Linda Helps Avoid Foreclosures

4 Reasons to Buy a Home Now

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:29:37 GMT

Now is a good time to buy a home in the Minneapolis area. In our market, home affordability is high and there is an abundance of inventory. There are many options out there for home buyers and home sellers who are willing to negotiate to create a win-win situation. Mortgage rates are still low. Most sellers are motivated. Owning a home is still a great investment, and owning a home can lead to many years of happy memories. If you have been sitting on the fence and trying to time the “bottom of the market” before buying your first home or your next home, now may be the time to make the move.

FHA loans are available and are a viable product especially for first time home buyers because the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) insures the loan, so your lender can offer you a lower down payment and lower closing costs. The ‘specialty’ mortgages have gone by the wayside—thank goodness! You will need some skin in the game, but using FHA financing you will need much less than other programs.

This market is not the time that sellers can test the water, so whether or not there is bank involvement, if the seller wants to sell, there is usually a willingness to negotiate with a solid, pre-approved buyer. This can give you a bit of an edge in purchasing your home in this market.

While home values have recently declined, on average over the past 40 years, the median price of existing homes has increased about 6% each year. This is a national average and some markets fair better than others. I’m sure you have heard that real estate is local and your area may have appreciated more or less. Actually in 72+ cities, it is more affordable to buy rather than rent right now.

Owning a home is the American Dream—it not only provides financial benefits, but it also provides shelter and security to families. Home owners move less often and are more likely to vote and volunteer for political and charitable causes. Children of homeowners tend to do better in school and attain higher levels of education than renters. When you own a home you may be able to deduct the property taxes and mortgage interest from your income taxes. You can even download an app from iTunes that is compatible with iPad, iPod touch, and iPhones to estimate your tax savings by claiming the mortgage interest deduction.

Home ownership is the way many American families begin to accumulate wealth and with interest rates still under 5% and plenty of inventory to select from, now my just be the time to buy.

Property Appreciation Expected in 2011?

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:38:52 GMT

Home values could be appreciating in 40% of the major cities in the United States. Some areas, however will still experience declines. Minnesota appears to be somewhere in the middle--not on the 2.5%-3.5% appreciation, but not on the under 7% depreciation, either. Real estate is local, and locally Minnesota is still in moderate territory.

Linda Johnson, ABR, CRS, CDPE

"I'm not #1...YOU are!"

Phone: 612-834-1444

Linda@LindaHelps.com

Is Now a Good Time to Sell a Home in Minnesota?

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:57:16 GMT

Perhaps the next few weeks will be the best market for the “traditional or retail sellers” in a long time. With fewer foreclosed properties-or bank-owned as we say-are coming on the market, this might be the perfect time to snag some of those buyers who lost out on purchasing a home because of the mortgage fiasco.

With interest rates still around 4%, there are plenty of opportunities out there for qualified buyers. Not to mention that the home affordability index is at a near all-time high. Even though the number of properties that went "pending"-where the buyer and seller have agreed to price and terms-is lower than it was a year ago, the number of "pending" units has remained fairly steady since the beginning of this summer. (There was a decrease the first week of school, but I call that a seasonal adjustment.)

As a seller, you will need to understand that there is still a "price war and a beauty contest" going on. So, if you want to get your home sold fast, you will still need to price it right and the home must be in great condition. You have to the best value in the market. So, do you wait until Spring to put your home on the market, or do you price it properly, keep it in good condition, and sell your home in Minnetonka now so you can take advantage of the potential bargains in the move up categories?

Eden Prairie What is a Short Sale?

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:40:08 GMT

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy and the Obama administration have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved.

But to be technical, here's a more official definition:

A homeowner is 'short' when the amount owed on his/her property is higher than current market value.
A short sale occurs when a negotiation is entered into with the homeowner's mortgage company (or companies) to accept less than the full balance of the loan at closing. A buyer closes on the property, and the property is then 'sold short' of the total value of the mortgage.

For homeowners to qualify for a short sale, they must fall into all of the following circumstances:

Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

This seems simple enough, but it is a complicated process that takes the expertise of experienced professionals. Find a CDPE in your area by clicking here. Together, you can identify all possible options and, when possible, a CDPE can assist you in the quick execution of a short sale transaction.

Know Your Options When Facing Minnetonka Foreclosure

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:03:24 GMT

Know Your Options:

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure in Minnesota

A foreclosure will negatively affect your credit score significantly. Not only will this drastically drop the score, but it will prevent you from obtaining any type of financing for 7-10 years. Even after this period, when you file a mortgage loan application, you will always need to state that you had a foreclosure in the past. This can seriously affect your ability to obtain financing and credit in the future-especially credit with good rates.

A short sale will affect your credit score as well, but not nearly as significantly as a foreclosure. Your credit will be negatively affected for approximately 24 months depending on what other situations you have going on in your life. By Fannie Mae Guidelines, you should be able to purchase another home after 24 months of completing a short sale.

With a foreclosure, a public notice is filed and privacy is not maintained. The short sale process ensures that you, as a seller could maintain your privacy.

With a foreclosure, a lender can assign a judgment against the homeowner and garnish remaining assets such as bank accounts, income, etc. With a short sale, we can take steps to entice the lender to let you walk away without a deficiency judgment against you.

Advantages of a Short Sale:

Borrower benefits
Avoid a lengthy and stressful foreclosure process
Provides seller with some control
Short payoff can help preserve neighborhood market values and reputation
Future borrower benefits
Based on Fannie Mae Guidelines you, the seller can apply for a mortgage within 2 years vs. 5-7 years with a foreclosure
Avoid the stigma of a foreclosure
You can move forward with your lives

As with any process there are also some disadvantages and they could be:

Potential tax liability--makes sure you check with a good CPA
You, as the seller, may be asked to sign a promissory note or contribute to the loss
The short sale process is time-consuming
There is a high volume of short sales in this market
Lenders have had to take many steps to meet the demand of short sales

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:32 GMT

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.

For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.

If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.

Linda Johnson
612-834-1444

Mortgage Crisis Easier

Solving Your Mortgage Crisis Just Got Easier

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, the strain of figuring out what to do can be overwhelming.

Why do it alone when you can have a dedicated, extensively trained professional on your side at no cost to you?

Both lenders and the federal government are putting new systems in place to help you avoid foreclosure. For access to free, detailed information explaining these programs, simply download the report below.

On this website, you can find information regarding all of your options. When you call me to find out what you can do to take advantage of these options, I will show you how having straightforward solutions to your mortgage challenge can help you to breathe a little easier.

For more specific information and to see if you qualify, please, call me today! The sooner you call the sooner you can breathe a sigh of relief!

The Robo-Signing Settlement

The Robo-Signing Settlement: How it can help you stay in your home!

The news has been abuzz in the past few weeks about the historic Robo-Signing Settlement reached between the government and five major lenders. The settlement raises lots of questions, but for homeowners who are in danger of losing their home there is only one:

Can this settlement help me stay in my home?

The answer: Possibly! But regardless of whether you meet the specific eligibility requirements of the settlement, it is important to remember one thing:

THERE ARE OPTIONS!

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I have information about what this settlement means for distressed homeowners.

If you or someone you care about is in danger of losing their home and think they have no options, contact me today for a confidential consultation.

Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down?

Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Fresh Start to 2012!

If you've spent too much of 2011 living under the dark cloud of an unaffordable house payment, you're in good company. Current estimates are that more than 25 percent of all homeowners in this country would net less on the sale of their home than the amount they owe on their mortgage, and 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure.

The good news is that you have options. Helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure has actually emerged into the spotlight of as a national priority, with major banks, the Federal government and many state and local agencies offering more assistance than ever before to financially strapped homeowners.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the full scope of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of a Fresh Start."

Contact me today and let's get started!

Government Program Surveys

Are You Eligible?

The government programs currently available to homeowners can be valuable resources, but only if you know which ones are right for your situation.

That’s why I’ve created this free resource that lets you find out which programs you’re eligible for. Read the descriptions for each program to see which one fits your situation, then fill out the corresponding survey to see if you are eligible.

Find out now if you are eligible!

The good news is that programs exist for a variety of situations, and even more options are available beyond those programs. As a CDPE-designated agent, I can provide all of your possibilities and help you get moving toward a solution.

At the End of Your Rope?

Free report details 10 ways to alleviate the stress of an unaffordable mortgage payment.

Millions of homeowners across the nation are experiencing difficulties paying their mortgages. If you or someone you care about is feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage, please take the time to review the report found on this website.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I've been extensively trained to counsel and guide homeowners through their options. There are dignified solutions available to help people get back on path to financial stability. My clients have found strength in the knowledge that they are able to take an active role in avoiding foreclosure.

They know that avoiding foreclosure is key in providing for a brighter future. Foreclosure can wreak havoc on credit and affect current and future employment status in addition to many other long-lasting side effects. In the report, I demonstrate just how harmful foreclosure is in comparison to an extremely effective alternative called a short sale.

I can help you or someone you care about create a strategy for living a life without the burden of missed payments. Call me today, and let's work together to put you back on the path of financial stability.

Credit Score Issues

Don't Let Your Credit Score Drop Unnecessarily

Avoiding foreclosure now could make or break your attempts to get a loan in the near future and determine whether you can get affordable interest rates.

That's why I've made this site available for anyone in our community struggling with mortgage payments. Foreclosure alternatives like short sales and deeds-in-lieu allow homeowners to avoid many of the damaging effects of foreclosure. In addition, short sales may have less of an impact on credit scores than foreclosure.

To get all the information on how these options affect your credit score, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, contact me right away.

I'm here to assist you.

Options and Solutions

Thank you for visiting this site and taking the first step toward finding answers. I appreciate what it has taken for you to come here, and commend your efforts to get the facts about your situation. The current real estate environment can be frustrating, with misinformation and conflicting plans for how to proceed.

As a Realtor, what I often see in troubled homeowners is a belief that they are alone with their challenges. Regrettably, over 70% of homeowners in foreclosure proceed without ANY visible assistance. This is not acceptable for the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities I serve.

That's why I've developed this site: to ensure you get the valuable resources that can reduce your financial strain and change your life for the better. As a CDPE I know the options for homeowners in foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgages, and I can send you a report detailing this information, prepared just for you.

Simply enter your information below and click "Send." I hope that you will review this information carefully, so that your next steps are the right steps toward a real solution.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get back on track to a solid, stable future.

Is your Mortgage out of Balance with Your Budget

Is your Mortgage out of Balance with Your Budget?

Today's homeowners have a lot to fear. Budgets are tight and it doesn't take much before "barely getting by" tips into avoiding collector's phone calls, sleepless nights and falling further behind.

Many homeowners don't think it's possible to tip the scales back in their favor so they simply give up.

You do not have to lose your home to foreclosure!

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am uniquely qualified to help homeowners as they attempt to bring balance back to their budgets.

If you, or someone you care about feels like the scales are weighted against them and need help, contact me today for a confidential consultation!

Short Sales vs Foreclosures

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure

Making the Right Choice for a Stable Future

The US housing crisis has claimed millions of victims. Unfortunately, many homeowners are losing their homes to the bank because either they think that a short sale will have the same financial effect as a foreclosure or they don't know their options.

The good news is that homeowners don't have to navigate this process on their own. I am available for those who need my expertise to get back on the path to stability.

If you, or someone you know has questions about this information, or would like to get started creating a plan, call me today.

The more proactive we are, the better the chance of finding financial freedom and stability.

Caution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued regulations protecting consumers against mortgage relief fraud. Due to the growing number of scams that are designed to take advantage of homeowners in distress, the government wants to make sure you won’t be a victim.

As a CDPE, I am fully compliant with the FTC regulations, and want to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals or companies, as well.

In fact, I’ve developed a free, detailed report that explains the warning signs of potentially fraudulent activity so you can protect yourself and the ones you love.

If you are facing an unaffordable mortgage and need help from someone you can trust, please contact me today.

I’m here to help.

Don't Walk Away From Your Mortgage

Stop Don't Walk Away From Your Mortgage

At a Crossroads?

Walking away or "strategically defaulting" on your mortgage is not the answer. You will find that there is nothing strategic about foreclosure, especially when there are solutions to avoid it.

You should know that you have options, and that you are not alone. More than 25% of American homeowners now owe more than what their homes are worth, and millions more are having a hard time paying their mortgages.

I've developed a free, detailed report on foreclosure alternatives you can download below. Download it today and give yourself a green light for a solid financial future.

The sooner you take this step, the more time you'll have to act and move toward a more promising tomorrow.

Understanding HAFA

New Help Has Arrived!

The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA.

With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow.

Short Sale & Deed-In-Lieu

Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress.

To help you understand more about these two options, I’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below.

I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is my priority.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Feeling Trapped by Your Mortgage?

Feeling trapped by your mortgage?

Education is the Key

If you or someone you know feels like a prisoner to unaffordable mortgage payments, you should know that education may be the key to financial freedom. You have options available that can help ease the worry of making payments or losing your home to foreclosure.

To find out more about the options you have to choose from, download the free report I've created at the bottom of this page.

In fact, this entire website has been created exclusively for homeowners like you who need a trusted source for viable solutions to foreclosure.

If you have questions about the information you find here, or would like to get started in creating a plan, call me today.

The more proactive we are, the better chance you'll have in finding financial freedom and stability.

Avoiding Mortgage Modification Fraud

I Am An Agent Against Mortgage Fraud!

The last thing struggling homeowners need is to be victimized by fraud. Sadly, some people are preying on those who need help the most. Today, the real estate industry is the newest, biggest target for predatory schemes. In fact, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that mortgage fraud cases are 400 percent higher than they were five years ago.

With nearly 1 in 6 homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, understand that you are not alone. Knowing your legitimate foreclosure-avoidance options is the best way to fight this terrible trend.

The report on this site will tell you how to avoid mortgage fraud schemes, as well as what solutions are available to you. Enter your information below and get the facts now!

Need a Helping Hand?

Compassion and connections to untangle your complicated mortgage challenges

If you or someone you care about is falling behind on your mortgage and owes more on your home than it is worth in today's market, you are not alone.

In fact, 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure right now.

As my recent report points out, there are currently 10.9 million homeowners in the United States who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth in today's market.

Far too often, homeowners in this situation feel that they have no other choice but to let their home fall into foreclosure.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the best solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Need a Helping Hand? If the market and your mortgage have tossed you a curve, you are not alone."

Contact me today and let's get started!

Escape Your Unmanageable Mortgage

Getting free doesn't have to mean running away.

Today, many homeowners find themselves unable to escape an unmanageable mortgage. Some of them are being given some bad advice.

They are being told that walking away from their mortgage and letting the bank foreclose is their best possible option. It is called Strategic Default, and it has terrible consequences.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I make it my mission to know the best possible options available to distressed homeowners for both their present AND their future.

Read the report on my site entitled Escape Your Unmanageable Mortgage: Getting free doesn't have to mean running away. Then, call me and schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Your First Steps To Avoid Foreclosure

Your First Steps

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

Cash for Short Sales

Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever!

Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier and quicker through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA, which also gives the homeowner $3,000 for participating.

With the free report provided here, you can learn all the benefits of completing a HAFA short sale. Simply fill out your information below for details on the program and how you would benefit.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions.