Archive for the 'States' Category

Indiana Communities Shell Out $85K for Each Foreclosure Home

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

The foreclosure crisis has not only resulted to Indiana homeowners losing their homes. It also cost most communities in terms of lowered home values. According to the housing advocate ACORN, communities spend around $85,000 for each foreclosed property.

Indianapolis, Indiana

In addition to the money lost by the communities, the group also calculated that the local government of Indiana loses around $33 million in taxes. Total loss for homeowners and lenders in the state is also computed at around $77 million.

With such money at stake, it can be expected that non-profit organizations and other housing advocacy groups are helping out these distressed homeowners so that they will be able to make informed decisions.

In fact, ACORN is sponsoring a foreclosure fair on August 23 (Saturday) for homeowners struggling with their mortgage debt. Foreclosure counselors will be giving out advice regarding the foreclosure process and if needed, act as mediator between the lender and the homeowner.

Efforts such as this should be taken advantage by distressed homeowners especially if they are serious about addressing their mortgage problems. Avoiding foreclosure will require an in depth look at your finances as well as discipline to make sure that you meet your new mortgage payment obligations.

If it is determined that you can no longer afford your mortgage, it will be wise to consider selling your home via a short sale. Increasing becoming popular, this foreclosure alternative will mean selling off the distressed property at an amount less than what the homeowner owes the mortgage lender. Of course, you will have to show proof that you really can not afford your mortgage any longer.

In any case, avoiding foreclosure is very important if you would like to enjoy the advantages of having a foreclosure-free credit history. Other options you might want to consider include deed in lieu of foreclosure and loan modification.

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Courts Launch Program for Early Foreclosure Intervention

Monday, August 11th, 2008

In New York, troubled homeowners are getting additional help from their respected state courts. In line with the state’s efforts to curb the rising foreclosure rate, a new program involving early intervention will be launched. The said program will be tested first in Queens by this summer, where foreclosure filings have soared by 223 percent compared to 2005.

New York Court, New York

According to the proponents of the program, distressed homeowners will be receiving a letter from the county office informing them that their lenders have filed a Notice of Default against them. In addition to this, the letter will also include advices for getting a lawyer or foreclosure counselor.

It is not unknown that many distressed homeowners fail to address their mortgage problems properly. Many of them choose to ignore the letters they receive from their lenders, forcing the latter to file for foreclosure.

On the other hand, there are homeowners who lack the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding their financial problems. If only they have seeked assistance from professionals or experts on the foreclosure process, they could have avoided foreclosure successfully.

Housing advocates are delighted with the state court’s decision to launch such a helpful program. Hopefully, it will be effective in slowing down the foreclosure rate and prevent the number of homes entering some stage of foreclosure from increasing. Likewise, homeowners facing foreclosure are pleased with this kind of assistance being given to them so that they could stay in their homes.

This initiative comes right after the signing of a new state legislation this week that gives troubled borrowers an additional 90 days to work with lenders and stop foreclosure. Previously, the entire foreclosure process in New York takes about 440 days. This is considered to the longest foreclosure process in the entire nation.

Auction of Florida Foreclosures Offer Opportunities for Buyers

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

National foreclosure rate continues to be high, resulting to decline in home prices as well as large inventories of bank foreclosures for sale. Considering that market conditions are just perfect for buyers, you can bet that foreclosure auctions in states like Florida are well-attended.

Miami, Florida

Foreclosure auctions are considered to be the best venue to own a foreclosed home. These auctions involve the sale of repossessed homes at great discounts especially since lenders are more than eager to unload these properties to avoid high holding costs.

On August 12 to 17, the foreclosure auction company Hudson & Marshall will be auctioning off almost 700 Florida bank foreclosure homes. All foreclosed properties have title insurances which have already been paid by the mortgagor/seller. Bidders who are lucky to own one of these foreclosures are required to deposit $2,500 worth of certified funds or cash.

The foreclosure auction firm is quite excited with the scheduled auction considering the increasing popularity of foreclosure properties among real estate investors and first time buyers.

Foreclosed homes offer greater return potential since they are sold below their current market prices. In most cases, the asking price is based on the mortgage debt owed on the property. For buyers, buying a home that resembles the property next door but sold at a lower price us certainly a good deal.

Of course, buyers should never forget to consider the physical condition of these properties since they are sold ‘as is’. Because of this, it is recommended that buyers set aside money for repairs and renovation. It would help that the property has been professionally-inspected before the buyer joined the auction and made the bid. Most auctions are announced and the list of foreclosure properties is included in the announcement.

In this case, an open house is scheduled on August 9 and 10, allowing interested buyers to get a glimpse of the foreclosure properties for sale. If attending this auction is not possible, buyers can still check out foreclosure homes for sale from other foreclosure brokers in the area.

Florida remains to have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country with one filing for every 78 homes.

California Home Defaults Slow Down

Friday, July 25th, 2008

For the second quarter of the year, the number of home defaults in California increased but it was less dramatic than what most experts expected. Receiving a default notice is actually the first step in the foreclosure process.

Continue Reading: California Home Defaults Slow Down

Maryland Court of Appeals Adopts New Foreclosure Rule

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

In Maryland, lenders are required to notify delinquent homeowners at least 45 days in advance before foreclosing a property to give them more time. This was made possible because of the new foreclosure legislation passed earlier this year.

Continue Reading: Maryland Court of Appeals Adopts New Foreclosure Rule

Home Price Decline Fuel California Sales

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

Last May, home price decline in California reached 30 percent, the sharpest so far in almost two years. Surprisingly, the situation attracted more buyer interest.

Continue Reading: Home Price Decline Fuel California Sales

Michigan State Officials Looking for Foreclosure Wrongdoings

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

In Michigan, particularly Kalamazoo County, local officials have become concerned about suspiciously high foreclosure rate. But since there are no laws or regulations that discuss the investigation procedure regarding foreclosure irregularities, officials have decided to take an initiative.

Continue Reading: Michigan State Officials Looking for Foreclosure Wrongdoings

New York Bank Foreclosures Can Help to Make Your Dreams Come True

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

We all want to prepare for our future and retirement, investing in New York bank foreclosures can be the perfect way to build that retirement nest egg. Real estate can be very lucrative venture. The key to real estate is knowing when and where to find the best deals. New York foreclosure listings can be your way to find foreclosed homes that can help you save a lot of money on your investment.

Continue Reading: New York Bank Foreclosures Can Help to Make Your Dreams Come True

Massachusetts Sees Home Sales Increase in April

Friday, May 30th, 2008

With home prices at historic lows all across the country and the federal interest rate extremely low, economists and government officials are hoping that sooner or later people will start to take advantage and buy real estate. Buying up excess property is the only way many think the housing market can actually rebound, and it seems that in some areas, this is beginning to take root.

Continue Reading: Massachusetts Sees Home Sales Increase in April

Virginia Announced Free Avoid Foreclosure Clinics

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

Virginia has taken new steps to battle its rising foreclosure problem, as the state will now offer free regional clinic on avoiding foreclosure and being a careful and responsible homeowner to citizens statewide.

Continue Reading: Virginia Announced Free Avoid Foreclosure Clinics