better chance at making payments. Veterans are eligible for these refinance loans if their home loan is one of the special VA-guaranteed loans.

Receiving an IRRRL does not require an appraisal, credit information, or underwriting. This allows veterans to apply without restrictions, saving precious time and money during the high-stress situation of a foreclosure. Veterans are allowed to use an IRRRL to refinance an underwater home though. (Remember, being underwater means owing more to your lender than your home is worth.) The basis for an IRRRL is the existing VA loan that cannot be paid, instead of the current market value of your home. Therefore, veterans can receive a greater refinance to pay off any financial hardships keeping them from making those mortgage payments.

Foreclosure Help to Save Your Home

getting foreclosure help

If the loan modification process seems too time-consuming or a homeowner isn’t eligible for the government foreclosure help, there is yet another option. Many homeowners at risk for foreclosure seek foreclosure help by contacting a company that buys houses directly. This option is not only less stressful, it’s also extremely effective when trying to avoid foreclosure.

Many homeowners assume that house buyers are solely interested in buying properties.

However, many house buying investment companies would rather offer free foreclosure help to homeowners in need than make a sale.

House buying companies know the emotional and financial stress caused by foreclosing and all sympathetic to those experiencing financial issues. They’re also unbiased; unlike your lender, house buyers have no financial stake in your loan defaulting. Before making a call to your mortgage lender, contact a house buying company to see what your options are from an unbiased point of view. Unsolicited and sympathetic foreclosure help in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties, FL is always the best option.

PHP Houses is one such house buying company in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties. Give us a call at 407-641-1531 so we can help you with options to avoid foreclosure.

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
Uncategorized

Are We About to See a New Wave of Foreclosures?

Are We About to See a New Wave of Foreclosures?

With all of the havoc being caused by COVID-19, many are concerned we may see a new wave of foreclosures. Restaurants, airlines, hotels, and many other industries are furloughing workers or dramatically cutting their hours. Without a job, many homeowners are wondering how they’ll be able to afford their mortgage payments.

In spite of this, there are actually many reasons we won’t see a surge in the number of foreclosures like we did during the housing crash over ten years ago. Here are just a few of those reasons:

The Government Learned its Lesson the Last Time

During the previous housing crash, the government was slow to recognize the challenges homeowners were having and waited too long to grant relief. Today, action is being taken swiftly. Just this week:

  • The Federal Housing Administration indicated it is enacting an “immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages” for the next 60 days.
  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced it is directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for “at least 60 days.”

Homeowners Learned their Lesson the Last Time

When the housing market was going strong in the early 2000s, homeowners gained a tremendous amount of equity in their homes. Many began to tap into that equity. Some started to use their homes as ATM machines to purchase luxury items like cars, jet-skis, and lavish vacations. When prices dipped, many found themselves in a negative equity situation (where the mortgage was greater than the value of their homes). Some just walked away, leaving the banks with no other option but to foreclose on their properties.

Today, the home equity situation in America is vastly different. From 2005-2007, homeowners cashed out $824 billion worth of home equity by refinancing. In the last three years, they cashed out only $232 billion, less than one-third of that amount. That has led to:

  • 37% of homes in America having no mortgage at all
  • Of the remaining 63%, more than 1 in 4 having over 50% equity

Even if prices dip (and most experts are not predicting that they will), most homeowners will still have vast amounts of value in their homes and will not walk away from that money.

There Will Be Help Available to Individuals and Small Businesses

The government is aware of the financial pain this virus has caused and will continue to cause. Yesterday, the Associated Press reported:

“In a memorandum, Treasury proposed two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: A first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size.”

The plan also recommends $300 billion for small businesses.

Bottom Line

These are not going to be easy times. However, the lessons learned from the last crisis have Americans better prepared to weather the financial storm. For those who can’t, help is on the way.

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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Real Estate Market Uncategorized

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

In times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research, facts, and data. Digging into past experiences by reviewing historical trends and understanding the peaks and valleys of what’s come before us is one of the many ways we can confidently evaluate any situation. With concerns of a global recession on everyone’s minds today, it’s important to take an objective look at what has transpired over the years and how the housing market has successfully weathered these storms.

1. The Market Today Is Vastly Different from 2008

We all remember 2008. This is not 2008. Today’s market conditions are far from the time when housing was a key factor that triggered a recession. From easy-to-access mortgages to skyrocketing home price appreciation, a surplus of inventory, excessive equity-tapping, and more – we’re not where we were 12 years ago. None of those factors are in play today. Rest assured, housing is not a catalyst that could spiral us back to that time or place.

According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, if there is a recession:

“It will be different than the Great Recession. Things unraveled pretty quickly, and then the recovery was pretty slow. I would expect this to be milder. There’s no dysfunction in the banking system, we don’t have many households who are overleveraged with their mortgage payments and are potentially in trouble.”

In addition, the Goldman Sachs GDP Forecast released this week indicates that although there is no growth anticipated immediately, gains are forecasted heading into the second half of this year and getting even stronger in early 2021.

Goldman Sachs GDP Forecast

Both of these expert sources indicate this is a momentary event in time, not a collapse of the financial industry. It is a drop that will rebound quickly, a stark difference to the crash of 2008 that failed to get back to a sense of normal for almost four years. Although it poses plenty of near-term financial challenges, a potential recession this year is not a repeat of the long-term housing market crash we remember all too well.

2. A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

Next, take a look at the past five recessions in U.S. history. Home values actually appreciated in three of them. It is true that they sank by almost 20% during the last recession, but as we’ve identified above, 2008 presented different circumstances. In the four previous recessions, home values depreciated only once (by less than 2%). In the other three, residential real estate values increased by 3.5%, 6.1%, and 6.6% (see below):

Home Price Change During Last 5 Recessions

3. We Can Be Confident About What We Know

Concerns about the global impact COVID-19 will have on the economy are real. And they’re scary, as the health and wellness of our friends, families, and loved ones are high on everyone’s emotional radar.

According to Bloomberg,

“Several economists made clear that the extent of the economic wreckage will depend on factors such as how long the virus lasts, whether governments will loosen fiscal policy enough and can markets avoid freezing up.”

That said, we can be confident that, while we don’t know the exact impact the virus will have on the housing market, we do know that housing isn’t the driver.

The reasons we move – marriage, children, job changes, retirement, etc. – are steadfast parts of life. As noted in a recent piece in the New York Times, “Everyone needs someplace to live.” That won’t change.

Bottom Line

Concerns about a recession are real, but housing isn’t the driver. If you have questions about what it means for your family’s homebuying or selling plans, let’s connect to discuss your needs.

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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Avoiding Foreclosure

How to Stop Foreclosure in FL

Foreclosure is a scary process for most homeowners. When you acquire a mortgage, there’s a constant threat of foreclosure looming over your head. Knowing how to stop foreclosure from happening before it becomes a problem is an important thing for homeowners to understand. Whether the continual payments are too high or a homeowner finds himself experiencing financial hardship, having your home seized by the courts is a real possibility. But even after missing a few months of payments and receiving a Notice of Default, losing your home doesn’t have to be inevitable. With a general knowledge of the foreclosure process and determination to keep your home, you can learn how to stop foreclosure in FL. We’ll show you how so that you can be prepared should you ever need to avoid a foreclosure. how to stop foreclosure from happening

Communicate with Your Lender

Although homeowners have several strategies to choose from when deciding how to stop foreclosure process, some everyday advice can be implemented to slow the foreclosure’s acceleration. Before making major life-altering decisions, consider some of these general tips when contacting your lender. One of the easiest ways how to stop foreclosure in FL is by communicating with the mortgage company. If a homeowner cannot meet the required monthly payments, changing the amount owed each month will ease a borrower’s financial burden. Asking for a loan modification is one possible permanent solution. Loan modifications typically allow homeowners to make lower payments at higher interest rates or over an extended loan period. If a borrower is on the cusp of foreclosure due to several missed payments, they can ask their lender about reinstatement. Also known as a temporary indulgence, a reinstatement allows homeowners to bring their loan current and proceed with their mortgage as before. However, a borrower must be able to afford to make the missed payments in addition to late fees and interest rates. Reinstatement might not be a viable option for homeowners with lasting financial issues. Mortgage companies can also offer other plans to assist homeowners when asked. Repayment plans, for instance, allow borrowers to repay missed payments by making slightly increased monthly payments. These plans allow you to catch up while stopping foreclosure. All a homeowner needs to do is communicate with their lender and ask about current options to relieve loan debt. More times than not, a quick call to a sympathetic lender can be home-saving.

Seek Help

getting help on how to stop foreclosure Seeking the help of third-parties is another way how to stop foreclosure in FL. Although homeowners have several options when stopping foreclosure, sometimes the process is too much for a single person. Enlisting the expertise of professionals will lessen your stress while providing a multitude of options for keeping your home. One option available to borrowers is contacting a foreclosure avoidance counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free housing counseling services to give homeowners the information and assistance necessary to avoid foreclosure. They’re offered in every state and can be found conveniently on HUD’s website. Homeowners can also seek out help from the new Home Affordable Modification Program. Enacted by President Obama, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP) allows homeowners to refinance to reduce monthly payments while implementing a special Making Home Affordable loan modification that can be applied by lenders. “If your mortgage payment is more than 31 percent of your monthly income, for instance, the new program offers financial incentives to lenders to lower the monthly payments,” adds Fraser Sherman, prominent finance journalist. Borrowers can also seek help from the courts. The expertise applied when hiring an attorney can be helpful when wanting to know how to stop foreclosure immediately. Not every foreclosure process warrants legal intervention; nonjudicial foreclosures skip the courts altogether. If a homeowner feels like their foreclosure is unjust due to lender errors, unfair terms, or failure to follow legal procedures, they may have a viable lawsuit. These substantive defenses are considered the best legal way to stop the foreclosure process.

The Bankruptcy Option

using bankruptcy to stop foreclosure Many homeowners find themselves at risk for foreclosure after accruing a large amount of debt. They might think filing for bankruptcy is the simplest solution to escape their financial troubles. In some instances and with enormous debts, that can be true. However, if a homeowner isn’t keen on a lengthy litigation process and wants to halt the foreclosure process immediately, filing for bankruptcy might not be the best strategy for how to stop foreclosure in FL. Once an individual files the petition for bankruptcy, federal law prohibits debt collectors from seizing assets to pay off what’s owed. Since foreclosure is considered a collection activity, mortgage lenders must halt the foreclosure process. Once in court though, the bankruptcy trustee’s role is to play mediator between the filer and creditors, not absolve debt. Going through the courts will buy borrowers time to make past mortgage payments, but it won’t stop the foreclosure process completely. Filing for bankruptcy also has longer lasting consequences. Depending upon which chapter of bankruptcy you file under, the filing will remain on an individual’s credit report for up to ten years. During that period, it can prevent a homeowner from obtaining future lines of credit or borrowing from another lender. If a homeowner forecloses after filing, they’ll be unable to take out another loan and may be forced to live in an undesirable location until they can. Unless the consequences of bankruptcy are manageable to a homeowner, it’s not the best option when deciding how to stop home foreclosure proceedings. Just be careful that you don’t end up paying attorneys the money you could have used to pay arrears and get out of foreclosure. Yikes!

How to Stop Foreclosure and Save Your Home

houses without foreclosure Although homeowners have several methods available to saving their property from repossession, some options are better than others. Selling your property to a cash home buyer before the lender takes it to auction might be the best way how to stop foreclosure in FL. Homeowners have the option to sell to a cash home buyer, even after a lender begins the foreclosure process. After defaulting but before the Notice of Sale, mortgage companies must consider selling if a borrower gets an offer from a buyer. Many lenders prefer this to other options because it saves them time, effort, and trouble when looking for home buyers at auction. Selling to a cash house buyer is the best method to saving your home because it allows homeowners to keep whatever profit they make after paying back the lender. When homeowners sell, they gain standing in an otherwise powerless situation. Foreclosure is a scary threat on your credit that could possibly leave you homeless. By selling to a cash house buyer, homeowners gain the advantage of making their own decisions, acquiring money to use on their next property, and forego the foreclosure process completely. It’s the best option when needing to know how to stop foreclosure in FL.

Get a No-Obligation Cash Offer Within 24 Hours

See, learning how to stop foreclosure isn’t as bad as you thought. If you’d like to see how much you could get for your house from a buyer that can close it fast, give us a call at 407-641-1531. We buy houses in Orange Seminole Volusia Lake Osceola Counties and can close within 2 days if absolutely necessary. We pay fair prices, but if our offer is not acceptable, you have absolutely no obligation to take it. It has to work for both parties and we only move forward if everyone is happy. Give us a call and find out what we can pay you for your house! 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

Confidence Is the Key to Success for Young Homebuyers

Confidence Is the Key to Success for Young Homebuyers

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey:

1. Understand What it Takes to Purchase a Home

Overall, Millennials make up the largest group of homebuyers in today’s real estate market, and Gen Z is not too far behind. A recent study shared by Freddie Mac shows, however, that Generation Z isn’t as confident in the homebuying process as Millennials. The best thing potential young buyers can do is understand what it takes to buy a home. Learn as much as you can about the mortgage process, down payment options, and the overall steps to take along the way. 

2. Realize Your Opportunity to Build Wealth 

Homeownership allows you the chance to put a small portion of the home’s value down when you buy, and then watch your appreciation grow on the full value of the home – not just on the down payment. It’s one of the best investments you can make, and a form of ‘forced savings’ working in your favor over time. The added bonus? You get to live there, too.

3. Find Someone You Trust to Help You Through the Process 

Having someone you trust to guide you through this process is invaluable. Finding a local real estate expert to help you navigate through the transaction and feel more confident as you make important decisions could be the best choice you make.

For Millennials and Gen Z’ers thinking about buying, today’s historically low interest rates combined with the outlook for future home appreciation is a big win. This means whatever you buy today, you’ll be bragging about 10 years from now. You can feel confident about that!

Bottom Line

If you’re ready, buying your first home sooner rather than later is one of the best decisions you can make. But there are many things to consider before taking that step, so let’s work together to help you confidently navigate the full journey.

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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