Real Homeowner Story #3: A Miracle in the Form of a Red Envelope

For homeowners who are in danger of losing their home to foreclosure, it is common to feel like you are alone and that there is no one to help. This simply isn’t true. There are real people who have been in the same situation who have found solutions. Take, for example, Punipuao W. of Hawaii.

Punipuao found herself struggling to keep her home after her husband passed away.  “With only my income, I was no longer able to make my monthly mortgage payment,” she said. Faced with the prospect of losing the home she and her husband had bought together, she began looking for alternatives to help her keep the home.

 She pleaded with the bank for relief, “but their responses gave me little information and even less hope.”

 The prospect of losing the home she and her husband had shared for over 20 years was difficult. “I was so distraught,” she said. “I did not know where to turn.

 “Then, one day, my miracle came through a red envelope in the mail.”

In the envelope was a note from a local real estate agent with the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation (or CDPE). This designation meant that the agent was trained specifically to help people like Punipuao. She called the agent.

“About four hours after I made the call, he was at my door offering help. I told him my story.” In merely two days, she received a call from the bank saying that the president of the bank was reviewing her file. “That was a good sign,” she said.

A few days after that, Punipuao had been approved for a trial loan modification. “There were many tears of gratitude at the miracle that came to me in the form of my agent. I thank god for sending me that miracle.”

Punipuao’s story is just one of many. I have a report entitled “From Foreclosure to Freedom” which tells other stories of real homeowners who faced foreclosure and found relief. Download the report, read the stories, and then contact me for a free, confidential consultation.

Rob Sales
Smart Short Sales-Providing Dignified Solutions

CDPE Advance, DPP, REO Specialist, CIAS
912-655-7674

Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties - Savannah, GA   Associate Broker

 

 

 

 

 

Prudential Great Smokys Realty - Sylva, NC      Broker 

5 Ways to Beat Foreclosure!

In the news, there is talk of a housing recovery. Experts feel more optimistic about the state of housing industry in America. However, if you or someone you know is one of the millions of homeowners who is stuck with a home on which you owe more than the property is worth, the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming and frustrating.

 

Many people don’t realize that just because they are in danger of losing their home to foreclosure doesn’t mean they have to wait around for it to happen. With help, they can take matters into their own hands.

 

YOU HAVE OPTIONS!

 

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I make it my business to know all of the ins-and-outs of the options available for people who are in danger of losing their homes and help them meet challenges head-on.

1. Reinstatement

Was the reason you missed your payments temporary and now the issue has been resolved? If you can make a one-time payment that includes all missed payments, legal fees and late fees, you are eligible to be reinstated back into your loan agreement.

2. Mortgage Modification

In some cases, you may be eligible to modify your loan in a way that reduces principle or lowers payments. Some of these programs vary from bank to bank, but there are also government-sponsored programs that are available to help homeowners in distress

 

3. Refinance

 

If you have enough equity in your home, refinancing may help you get back to more affordable payments. This will be determined by whether or not you are current on your loan, how much the property is worth and your credit.

 

4. Bankruptcy

In some cases, bankruptcy is an option. It may stop foreclosure and allow you to reorganize your debt. The stoppage is only temporary, however, and if you are still unable to make payments after the bankruptcy, the foreclosure will go through. It also makes a property much more difficult to sell.

5. Short Sale

You sell your property for less than it is worth and the bank, realizing that some money is better than no money at all, agrees to release you from your obligation to the remainder of the loan. In some cases, you are able to walk away from the loan clear of any obligation.

For more information regarding your options, contact me!

Rob Sales

Smart Short Sales-Providing Dignified Solutions
CDPE Advance, DPP, REO Specialist, CIAS
912-655-7674

Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties - Savannah, GA   Associate Broker

 

 

 

 

 

Prudential Great Smokys Realty - Sylva, NC      Broker 

 

 

 

Why Homeowners are in the Driver's Seat

 

There are a number of trends affecting today’s market in dramatic ways. Historically low interest rates are driving more and more people to buy homes, but there are not enough homes on the market to meet that demand. The result is that prices are increasing at an incredible rate.

This puts homeowners in an incredible position because you have something that people want! Not only that, but these trends are unlikely to continue at their current pace they for much longer. I want you to have all the details about your situation so that you can make the most informed decision.

If you have been waiting to sell your home, especially if you or someone you know is having difficulty with their mortgage, it is time for you to start exploring your options because your home may be worth significantly more than you realize. The important thing is to know where you stand.

Do you know what your home is worth today? What are homes in the area selling for? These are all questions to which the answers have changed significantly in the last few months, and knowing your specific situation will help you make more informed choices.  I have a report which explains in detail why prices have gone up and why your home might be worth more than you think! The report is entitled “What They Didn’t Say: The Truth About Your Home and What Big Media Hasn’t Told You,” and I believe you’ll be surprised by when you download and read the report. Once you are done, contact me today for a free market analysis.

Rob Sales

Smart Short Sales-Providing Dignified Solutions
CDPE Advance, DPP, REO Specialist, CIAS
912-655-7674

Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties - Savannah, GA
Associate Broker

Prudential Great Smokys Realty - Sylva, NC
Broker

   

Smart Short Sales is Expanding!

That's right, we're expanding! 

 

North Carolina holds a special place in my heart...there's no place like home!  I was born and raised in Western Carolina, specifically Brevard.  I attended Western Carolina University and played football for the Catamounts.   I became a school teacher right out of college, married my high school sweetheart and acquired my first real estate license in 1972.  Life has taken me all over our great country--even all the way to Alaska!

For the last several decades, I have resided in Georgia, but I have remained attached to my roots in North Carolina as well.  The housing crisis we are experiencing in this country is widespread.  I feel I offer invaluable resources, including my own personal experience, in helping people find a dignified solution to their own housing crisis.

I am proud to continue to represent Prudential Real Estate from the Prudential Great Smokys Realty group in Sylva, North Carolina as a licensed broker. I will continue working in Savannah, Georgia as well! The housing crisis is far from over, and statistics tell us that 2013 will be a big year for homes entering foreclosure status. As an Advanced Certified Distressed Property Expert, I am qualified to help you or someone you know avoid foreclosure. The latest reports from RealtyTrac show us that Bryson City is well below the national average for foreclosure rates, but since the end of 2012 has seen significant increase in foreclosure filings.

Please don't hesistate to contact me for more information on how I can help you find a dignified solution!

Rob Sales
Smart Short Sales-Providing Dignified Solutions
CDPE Advance, DPP, REO Specialist, CIAS
(912) 655-7674

Broker, Prudential Great Smokys Realty (Sylva, North Carolina)

Associate Broker, Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties (Savannah, Georgia)