Foreclosure and Under Water Home Help

Cold Hard Cash For Your Short Sale

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:42:29 GMT

As weird as it sounds, banks and loan-servicers are increasing their incentives to home owners in lieu of a successful short sale!

Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department launched the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program otherwise known as HAFA. Here’s a quick VIDEO overview of it. Part of this program provides the borrower with a $3,000 cash incentive.

$3,000 is ok, but it’s peanuts compared to what some lenders are providing now, independent of HAFA altogether.

For example, CitiMortgage is now paying on average, $12,000 to borrowers/homeowners after completing a short sale. JP Morgan / Chase bank is also offering significant incentives to borrowers to the tune of $20-$30,000 after a successful close! Wells Fargo is offering a similar program in some cases.

One of the keys to a successful short sale, just like modifications, is the timely collection of financial documents. Regulators helped move the process along with guideline changes to programs like the HAFA initiative, which lessened the amount of documents required.

Anyone half-way familiar with the Short Sale process will lament about the long waiting period for approval. Well, Wachovia/Wells Fargo have taken this bull by the horns and offer an extremely streamlined approval program. If your loan is one of their portfolio loans (meaning that they own your loan and didn’t sell or transfer it to another investor); they can approve the whole package in less than 10 days. PLUS, they don’t even care what your hardship is, no documentation needed.

Want to know if your Wells Fargo loan is a portfolio loan and qualifies for the “no-doc” hardship streamlined short sale approval program? Just contact me with your loan#, and I’ll check it out for you.

Bottom line
(Take this next line with a huge grain of salt) It’s never been easier than now to complete a short sale. However, it’s never been more important than ever to work with an agent that is experienced with the process! This fact cannot be stressed more. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. I’ve had to ‘clean-up’ a number of other botched and bobbled short sales. Save yourself allot of time and trouble and choose your agent wisely. [OK, off soapbox now.]

Michael Koenig
SFBayRealtor@Gmail.com

Mortgage Relief Fraud: Will You Be the Next Victim?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:42:30 GMT

Mortgage Relief Fraud: Will You Be the Next Victim?

Not if I have anything to say about it!

The FBI reported a jump of 71% in mortgage relief fraud investigations from 2008-2009, and expects this number to have grown in 2010.

That’s why it’s my duty to educate homeowners in my community on the cautions they need to take, and what the government has recently done to protect you from unscrupulous individuals and companies who want to take advantage of their desperate situations.

What you need to watch out for if you are looking for mortgage relief assistance:

Upfront fees—just don’t pay them! In fact, they are now illegal!
A request to sign over your deed (this only spells trouble)
Lots of paperwork without the opportunity for review
The claim of government-affiliation

These are just a few red flags you need to be wary of. I’ve created a free report on the homepage of my website that details more of what you need to watch for.

If you are struggling with an unaffordable mortgage and are looking for help, educate yourself. These scammers can be very shrewd and will say almost anything to steal your money.

The Federal Trade Commission has required disclosures of anyone offering mortgage relief services. If you’d like to see an example, check out any of the pages of my website. If a company you are dealing with has not provided these disclosures, please ask why they are not compliant, and proceed with caution!

As a CDPE, you can trust that I have the tools to be in full compliance of FTC regulations, and will always work with your best interests at heart.

If you want viable alternatives to foreclosure, give me a call today. I’m always here to help!

Michael Koenig - (510) 270-2201

sfbayrealtor@gmail.com

Testimonials

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:38:21 GMT

Client Testimonials

We have helped a number of homeowners facing foreclosure or that are severely under water. Many of these sellers have sent us testimonials about their experience with us. Here are a few:

"Hi Michael, We want to thank you for helping us deal with the bank. We tried so hard to handle the problem and nearly drove us crazy. I'm not sure you know just how much you helped us get sleep at night again. We can't wait to get back on our feet financially again, so that we can call you up to help us buy another home. Thank you so much!!"
-Fremont, CA

"Michael, It's good to know that there are still decent people out there who are willing to help others and aren't just there for the money. You are very knowledgeable and that's the reason I hired you. After my first realtor, I was sure that all realtors were alike, but you changed my mind. Thanks for all your hard work, great marketing skills...and most of all, getting my home sold. You're greatly appreciated."
-Pleasanton, CA

"Hi Michael, Whew! Thanks to all your hard work, we we're FINALLY able to close our short sale. I thought for sure we would lose the home to foreclosure, as the bank didn't want to negotiate with our previous agent at all. Not sure what you did, or why our other agent couldn't sell the home in 9 months, but you did in 5 weeks. Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart. I'll be sure to tell my friends and family about you!"
-Tracy, CA

"Dear Michael and Team, We can't thank you enough for helping my family through this difficult time. I was so worried that the short-sale would take forever to complete, as a friend of mine across the bay said hers took about 3 months to get an approval. I was so relieved when the approval only took 2 weeks. My only wish is that we should've called you earlier, we just weren't sure what to do at the time. Thanks and we'll be sure to let others know about you and your great service!"
-Union City, CA

"Hi Michael, I'm sorry I didn't send you a thank-you note earlier, but better late than never! Thanks again for all your help in getting us out of that horrible condo. I really appreciate your quick email updates, not sure if I know anyone else that does so like that. It helps when we're on pins and needles about everything, especially the bank short sale approval...that was something else, eh? Thanks again, and I look forward to you helping us in the future."
-Livermore, CA

"Dear Michael, John and I wanted to thank you for selling our house. You helped us realize that a short sale was a better option for us than letting our house go to foreclosure, as many others were suggesting. We can't thank you enough for making our lives easier in these tough economic times. We're looking forward to using your services in the near future :) You've already been recommended to my sister who should've contacted already."
-Tracy, CA

*Names have been omitted for seller’s privacy

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.

Are you 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Is Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?

One in seven mortgages in this country is headed toward foreclosure.

If you or someone you care about is feeling burdened by a mortgage that is unaffordable, I can help.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, it is my mission to help homeowners avoid the financial devastation of foreclosing on their home. In the process, I help them move forward on a positive path. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: Is Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?

As my report points out, there are currently 6.5 million mortgages in the country that are delinquent or in foreclosure. Stemming the tide of foreclosures has become a national priority because a foreclosure is nothing short of a disaster for all concerned – families, communities, the real estate market and the national economy as a whole.

As a CDPE, I am tapped into the most up-to-date solutions for financially distressed homeowners, and am distinctly qualified to work with you to determine your best possible option.

Contact me today and let's get started!

Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage

An Unmanageable Mortgage Clouds Everything

When families are tapped out financially and faced with the uncertainty of not knowing how much longer they'll be able to stay in their home, the prospect of planning or having a positive outlook on the future seems out of the question.

Many financially strapped homeowners feel frozen in action and it's no wonder, but here's the most important point that you need to know:

Even though millions of homes have been lost to foreclosure, you and those you care about absolutely do not need to add to that statistic.

More help is available now than ever before.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start.

If you, or someone you care about is looking to get out from under the cloud of unmanageable mortgage contact me today for a confidential consultation!

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure

Foreclosure or Short Sale: Understand the Differences

Underwater on your mortgage? Facing foreclosure? Avoiding foreclosure through a short sale can have many benefits for your future financial stability.

I created this site to help spread the word about the options to avoiding foreclosure, and a short sale has many benefits. A successful short sale can reduce the damage to one's future loan eligibility, credit rating, employment, security clearance and more.

For a free report on the differences between short sales and foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If your situation is urgent, feel free to contact me immediately. I'm ready to help you take action and secure a more secure financial future.

As a CDPE-designated agent, I've been trained to pursue foreclosure alternatives, and 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.

Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?

Fear of foreclosure is a national epidemic.

Millions of homeowners fell behind on their mortgage payments last year, and then proceeded to fall further behind every month.

These are tough times and there are no easy answers.

The fact is, major lenders, the federal government, and local agencies across the country have stepped up their efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures. More help is available than ever before.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am knowledgeable and adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start.

Looking to learn more? Check out my free report: "Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure? Resolve to Shed the Weight of an Unmanageable Mortgage in 2012."

And if you, or someone you care about is looking to tip the scales back into financial solvency, contact me today for a confidential consultation!

Missing Mortgage Payments? It's Never Too Late!

Missing Mortgage Payments?

It's Not Too Late!

According to Lender Processing Services (LPS), over 6.32 million homeowner missed their mortgage payments in April 2011. Another four million have missed more than three months of payments and are now considered seriously delinquent. If you or someone you care about is having difficulty making mortgage payments, you should know it's not too late to get help.

I created this website so homeowners could gather as much information as possible about a homeowner's options and what steps should be taken next. The free reports available on this site are phenomenal resources for you to learn more about how I can help overwhelmed homeowners overcome this temporary challenge in life.

Make Financial Stability Your Resolution

Foreclosure Stress Never Goes on Holiday

If a foreclosure is threatening your happy holiday, you should know you're not alone. Millions of Americans are in the same situation, and it is my goal to help ease the stress that comes with the threat of foreclosure for as many as I can reach.

As a CDPE-designated agent, I help struggling homeowners navigate the various options they have to avoid foreclosure. One possible option is a mortgage modification, which makes monthly payments more affordable.

For more information regarding this and other solutions, please download the free report located on this site.

If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact me throughout the holiday. I'm here to help. Make financial stability your resolution for the New Year!

On the Edge of Losing Your Home?

When you or someone you know is pushed to the edge of foreclosure, it is vital to know that you have options.

It is my duty as a real estate professional to reach out to distressed homeowners. As a CDPE designated agent, I have received extensive training to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

I created this site to provide a lifeline of information regarding alternatives. From short sales to loan modifications, I can provide information to help.

For a free report on foreclosure alternatives, fill out the form below and click "Send." Take action today and avoid falling into foreclosure. I'm only a phone call or email away.

Feeling Financially Squeezed

Feeling Financially Squeezed?

Escape the Grip of Forecloure

If you are struggling with the emotional stranglehold of foreclosure, I'm here to help. With my assistance, we can start the process of putting you back on the path to stability.

As a CDPE, I have extensive training to serve the needs of homeowners in circumstances where they feel they have no options. The reality is that you have many.

Because millions of Americans are struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments, lenders are more than ever encouraged to work with homeowners to find a solution that benefits all parties.

To find out more about foreclosure alternatives that are available to you, click and download the free report I've created on this website.

Call me today. The sooner we get started the more time we'll have to devise a strategy to help you breathe a little easier and restore hope for the future.

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!

Freezes in Foreclosure

Think a Foreclosure Moratorium Will Save Your Home?

Think Again.

You may have heard news that politicians are requesting a federal moratorium on foreclosures and wonder what this means to you, especially if you are behind on mortgage payments. The reality is that a foreclosure freeze is not the answer to your problem. However, there are steps you can take to avoid foreclosure.

On the site below I've listed 5 steps to Avoid Foreclosure, which starts out with the proactive approach in avoiding foreclosure—taking action!

I have created this site to provide a source of empowerment and education. From short sales to loan modifications, I can provide information to provide a genuine sense of hope.

For a free report on the Five Steps to Avoid Foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send." Remember, a moratorium won't save your home—only you can! I'm here to help.

Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy

Considering filing for bankruptcy? There may be alternatives you've never considered …

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and are possibly considering bankruptcy, there may be better solutions for your particular circumstances. I've created the free report available on this page, "The Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy," to provide more information.

Alternatives to foreclosure, such as conducting a short sale and moving into a rental residence with less expensive payments, may offer the breathing room you need to reorganize your finances.

To get your free report, fill out the form below and click send. However, if your situation is urgent and you need immediate assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I'm here to assist you.

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.

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!

Change the Course!

You Can Change the Course!

If you feel like shifting economic winds have not been in your favor lately, you are in good company. More than 6 million homeowners nationwide are in some stage of foreclosure.

If this is the case with you or someone you care about, you are all too aware of the stress and uncertainty that accompanies notices of default, unwanted phone calls and offers of help that turn out to be no help at all.

The fact is, the last thing your bank wants is to foreclose on your home. Banks are willing to negotiate, and you need someone on your side who is adept at negotiating with banks.

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: "Change the Course! And Navigate Away from an Unmanageable Mortgage."

Contact me today and let's get started!