Today’s Real Estate Info, News & Advice

In a nutshell… a short sale occurs when you sell your home for less than what you owe on your mortgage. The lender/investor will basically accept less than what is owed and will even pay for all closing costs and professional service fees, so it’s a really good option to explore rather than going through a foreclosure. But don’t think just anyone can do a short sale. You as the homeowner have to prove financial hardship. In other words, you have to prove that there is no way you can continue to pay your existing mortgage payments and/or pay the difference between the sales price, closing costs and what you owe on the mortgage. If this sounds like you, I suggest you find an experienced Real Estate Agent in your area that has the CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert, designation. You will be in great hands that way and can rest easy knowing that you will be treated with respect, your sale will be handled professionally and expeditiously.

I have received SO MANY calls since word has spread that I specialize in short sales and pre-foreclosure consulting. The only problem is that people are waiting until their redemption period is almost over to talk to a Real Estate Agent. If you or someone you know is even just a couple months behind in mortgage payments, call me! There are a number of options out there that I would be happy to discuss with you. I know it’s a very tough thing to go through and not one that you really want to let your friends or family know about, but there is hope. You just need to know where to start. Don’t wait until it is too late. Believe me, you don’t want a foreclosure on your credit report, it will destroy your credit for years. Don’t worry, there are options and I can help you sift through them.

Top Ten Reasons to do everything you can to avoid a Foreclosure 

10.      Foreclosures are forever! By simply mailing in your keys to the bank you will not stop the foreclosure process. The bank will proceed with the foreclosure.

9.         Foreclosures will haunt you forever. You will have to disclose that you have had a foreclosure in future mortgage applications, and job applications you fill out from today forward.

8.        Your credit score will be lowered by up to 300 points and a foreclosure is the most devastating credit issue you can have in relation to scores.

7.         A foreclosure is the most difficult credit item to “repair.”

6.         A foreclosure will remain on public records for an indefinite amount of time, and on a person’s credit score for 10 years or more.

5.         Security clearances and government positions including but not limited to military and law enforcement can be jeopardized by a foreclosure.

4.         Avoiding foreclosure may be as easy as calling a licensed REALTOR® with experience in distressed situations and getting an analysis and possible solutions.

3.         Many banks are accepting short sales – a process that if you hire the right REALTOR® will allow you to avoid foreclosure at no cost to you, the bank will pay all commissions and closing costs.

2.         You may be responsible for any defaults after foreclosure for an indeterminate period of time depending on the state you live in, this will land you in never ending collections. In a short sale, the debts are forgiven and NOT reported on your credit report as a derogatory item.

1.         And number one – while it may not seem like it now there will come a time where your current financial troubles will pass and you will feel much better knowing that you did everything you can to avoid this devastating financial consequence so many people face today. There is light on the other side of the tunnel. Reclaim your life.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPRESS RELEASE – April 6, 2009

Heidi Anderson of Keller Williams Realty, of Plymouth, MI (serving Western Wayne and Oakland Counties, and Eastern Washtenaw and Livingston Counties) has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash strapped seller to prepay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In our area, there are thousands of homes that are in danger of foreclosure. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

“This CDPE designation has been very useful as I work with sellers and lenders through complicated short sales,” said Anderson. “It is so rewarding to be able to help families save their homes from foreclosure, at a time when so many just want to give up because of fear and lack of clear understanding of the elements and consequences of foreclosure. Many just do not know where to go or who to talk to for help.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that REALTORS® such as Heidi with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for REALTORS® helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

For more information about CDPE designation or to find a certified distressed property REALTOR® in your area, please call (800) 896-0117 ext. 6208.

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Associate BROKER & Certified Distressed Property Expert in Southeast Michigan. Helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Heidi can help 9 out of every 10 people avoid foreclosure. Best of all, her services are FREE of charge. Visit www.HeidiCanHelp.com

Hi all you former crown wearers!  Our bunco group will likely start up again in Novemeber. Jean and I are just waiting to get all of the surveys back before nailing down this year’s schedule. It looks like we will probably play every other month and meeting at someone’s home instead of the Box Bar this year. It will all depend on the number of committed “Buncettes.” For now, sit tight, more info will be coming soon. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to return surveys. We’ve already recieved several.

Welcome to Heidi Anderson’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Plymouth.