Short Sale News: Ventura County Loan Servicer Demands A Bribe From Home Buyer, Or They Won’t Approve Buyer's Short Sale Offer

Our team processed a Ventura County Short Sale recently with a certain loan servicing company. The interesting part was that this loan servicer was hired by the investor, or owner of the loan to work on their behalf.
In other words, the loan servicer was to look out for the loan owner's best interest.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Processing and approving a short sale will usually avoid future losses on a mortgage. Boston Consulting Group recently did a study on the difference between a short sale and foreclosure.
They found that a short sale dramatically reduces future losses when compared to a foreclosure.

Here is a real life example: One lender rejected a 385k short sale offer. The home was foreclosed upon and put up for sale. It sold for $230,000. We estimate the owner of the loan, Fannie Mae, lost $182,000.

We have seen this happen over and over again with short sale offers. The loan servicers drag their feet on processing the short sale. The home is later foreclosed upon and sells for substantially less.
But, we had never seen a loan servicer work against their customer / client's best interest. Until we saw a short sale approval letter come across our desk.

The loan servicer was asking for a $2,500 fee to be paid to them. If it wasn't paid they wouldn't approve the short sale.

I was shocked. "Aren't you required to work in your client's best interest?", I asked them.
The woman at the loan servicer replied, "Well, we checked it out with our legal department and the said it is ok." I don't really understand what she meant by "ok."

This company is not working in their client's behalf. The loan servicer actually has a fiduciary duty to do what is best for the owner of the loan.

And putting a roadblock in the way of approving short sales isn't doing what is best for their client. So, what does this mean to you?

In my opinion, it gives you a strong basis for a lawsuit against that loan servicing company if your loan modification or short sale isn't approved because you won't pay their fees. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Moorpark loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor

Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:

 MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.
Income Property Info Click here.

Ventura County Short Sale News: Loan Servicer Doesn’t Follow VA Short Sale Guidelines On A Short Sale Of A VA Loan

Ventura County Short Sale Negotiator – We recently negotiated a short sale on a VA Loan. After the appraisal is complete and all the other necessary document have been received, VA guidelines state the loan servicer should give us an answer within 15 days.

The loan servicer took 65 days to give us an answer. That is a complete violation of VA’s requirements. “Oh, but that’s no big deal”, you might say.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.
It is a big deal, because VA (and every single US Taxpayer) loses money as a result. VA insures VA lenders against loss, provided they follow their guidelines.

VA is able to make an “educated bet” that they can issue these guarantees because they have laid out rules to control the lending and loan servicing environment. When the company servicing the loan doesn’t follow VA’s guidelines, it is no longer an “educated bet.”

Most short sales that get turned down and foreclosed upon sell for less as a foreclosure. That means VA loses even more money.

I can tell you from experience as a Gainesville Short Sale Realtor that the 60 day turn around means that VA loses a lot more short sales to foreclosure.

But no one really cares because it almost a victimless crime. At least the victims don't care. The employees at VA don't get hurt because it's not their money.

The US Taxpayer already knows the government wastes money. The victim ends up being American's Veterans who don't have as much money in the VA Loan Program to use to buy a house. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor

Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.

Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.
Income Property Info Click here.

Ventura County Short Sales: Isn't It Time For A REAL Homeowner's Bill of Rights?

Ventura County Short Sale Help – The big banks made mistakes and received a bailout. They have the resources to lobby congress and the courts to have laws written to suit them.

But, what has the little guy received? Nothing. So we decided to put together a Homeowner's Bill of Rights. It's time we had Washington look at what we want, versus taking care of the big banks.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Considering that the big banks have way more rights than the little guy, here is what we think should be done to "level the playing field."

The Homeowner's Bill of Rights.

1. Stop The Loan Modification Insanity! The Right to an open and transparent loan modification process.

Any homeowner that can no longer afford their mortgage payment, petitions their lender for a loan modification, and it turned down shall receive a written, coherent response from their lender detailing why they were denied and what they can do to be approved for a loan modification.

2. The right to get an answer to a voicemail or e-mail from a loan mod or short sale negotiator within one business day.
 
3. The right to obtain the rules and guidelines for the loan modification of short sale from the loan servicer.

Most loans are owned or insured by someone other than the lender the homeowner mails their payment to. However, these front entities still make decisions contrary to the investor or insurer's guidelines.

As such, the loan servicer should send any and all guidelines regulating the loan modification and short sale process to the homeowner.

4. The right to deal with one person who will make the decision to approve or deny their loan modification or short sale. This person should be available to reach by phone or e-mail.

5. The right to attempt to negotiate a loan modification or short sale without fear.

The homeowners have the right to have all foreclosure proceedings stopped when they are negotiating a loan modification or short sale.

Many lenders use an impending foreclosure sale date to force a higher payment from a homeowners attempting to secure a more affordable payment.

Many times the reason the sale date is so near is because the lender has dragged their feet on negotiating with the homeowner.

Because they are under duress, many homeowners will agree to a payment they cannot afford. Sure the loan mod negotiator at the bank gets a bonus.

But, everyone loses when the homeowner re-defaults and the lender has to process a loan modification all over again.

6. The right to walk away from their upside down mortgage debt.

We often see the lenders hold such a hard line on getting repaid everything they owe that they allow the collateral (the home that is mortgaged) decline in value even more than they ever would have received as repayment from the debtor.

7. Stop the Debt Collector Harassment! The right to tell any and all debt collectors to stop calling and never receive a phone call from then again.

In addition, this would include debt collectors that know the person's phone number, but will call family members in an attempt to embarrass the debtor.

This is America people! Debtor's prison was abolished two centuries ago! It's time to update your activities to the Twenty-First Century!

8. The right to have their short sale handled competently. The short sale process with most lenders is seriously flawed.

Because of this, we see short sale offers for 385k rejected, only to see the home sell for 230k after foreclosure. This hurts homeowners, the banks, the housing market, and the American Economy.
Is it fair to pursue a homeowner for a larger deficiency when it was the lender's decision to reject the short sale that caused the deficiency to be larger? I don't think so.
Because of that, the homeowner has the right to have their short sale handled as detailed below.

A. All deficiencies are forgiven. We often see the lenders hold such a hard line on getting repaid everything they owe that they allow the collateral (the home that is mortgaged) decline in value even more than they ever would have received as repayment from the debtor.

Making the infamous difficult short sale process simpler and more attractive to buyers would net the banks way more money than will ever be recouped chasing down sellers.

B. To have their short sale handled to process everything as smoothly and quickly as possible so the home sells for top dollar and the loan owner receives the most money possible.

C. The right to work with a competent, experienced agent who specializes in short sales.

D. The homeowner is given a written list of investors, mortgage insurance companies, etc. (with contact information) that need to be satisfied for the Short Sale to be approved.

E. An appraisal is ordered and then the home is listed for sale at that price. The price is dropped by 5% a month, or whatever that lender's standard price drop is for Bank Owned Properties.

F. Home buyers get an answer to their offer within 2 business days.

G. An appraisal is ordered and then the home is listed for sale at that price.

H. Allow short sale buyers 45-60 days to get their loan approved. Many lenders that have loan servicing departments that handle short sales.

These departments demand that a home buyer close the transaction within 30 days of short sale approval. However, these same companies have lending sides that cannot close a loan in less than 45-60 days.

So essentially, they are demanding that other banks close loans in 30 days, when they themselves cannot do the same thing. I would call that serious hypocrisy! Don't you agree? Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.

Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

Chris B Johnson provides HAFA Loan Modification and short sales help, Short Sales in Moorpark

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.
Income Property Info Click here.

Use This Advanced Strategy To Stop Harassing Debt Collector Calls: Ventura County Foreclosure Avoidance & Short Sale Help

In Ventura County, many of the short sale sellers we help are selling their home to avoid foreclosure. In addition, they are receiving lots of harassing calls from debt collectors.

These debt collectors seem to think that if you call someone with no extra money, then you can still get them to pay. Here is a little tip on how to stop their phone calls.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

A friend of mine looks for missing people. The database he uses is also a prominent debt collection database. He told me something interesting.

Apparently people are suing debt collectors for breaking Debt Collection Laws all the time. These lawsuits are expensive for them to defend against and easy for the consumer to file.

(I can’t agree more. In my opinion, the debt collectors knowingly break the rules all the time.)
To help debt collectors avoid future lawsuits they now have a field in their search that flags people that have filed lawsuits.

They know that if they harass these people, then they are much more likely to get a lawsuit from them.

As you can see, they are scared! In my last blog post I detailed what were, in my opinion, the different violations of the law.

You can read more info on the law at this link and see for yourself if a debt collector is violating it.
If you feel they have violated the law, then find a good lawyer to file suit on your behalf. There are many good lawyers who specialize in helping consumers when a debt collector violates the act.
Just Google “Fair Debt Collections Lawyer.” Many can help you at no cost out of your pocket.
They will take your case on a contingency basis and get paid from the money they collect from the debt collector. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

 Chris B Johnson, Realtor

Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.

Ventura County Short Sale Specialist: The Banker's Bill of Rights

Ventura County Short Sale Help – If homeowner's have a bill of rights, then bankers must have one as well. We decided to put together the Banker's Bill of Rights. That way they wouldn't feel left out.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

The Banker's Bill of Rights.

1. All Bankers have the Right to make any mistake they want and still get bailed out by the American Taxpayer. They can fiddle around with complex derivatives with no risk to themselves or the bank they run.

When they run their bank into the ground, they get the full assistance of the American Taxpayer to bail them out of their mess.

2. All Bankers have the right to say "sic' em" to their debt collection phone call team. Every American that doesn't pay on time will be called non-stop until that pay up.

They have the right to call the debtor at 8:55 on a weeknight, at 8AM on the weekend, and even at their workplace. Maybe the Bankers can embarrass the employee or cause their boss to fire them.

3. All Bankers have the right to make the loan modification as confusing and frustrating a possible.

This includes the right to change policies at anytime, continue the foreclosure process in order to force the homeowner to accept a payment they can't afford, and not respond to phone calls or e-mails for weeks at a time.

4. Every American either pays their mortgage on time, or they are sent to a forced labor camp to work until they have paid everything back in addition to delinquent interest. This is called "The Gulag" Rule.

If you get behind and we lose money on your house, then go to a work camp to "work off" what you owe us at minimum wage.

In addition, if any homeowner dare not pay on time, then a late penalty shall be charged at 10% per day.

4. All Bankers have the right to hide all the rules for a short sale or loan modification. We will enter a new age of holding the homeowner in the dark.

Transparency, accountability, and openness will be gone. Fortunately, the bankers haven't been able to get their bill of rights approved by congress. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.
Income Property Info Click here.

Ventura County Short Sale Help : Bankers, Please Stop Harassing Home Owners For Money They Don't Have

Ventura County CA – Maybe this is a pet peeve of mine. Or maybe it just seems ridiculous that someone would call a debtor over and over again asking to be paid, when they have already been told the debtor doesn't have the money to pay them.

Or maybe it is the fact that I see countless examples of debt collectors breaking the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. But, no one seems to care that they are breaking the law.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act forbids collectors from threatening to sue you, but then not following thru and actually filing suit. To get around this rule, they will use language that sounds legal, but isn't.

In one situation, a debt collection firm in Buffalo, New York named their firm Hoffman, Weinberg & O'Brien to make it sound like they were a law firm.

They would then leave messages on people's answering machines. They would say they were with the office of Hoffman, Weinberg & O'Brien and then say they may resort to future legal action.
Or they would say they were calling about a pre-legal matter. In addition, they would reference case number 8306042. If you didn't know any better, you would think the case number was for an actual lawsuit against you. Scary, right?

In addition, if a debtor tells them not to call anymore, then they are supposed to stop calling. They just keep on calling anyways. This is another example of them not obeying the law per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

I allege that they willingly and knowingly break the law repeatedly. This is why we put Number Seven onto the Homeowner's Bill of Rights:

7. Stop the Debt Collector Harassment! The right to tell any and all debt collectors to stop calling and never receive a phone call from then again.

In addition, this would include debt collectors that know the person's phone number, but will call family members in an attempt to embarrass the debtor.

This is America people! Debtor's prison was abolished two centuries ago! It's time to update your activities to the Twenty-First Century!

Or take another example. A homeowner has never made a late payment in their entire life. They lose their job and find one in another state.

The move, try to rent out their house, but can't afford the payments. They get behind on their mortgage payment and credit cards. They enter the world of non-stop harassment.

Debt collectors call them non-stop. These people aren't deadbeats. They are just struggling at the moment. They won't stop calling even when the debtor asks them to stop.

They would pay if they had the money. But they don't have it. But, the people won't stop calling. The constant phone calls make their home life miserable. Don't you think it has gone too far?
I do. That's why we need a Homeowner's Bill Of Rights. Stop the debt collector harassment. What do you think? Please put your comments below. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.

Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.

Can A Ventura County Short Sale Can Help You And Your Neighbors Avoid The Side Effects Of A Foreclosure?

The Stop Foreclosure Institute of Ventura County recently received a question from Isabel. “I am behind on my payments and thinking of just letting my home go into foreclosure. What does that do to the neighborhood?” she asked.

Here is our answer to his question. It does hurt the neighborhood. But, it also hurts you.
Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Most banks do not do a good job and processing and handling foreclosures. They take 12-18 months to foreclosure on a house and then sell it.

In the meantime they do little to maintain the home. I estimate that half of all the properties I have seen in foreclosure have never even been checked on by the lender.

It has gotten so bad that one homeowner even started up a website to report on these banks. The website is called Lender Offender. Check it out here: www.LenderOffender.com.

In my opinion these banks are not being responsible with these properties. The biggest problem is that Uncle Sam usually takes the fall for any loss.

Uncle Sam does this by guaranteeing them against loss on many mortgages. Or in other cases, Uncle Sam has already bought the defaulted loan from the bank.

The homes eventually sell for a discount after the foreclosure. No home buyer is going to pay market value for a home that needs repairs!

This gives the banks little incentive to check on these properties. Fortunately you can help. Stay in your home until it sells. Keep it looking good and everything in good order.

Then, put it up for sale as a short sale. That will help protect the property values in your neighborhood. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823.

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Moorpark loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.

Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.

Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.

Ventura County Short Sale Question: Renters Trashed My House. What Should I Do?

We decided to rent it out our home rather than short sale it. The renters just moved out. I just checked the house. They trashed it!
I could rent the house out again, but I would have to spend several thousand dollars fixing it up first. What would you recommend that I do?” Richard asked.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here was our recommendation. That is a tough situation. You could fix up the house and rent it out again. But, you risk having the same thing happen all over again.
Here is the other problem. The amount you can charge for rent has gone down in most areas. This means you will probably have to write a check every month.

If you are able to rent it and cover all the costs, then I would recommend you keep the home. If not, then I would recommend you short sell it.

Here is why I recommend that. If you can break even, then the house will be a good investment as the real estate market recovers.

However, you will always risk large unexpected costs like the one you are experiencing right now. If it the rent does not cover all the costs, then more than likely you are in an area where the housing prices are still dropping.

This means the burden will only get bigger as time progresses. Costs will keep on going up. Rent might drop even more. The housing market could decline even further.

It would be better to just get rid of the liability now, once and for all. Thinking about a short sale?
I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Moorpark loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.

Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.
To Read More: Click here.

We Are Getting Divorced. Can't Afford Home. What Should I Do? do We Qualify for A Short Sale?

Ventura County CA – “My spouse and I are getting a divorce. Unfortunately neither of us can afford the house on our own.

So, we have to get rid of it one way or another. The big problem is that the house has dropped in value since we bought it. I think it is worth around $400,000 and we owe about $600,000.

I am curious about what options we have. What do you think we should do? Katie."

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here was our recommendation. In this case I would recommend you sell the house. Here are three options that you have.

Option #1: Let your lender foreclose on the home. You just stop making the payments and surrender the home to your lender.

Option #2: Rent the property. This is a good way to earn some extra money.
However, if you are upside down, then it is more than likely that the rent will not cover the mortgage. That means someone will have to write a check each month covering the loss.

Option #3: Short Sale the house and get the debt wiped out. A short sale offers the following benefits over a foreclosure.

You are eligible for another loan within 3 years after a short sale and sometimes even sooner than that. However, if your lender forecloses on the home, then current Fannie Mae Guidelines require you to wait 5-7 years before you can buy another home with a Fannie Mae Loan.

Most other banks and lenders have the same or even stricter guidelines. Any future loan application will require you to answer the question, "Have you had a property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?"

If your lender forecloses on your home, then an you'll have to answer "yes" to that question. If you short sell the house, then you can state “No” because you short sold your home.

With a foreclosure your score is typically lowered by 250 to 300 points, or even more. This often stays on your credit score for over 3 years.

If you short sell your home, then only late payments show up on your credit. After a short sale, the mortgage is normally reported as "paid in full, settled."

This lowers your score as little as 50 points if all other payments are being made. Oftentimes, this is off your credit report in as little as 12 months.

If your lender forecloses on your home, you may end up having to repay them for the money they lost. A foreclosure can take 12-18 months to process.

This dramatically increases the loss and makes any deficiency judgment potentially bigger. Contrast this with a short sale.

Few lenders ask for a promissory note on a short sale. As an example, on one short sale, the bank lost over $120,000. They settled with the seller for $25,000 to be repaid over 15 years with zero interest.
The seller's monthly payment was only $138,89. You can often even negotiate and have the promissory note waived. Most lenders also have a policy that the upside down debt is erased on a short sale.

It doesn't happen every time. So check your options before you start the process. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

 Chris B Johnson, Realtor
Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

 Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert

 Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure. You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.

How Come My Realtor Will Not Discuss A Ventura County Short Sale?

Ventura County CA – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from Jennifer. She is having a hard time selling her home.

“I have had my house for sale for a little while, but it hasn’t sold. No buyers have come to look at it. At first I thought the price was fair.

But, now that no one has come to see the home, I am beginning to realize that I am upside down. My realtor hasn’t talked to me about a short sale. What should I do?” Jennifer asked.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here is what we recommended to her. First, talk to your current agent about a short sale. The might be uncomfortable with bringing it up.

Short sales are a sensitive issue. Some people get offended when you ask them about a short sale. It doesn’t look like that is the case with you.

Tell your agent that you think you might be upside down. Ask them what they think they can realistically sell the house for in today’s market.

Then, ask them for a “Net Sheet.” This is a sheet that details all of the costs and fees associated with selling a home.

The fees and costs are subtracted from the sales price to give you the net amount you will receive from the sale. Compare that number with your mortgage payoff.

If it is less than what you owe your lender, then you will need to consider a short sale. Ask your agent if they can handle your short sale.

If not, then you may need to hire someone else. Short sales are a lot more complex than a normal real estate transaction.

Make sure the person you interview has closed short sales in the past and knows what they are doing.
Ask them how the short sale process works. Have them explain it to you. This will help you determine if that person can do the job for you. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at cjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Ventura County loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this,

 Chris B Johnson, Realtor

Chris is a Real Estate Agent at Prudential California Realty.
Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.
Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert

Which way is the Real Estate Market Headed? Get a Market Snapshot of your neighborhood:
MLS Market Snapshot Has the Market Stabilized

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

Get your Free Report for All Your Options HERE: Certified Distressed Property Expert,

Always check with a good real estate attorney to find out the laws in your state. There are also legal aid non profits that can give you advice on what to do to stop a garnishment or bank account seizure.
You should also look at California SB458. With the passage of SB458, the Expanded Anti-Deficiency Law May Have Unintended Consequences on Ventura County Short Sales. So Please read http://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=948.

For Disclosure, and more information on Mortgage Assistance Relief Services, please see Code 16 of Federal Regulations (FTC), Part 322, or , http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/mars.shtm and always consult your CPA, Accountant, Financial Advisor and Attorney before you any financial or legal decisions. Also seehttp://venturacountyshortsalerealtor.com/?p=1066.

To Read More: Click here.
Loan Mod vs Short Sale Click here.
Income Property Info Click here.

How Soon Can I Buy Another Home After A Moorpark Short Sale?

Moorpark Short Sale Help, Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert and Certified Pre-Foreclosure Specialist.

Moorpark CA – We receive this question a lot. “I am upside down and need to move. I would like to buy another home. Can I do that?” they ask us.

Today they can. FHA (the Federal Housing Administration) has a new program that enables you to short sale your existing home and buy a new home right afterwards.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

The home you purchase would have to meet FHA’s standard lending guidelines. FHA is a great mortgage program.

In fact, more people buying a home in today’s market are getting an FHA loan.

Here is what you would need to do to participate in the program:

1. Determine if you qualify to participate in the program. We have been told that you will need the following.

(Guidelines can change at any time, so make sure you check them with a Mortgage Professional familiar with the program.)

A. A 640 FICO credit score or better.

B. You must be current on all installment payments and your mortgage.

C. No bankruptcy or foreclosure on your credit in the last 7 years.

D. The home you are purchasing must be inferior to the one you are selling. I don’t know the exact guidelines, but I think it means it is a smaller home, or it has less bedrooms or a lower price.

E. You will need the 3.5% down payment for the new purchase.

2. Continue making your mortgage payments each month.

3. Talk to a Mortgage Professional and fill out FHA’s Short Sale and Buy Application.

4. Get pre-approved for your next home loan.

5. Put your home on the market with a licensed short sale realtor.

6. Once the short sale is approved, then you can start looking at other homes.

7. Close on selling your home and on purchasing the new property.

All in all it seems pretty simple. The key is to make sure they you are approved for the loan on the next home before you sell your existing home. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail atcjohnson@prucalhomes.com. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 805-208-0823

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Moorpark loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Chris B Johnson.

Chris B is a Real Estate Agent at http://venturacountyshortsalespecialist.theshortsaleguide.com
/. Moorpark Short Sales Realtor:

Phone: 805-208-0823. cjohnson@prucalhomes.com.

Certified HAFA Specialist, Certified Short Sale Specialist

View My homes for sale at www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com.

Chris Johnson specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Ventura County California. Ventura County Loan Modification Help, Ventura County short sales. Ventura County Short Sale Realtor Moorpark CA Short Sales. Moorpark Realtor.

Copyright 2012 SFI Marketing Institute, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Important Notice

Chris B Johnson, http://venturacountyshortsalespecialist.theshortsaleguide.com
and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Chris B's personal views and do not reflect the views of http://www.ChrisBJohnsonRealtor.com/

This information on How Soon Can I Buy Another Home After A Moorpark Short Sale? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.