Susan Jan asked:


Foreclosure occurs when you fail to make your payments and the mortgage company takes legal action to repossess your home or property. Mortgage foreclosure may take place if a homeowner, who has taken out a loan, defaults on the mortgage payments. Through the process of mortgage foreclosure, the lender company can take possession of the defaulted home. In case the value of the home is less than the mortgaged amount, the borrower may have to face the ‘deficiency judgment’ to pay the balance amount. Mortgage foreclosure also has a negative impact on the homeowner’s credit score.

Even though you may be facing mortgage foreclosure does not mean you have to lose the house. There are many ways to stop foreclosure when you are faced with mortgage foreclosure on your home. Some ways to avoid foreclosures include forbearance, loan modification, mortgage refinancing, sale of the property, etc.

It is also important that you save your house from mortgage foreclosure in order to maintain a good credit rating. If you have trouble making your mortgage payments, the first thing you need to do is contact your mortgage company and let them know. Prepare all your financial information such as tax returns, bank statement, etc. and do not abandon the property to avoid mortgage foreclosure. You can even have an option to go for a ‘pre-foreclosure’ sale where you simply sell your home before the bank completes the mortgage foreclosure.

To stop foreclosures, there are several other things that a homeowner can do. Homeowners can try and apply for Special Forbearance to avoid foreclosure. This may lead to a revision of the repayment schedule and in some cases the payment may either be revised or suspended. Your lender is not in the business of taking homes through mortgage foreclosure; they make more money by lending your mortgage payment to other homeowners.

If you are familiar with the foreclosure listings in your area, it will make things easier for you when you discuss with your lenders. Foreclosure listings are the lists of foreclosure homes, with comprehensive information and details geared towards potential buyers interested in buying a foreclosure property. Foreclosure listings provide detailed description on various aspects such as the property details, foreclosure information, neighborhood information, sales history, tax information and also the contact information. To find out more on foreclosure listings, the internet is a good place to learn more on the subject.

kcratv asked:

Contra Costa County investigators arrested home owner Joel Atwater for the alleged arson fire at his foreclosed property.

Greg Watson asked:


Are you a homeowner who is facing foreclosure? If so, you may be unsure as to what your options are. Now is the time to find out. Why? Because you may be surprised how many ways there are to avoid foreclosure. When foreclosure is avoided you can either retain your home, keep your credit in good standing, or do both.

When facing foreclosure, the first step you should take is to approach your bank. It is best if you do this before the issue of foreclosure arises. Once it does, it is still not too late to schedule a meeting with the chief loan officer at your bank. If you can prove that you intend to get your mortgage back in good standing or that your financial troubles are only temporary, your lender may hold off on foreclosure.

Even if your lender is willing to work with you, keeping your home may not be in your best interest. If you are having long-term financial hardships, it may be within your best interest to sell your home before it enters into foreclosure. When making this decision, you may want to talk to your lender. They may agree to allow you to proceed with a pre-foreclosure sale. In fact, they may hold off on the process of taking your home, giving you ample time to find a new buyer. When selling your home as a pre-foreclosure, your home can be listed as for sale by owner or through a professional realtor.

Even if you do not consider a pre-foreclosure sale to be an option, you should expect to hear from hopeful buyers. When you are delinquent on your mortgage, especially to the point of foreclosure, this information becomes public knowledge. Some buyers, namely professional investors, seek out those in trouble. Although having a stranger appear at your door or call offering to buy your home may be rude, it is a decision that you may want to give serious thought to.

Another option that you, as a homeowner, has during foreclosure to hire the services of an attorney. When doing so, see those with specialties in foreclosures or real estate. A lawyer can advise you on what steps to take. They can help you understand the pros and cons of pre-foreclosure sales. In some states, attorneys can use bankruptcy as a tactic to stop the foreclosure proceeding. Although not a long-term fix, it may buy you more time to make a decision. It is important to note that bankruptcy, by itself has a whole list of pros and cons.

Most states have what are known as redemption period laws. These are designed to protect homeowners. They give you a grace period to reclaim your home. If you can make good on your mortgage payment, the foreclosure proceedings will stop. States that have these laws often enable you to reclaim your property even after it has been sold at a foreclosure auction. This is provided that you act within the allotted time frame.

If you reside in a state where you are not given a grace period or a redemption period, you always have the option of buying your home again. Anyone can place a bid at a foreclosure auction. With that in mind, placing a bid and being the winning bidder are two different things. It often takes a significant amount of cash to reclaim your home. Your financial lender will also likely attend waiting to pounce. If the bids are not high enough, they will buy your home themselves. This is done to minimize their money lost. Later, your home will be available for sale as a REO (real estate owned) home.

 

DCFawcett asked:


Where do most investors turn to when they seek foreclosure opportunities? Sure, they take a look at free foreclosure listings or even sources of foreclosure listings that they pay for. While these sources may lead to productive and profitable deals, investors often shy away from what I think is an untapped market in the world of foreclosures and foreclosure investing. What is this market? What do you need to know in order to tap into these preforeclosure opportunities.

This often overlooked market niche in the world of foreclosure investing is luxury home foreclosures. Many investors shy away from them, even if they represent good short sale opportunities, because of the bigger price tag. Folks, foreclosures are like any other type of real estate in that it comes down to the quality of the deal. If luxury home foreclosures mean getting deals 30-50% below market value, aren’t these foreclosures at least worth considering?

Foreclosure investing is an amazing opportunity but there are many aspects to consider, especially if you are really going to learn real estate short sales or venture into the deep end of the pool with profitable luxury home foreclosures. Good foreclosure training and good short sale training programs cover all the features you need to learn, including marketing, negotiations, raising capital, and even the emotional aspect of the sale, a natural by-product of foreclosures that can often complicate short sale deals.

My efforts here are to assure you that there are indeed unlimited deals to be found within the realm of foreclosures, and that includes properties of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re just curious how to make money with foreclosures or really dive in and engage in serious short sale training (sometimes called loss mitigation training), then you owe it to yourself to check out my Preforeclosure Cash Flow System and the many short sale training modules within it that cover how to really launch your foreclosure business.

In closing, the entirety of the foreclosure process is ripe with deals that are there for the picking. In today’s market, the short sale process is as much as part of foreclosures as any other part of the business. This is especially true when it comes to luxury home foreclosures. When you are serious about really building your business, take my advice, and commit yourself to real estate short sale training. You will learn how to make money with foreclosures and you will also learn how to master short sales like a business pro. I wish you the very best in success in real estate investing.

To get a Free Online Foreclosures Training Course in Short Sales

Fiona Livnat asked:


The largest city in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte has developed into a popular residential destination over the years. So if you are a homebuyer on the lookout for a quality house in one of the upcoming cities in the country opting for a property through Charlotte foreclosed homes maybe just the right thing for you.

If you are a prospective homebuyer, there are various reasons why you should consider buying a property through Charlotte foreclosed homes which are listed below:

Diverse residential options – With a total of 199 neighborhoods spanning from Uptown to Ballantyne, the city has well serviced residential localities with top notch utilities. Forbes has reviewed the region as having some of the best and the most undervalued real estate in the country which makes buying a property through Charlotte foreclosed homes a great choice.  

Good housing –  The city has been voted as the best place to live in America by relocate-America.com based on factors including good employment opportunities, very low crime rates, and housing affordability.

Business hub – With its various business friendly communities and fortune 500 companies like the Bank of America, Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive, Goodrich Corporation, Time Warner Cable and several others the city has received excellent reviews by CNNMoney.com.

Great outdoor appeal – Ranked as America’s “Best Walking City”, the region has some great attractions like Public Art Walking Tour, accessible museums such as the Mint Museum of Craft and Design, and nearby outdoor excursions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Finding a quality home at a great bargain through Charlotte foreclosed homes can be an easy task by keeping the following pointers in mind:

•    Compare prices of properties through online foreclosure listings to find the best deals available in the market.

•    Learn about the various foreclosure procedures to understand the market trends and determine the best bargains.

•    Contact the REO department of various banks to get the latest information on foreclosed properties.

•    Visit the local county office as well as search through newspaper classifieds for Charlotte foreclosed homes for sale.

•    Carry out a sound inspection of the property to assess its value before making an offer.

•    Always remember that the lenders are keen on selling the property and there is a wide room for negotiating on the asking price through Charlotte foreclosed homes.

kent harper asked:


The scenario regarding foreclosures is evolving daily. Many of foreclosures are occurring due to the economic downturn. There are a lot of unique foreclosure situations such as land foreclosure, bank foreclosure, home foreclosure, property foreclosure etc. A regional real estate agent can aid you with the foreclosure process -and your options.

Many real estate services can also provide foreclosures info and foreclosure listings, advice on how to stop foreclosure and the foreclosure process in general. As many experts will confirm, foreclosure homes often create perfect investment property. Some experts can advise individuals on bank owned, short sale, HUD foreclosures, real estate investing. A few ineligible for refinance will go into foreclosure with bankruptcy. And, tax foreclosure type questions for may be answered too. Foreclosure listings are usually comprehensive and often evolving.

Free real estate foreclosure listings, foreclosure information are offered from many local real estate agents. Finding data has never been more simple or more needed. Many need info on confusing subjects such as foreclosure sales, government foreclosures, real estate foreclosure, bank foreclosures etc. Foreclosure prevention will go a good way to avoiding foreclosure, which is not a fun topic, while it is incredibly pertinent. Real estate foreclosures have unique regulations in each state, isn’t different. Foreclosure services will allow you make sense of it all.

Seized homes or seized real estate are not infrequent. Many seek to avoid this result, announcing “buy my house!” to those that advertise, “I buy houses”. You are probably aware of these advertisements. Short sales will be a type of  loss mitigation too. There are different ways through the situation if you know who to consult with, namely a foreclosures expert.

To invest well in foreclosures, you’ll need data, info sources and expertise.  Maybe locate a local investment club, inquire where and at what time they get together, attend the majority of meetings, absorb all that possible and make contacts.  Look through the books and info you have seen, pick a source and start reading.  Read the web forum groups, magazine articles that include references and real data and save them.  Check out all the sources you may find on various web pages, it will of course increase your knowledge.

Most significant real estate companies offer paid Real Estate schooling.  It’s an excellent method to be an excellent foreclosure investor. If you do not have a history in the field, this is a fairly cost effective way to get skill regarding the intricate procedures included, whats necessary to purchase a home plus all kinds of  additional knowledge.  Many companies demand a larger fee if you do not get the license and work for that company, do plan to shop around, the school might be inexpensive.  Look in the phone book in Real Estate Colleges.  Remember that when you actually obtain your license, you have various legal considerations than when you’re with no license.  Just because you don’t actively sell real estate full-time, when licensed, you’re considered as a real estate professional.

If you think that you are going to be involved in foreclosure in some way -whether through purchasing hoses or going through the proceedings- meet with a city foreclosure consultant or real estate specialist to fully appreciate the choices. Since this is an especially detailed process, it is a worthwhile investment to meet with an expert.

Colin Egbert asked:


Foreclosure Process – Information for Investing in Pre-Foreclosures

Every state and county has slightly different rules concerning the sale of pre-foreclosures and short sale investing, but there is a basic process that each follows. This foreclosure process takes quite a long time before a property is sold at the sheriff’s auction and even, in some cases, before the homeowners are evicted from the property. Yet, even so it’s still a good chance for real estate investors to pick up properties at a discount along every step of the way.

It Begins with Non-Payment

A lender is often a bank that lends the buyer money based on their job, down payment and credit history to purchase a home. In return the buyer agrees to a home mortgage with that bank to begin paying back the loan. The bank makes money because the loan accrues interest over the lifetime of the mortgage. The buyer becomes a homeowner and everyone is happy. Should the buyer turned homeowner stop paying back the loan through the mortgage, the bank has a safety net in being able to take ownership of the homeowner’s property.

This is called a foreclosure. The foreclosure is initiated by the bank when the homeowner has stopped making payments on the home mortgage. The bank may wait an extended period of time before beginning the foreclosure, allowing anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the homeowner to being making payments on the mortgage again. The bank would prefer not to take a property back in foreclosure. It’s a messy, lengthy process and the loss mitigation officers must consider property the bank owns to be a non-performing asset.

Property Enters Pre-foreclosure

A foreclosure is begun when the bank files a Notice of Default through a trustee with the County Recorder’s Office. This notice lets the county and the homeowners know that the bank is getting ready to foreclosure on their property. In short sale investing the home is now considered to be in pre-foreclosure. The pre-foreclosure period is also known at the reinstatement period in that it allows the homeowner some time to catch up their past due amount on the mortgage and keep their property. This amount of time usually lasts about 3 months.

During pre-foreclosure the trustee appointed by the bank, usually a local attorney, prepares for a foreclosure. The trustee makes every reasonable effort to contact the homeowners and let them know about the upcoming foreclosure. This can be done by posting the Notice of Default on their property, sending it in the mail and also placing it in the classifieds of the local newspapers. The trustee may also call the homeowner to see if they can work out payment arrangements to get the mortgage back on track.

If the mortgage loan isn’t brought up to date in this 3 month period the trustee files a Notice of Sale with the County Recorder’s Office. This Notice of Sale is also posted at the homeowner’s property and placed in the local newspaper classifieds.

Goes to Court

Some states require that the Bank go to court and sue the homeowner for their property as part of the foreclosure process. This process can further lengthen the pre-foreclosure period which is a good thing in short sale investing. The short sale process can be a little lengthy itself, so the more time you have to put together a deal, the better.

The bank’s trustee will have to notify the homeowners of the upcoming court date and ask that they show up. However, many homeowners fail to show up in court to fight for their property. This can be because they are ashamed or afraid. Some don’t know the laws very well and could even be concerned that they’ll be arrested for a bad debt.

If the homeowner presents a good case in court or even if the homeowners just show up and provide their foreclosure information, there is a good chance that the court will provide the homeowners with a few more months to try and catch up their mortgage or make arrangements.

The court may also decide to award the property to the bank, especially if this property has gone to court previously or the homeowner doesn’t even show up to state their case.

Foreclosed Property Up for Sale

After the bank forecloses on the property it goes to the Sheriff’s Auction, also known as a Foreclosure Sale or Trustee Sale. This auction can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months from the time the bank has foreclosed on the property.

There are several different popular methods for holding a Sheriff’s Auction, but the most popular is held right on the courthouse steps. The county clerk auctions of the foreclosures one after the other by property number to the public. The highest bidder wins that property. The opening bid on each property is often equal to the remaining loan balance that the bank is owed, plus interest accrued and any additional fees associated with the Sheriff’s Auction.

At this point, short sale investing is bunk. If you still want that property you’ll need to wear the hat of a foreclosure investor and get right in there with the bidding.

After the Sheriff’s Sale

If no one bids on the foreclosed property it is purchased by the bank’s trustee and becomes a bank owned property. It is called, ‘Real Estate Owned’ or REO at this point and usually sits on the banks portfolio until the bank can get it sold to a post-foreclosure investor.

If an investor bids on the property and wins it they are winning the Trustee’s Deed to the property. They become the owner and can do with the property as they wish.

Sometimes the homeowners may still be living in the property after it is sold at auction. In this case the new owner may wish to work out a rental agreement with the homeowners, or ask the homeowners to leave. If the homeowners refuse then the new owner must evict them.

The owner can file an eviction notice with the country sheriff and usually within a few weeks the sheriff comes out to forcibly evict the former homeowners. However, this happens several months to a year after the bank sent the home into pre-foreclosure. Most homeowners have plenty of time to make other arrangements and have either left or are in the process of leaving when the property is sold at auction.

The foreclosure process is a lengthy one, but it provides lots of time for short sale investing to take place before that sheriff’s auction.

Fiona Livnat asked:


San Antonio is the second largest city of Texas and one of the major residential hotspots for homebuyers and investors due to its strong real estate market. Now with a large number of San Antonio foreclosed homes available at unimaginable deals homebuyers have been presented with a rare opportunity of owning a home in one of the fastest growing American cities at throwaway prices.

Buying a property through San Antonio foreclosed homes has various benefits as listed below:

Sound economy – Compared to other U.S. cities that are experiencing a slowdown in their economy the city has been cited by Forbes.com as having one of the strongest and recession proof economies in America.

Appreciating real estate – According to recent reports by The Board of Realtors (BOR) the price appreciation of properties has continued to show a steady increase despite the recession which makes buying San Antonio foreclosed homes a very good investment.

Affordable living -The Texas Business Journal, has ranked the city as one of the most affordable in the country in a study by that compared housing costs and income levels in the 95 U.S. metros with populations above 500,000. In fact, according to ACCRA Cost of Living Index the city’s costs of living are 22 percent below the national average.

Sports and cultural hub – The city is home to the four-time NBA champion SA Spurs as well as the annual Stock Show & Rodeo, one of the largest in the country making it a great choice for buying foreclosed property.

Excellent educational opportunities – The city is also home to more than 30 private schools and charter schools including national ranking institutions like the Central Catholic High School, Providence High School, and St. Anthony Catholic High School providing a solid educational foundation to children.

Given below are some important guidelines on finding the best deals on San Antonio foreclosed homes.

Foreclosure listings – Subscribing to online listing services as well as classifieds and business journals will give you the most updated information on San Antonio foreclosed homes.

Online public records – Looking up the official city and state website is also a good way of getting the latest updates on foreclosures.

Real estate agents – You can also contact a well reputed real estate agency to give you information on San Antonio foreclosed homes suiting you budget and other requirements.

JosephSmith asked:


If you are looking for the most profitable Fort Lauderdale Foreclosed Homes, doing your share of research is very important. Some of the things needed to be researched include the market value, an inspection report, and an appraisal on the home.

The market value of a house is very important when you make a decision to buy. On foreclosures it is extremely important also that you choose to compare the market value. A foreclosed home should not be listed at the market value along with other homes on the MLS because it is in distress. Chances are good the home needs quite a bit of maintenance and is not in move in condition. Some foreclosed houses require thousands of dollars worth of work while others don’t need too much at all. It is best for you to find a house that is priced far below the market value of the properties for sale today.

An inspection report is a document you need to read. An inspection on a home will give you a list of the entire condition of the interior and exterior of the home. This way you can have knowledge if a water pipe is broken under the home before you purchase it. If the roof needs to be repaired, the inspection report will tell you this. An inspection report will list everything that needs to be done on the home so you can make a list of how much the costs will be to fix them.

An appraisal is another document that you should ask the bank for if you are interested in purchasing Fort Lauderdale Foreclosed Homes. An appraisal will give you a price of the value of your home in comparison with the local market. One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes appraisals list the home a little higher than they should, especially if someone is trying to qualify for a home loan that they may not be approved for. Because an appraisal is based on the market value of a home it is important that the report is less than 6 months old so the information is current.