Archive for September, 2007

Some Foreclosures Preventable But Many Others Are Not

Friday, September 28th, 2007

A dream log house in West Tisbury could not be save from foreclosure – dues had ballooned to two and a half times more than its original value. It was double the maximum resale permissible price allowed in the deed’s affordable housing covenant. The price being too steep officials of an organization, The Island Housing Trust, could not save it.

But in another instance they met with success in Oak Bluffs. They bought it and then resold it with the permission of the trust that held the property.

Because of non-inclusion of riders or covenants the risk is there that other properties could be at jeopardy. It is not at all complicated – a $10 second mortgage serves as an automatic alert to the holder of the lien of any deals like refinancing or sale.

These deed riders are effective only for a stipulated number of years. Very few are in perpetuity because the state lays down that these are for buyers whose income is 80% less than the average. Most buyers are well above this line. The towns that have established the affordable plots are not getting timely warning of any complications that arise on the properties.

Here time is the key factor. In one instance the town official had only 30 days in which to exercise its right of refusing to purchase the unit. In one such instance the representative of the town Ms Wansiewicz asked the bank for time to arrange matters with qualified buyers. The bank did not bother to reply. She went to the auction on September 4th with a copy of the covenant stating the resale price limits. But for all the noise and hullabaloo nothing positive resulted. The auctioneer claimed after few days delay that the unit had been sold to a bidder – Saxon Mortgage Company. Apparently the original lenders Freemont Investment had filed for foreclosure in February 2007 and assigned it to Saxon in July. The moot question behind all this maneuvers is that how did the property owner qualify for such a jumbo mortgage and that too without coming first to the town authorities? Affordable housing is about community investment. It must be well guarded to prevent dangerous cracks from developing.

The land trust and housing authority have but one prime aim – to see that affordable properties remain so for all times to come.

Search Images

Michigan Foreclosed Homes

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

In the Michigan real estate business the top option by many home buyers is to go in for Michigan foreclosed homes. This is based on sound reasoning that the Michigan foreclosure process is caused by many eventualities, namely bankruptcy, financial strain, death of house owner or shifting of residence to another place and the like, thereby the property owners defaults in repayment of the mortgage. The mortgage lenders are initiating the process of foreclosure for retrieval of their loan. Here the point to be noted is that the lender would have already got back a portion of the loan through paid installments and the remaining portion should only be recovered. So the mortgage lenders, private and public sector institutions like HUD, Banks and Insurance Companies, are ready to dispose of the property through foreclosure and are keen on getting back only the amount due to them. Michigan foreclosed homes also have this unique advantage.

Selecting the best location for purchase of a property is of paramount importance. The State of Michigan gets the merit of location ideal for investment as explained below:

The mid-western State of Michigan of the U.S.A. located in the east north central portion of the country, bounded by four great lakes, is blessed with the longest shoreline of freshwater in the world and second best in U.S., next only to Alaska. This is the only bi-peninsular state divided into Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula.

The State capital is Lansing and the largest city is the famous Detroit, a world-renowned automobile manufacturing venue. Michigan ranks 8th in the U.S. population-wise and has nearly 10 million people available for the realty market business.

Michigan has a humid continental climate throughout the state, irrespective of the two peninsular divisions, the Upper Peninsula being densely surrounded by green forests. More than 80% of the population is white Americans descended from Europe and the realty business is designed to suit their tastes in housing properties.

Economy wise Michigan State houses for high-tech employment in information technology, life sciences, engineering and heavy manufacturing inclusive of automotives. Apart from automobiles the State holds a pivotal position in manufacturing technology equipments like computers, hardware and software, bio-technology, Research and Development of technologies, aero-space equipments, which are mostly white-color jobs. The state provides ample scope for tourism development with its natural resources of forests in abundance and the related opportunities of employment. The personal per-capita income is assessed to be of 20th rank in the country. The important information for realty business is that Property taxes are assessed on the local level and not State level.

Hence, arising out of the factual advantages of location described above, Michigan also right on timing for realty business, particularly in Michigan foreclosed homes. The fact that increased availability of foreclosed homes due to downward trend in economy and mortgage lending interest rates, as prevalent elsewhere in the country is catching up Michigan also.

There are totally 143,918 foreclosed homes available for sale, listed in the MLS of Michigan at an average price of $169,900 and the Michigan foreclosed homes available are 39,169 Nos. at an average price of $96,999. With the above basic information, you are invited to get all the help, guidance and assistance in locating the exact Michigan foreclosed home of your choice as well as finalizing the deal amicably by visiting www.foreclosurelistings.com

Search Images

Foreclosure Scammers Licking Chops – Beware!

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

In the raw the jackals and vultures move in when the big predators have had their fill. It seems to be the same today in human society – and that too in America. Victims facing foreclosures are in a traumatized state – ready to clutch at any straw of hope. They cannot think rationally and calmly. This is the ideal scene for the scammers to enter the stage and pick the bones. With foreclosures on the rise it is a party out there for those who have a taste for rotten carcass. The foreclosure scammers are gorging and belching. Beware!

The wolf in sheep’s clothing comes knocking with sweet words of help. They promise the sky. But instead of succour the foreclosure victims find themselves not only without their foreclosed homes but also with slimmer purses – notes and coins they could have ill afforded to have lost during this severe weather.

Reports about sham rescue schemes from about all the 50 states have been pouring it – reports BBB. The number of foreclosure scams complaints rises in proportion to the number of foreclosures. Thus the maximum number is reported in the worst affected places like Georgia, Colorado and Ohio.

The line of action follows the route of email and posting of printed offers. It seems to be the same story repeated everywhere. There are even eye-catching web sites to trap the unwary. Treat personal approach with extreme caution. Usually hand written notes are pushed inside mailboxes overflowing with messages of concern for the foreclosure victim’s plight. No documents should be signed that writes away the title deed. Get the documents scrutinized by someone who knows and can be trusted – preferably a legal advisor. The helpers offer to negotiate satisfactory terms to stop foreclosures. The assurance is that if the process fails then the fees will be refunded. Some have been desperate enough to pay $1,300. Neither was action taken nor was the money returned – only precious time was lost.

The general advice to mortgage victims, from all responsible quarters, is to contact BBB – which is available on the web. A reliability-report is available for free. It is also relevant to remember that those who offer help should have a license from the state’s Department of Finance. A license from Real Estate Commission is required for those trading in property. The bottom line however is – contact the lender directly and immediately.

Search Images

Ormond Beach Foreclosures

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007

The real estate market of the Florida State has been the worst affected by the recent debacle that has clouded the markets around the nation. One of the worst affected real estate markets of the state has been Ormond Beach. Ormond Beach real estate properties have been dented with the downpour of Ormond Beach foreclosures in its real estate market. The beginning of the year saw more than 50 percent growth in the figures of Ormond Beach foreclosures from the previous year. The foreclosure market in the first half of this year followed the trend of the whole nation.

Many investors are having a belief that the real estate properties in Ormond Beach market are unsafe for the investments. During the first two quarters, it was noticed in the market that there was little investment in the market of Ormond Beach. With the coming of enormous number of Ormond Beach foreclosures and drop in the figure of investors, the value in the real estate properties of Ormond Beach automatically came down. The sellers of the general real estate properties faced a tough challenge from their foreclosed counterparts, who were putting the rates of Ormond Beach foreclosures on the mercy of investors.

However, experts at ForeclosureListings.com suggested that the situation in Ormond Beach is not for panicking rather it is a one were a little bit of smartness can earn excellent returns for them. According to them, the best place to start for a new investor or an experienced one in the current situation of Ormond Beach is Ormond Beach foreclosures. Currently, the best maintained property and located in the desired sites are Ormond Beach foreclosures. Again due to the desperation of the title holders of the properties, Ormond Beach foreclosures are available at the rates which are unimaginable and if calculated they are only a fraction of the rate in the current market.

Ormond Beach foreclosures have recently gained more popularity with more investors showing interest in them for using the property as a holiday home. These investors utilize this property as a rental home during the period they are not utilizing it. Again, there are other customers who are utilizing Ormond Beach foreclosures with their conventional strategy of reselling and earning instant profit from them. With all these profitable strategies, experts at Ormond Beach foreclosures feel that these properties can be utilized even better if the investor, who prefers selling them rather putting them on rent, should wait for a little while when the market stages its much awaited recovery for getting extra benefit.

As per the data collected by ForeclosureListings.com on September 3, 2007, there are 152 Ormond Beach foreclosures listed in the market at a median price of $176,250. The highest price of the available Ormond Beach foreclosures is $1,678,597 and the lowest rate is $5,266. This difference in the floor and cap price indicates that there are a variety of options still available for you. Do not miss this opportunity to earn extra cash in this falling market of Ormond Beach through Ormond Beach foreclosures.

Search Images

The Talking Factor In Foreclosures

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007

The epicenter of the foreclosures tornado seems to Henry Long Blvd, Stockton, California. Out of every eight house one is up for sale. There is no need to look at the notices – the overgrown lawns will do the speaking. In one locality there are nine houses and of these as many as four are on sale.

Stockton is abuzz with all sorts of activity related to the foreclosure fracas. The accusing finger points to the sub-prime market where predatory lending and greedy borrowing has done a lot of damage. It has become a countrywide socio-economic issue. The authorities are beginning to sit up.

One person is acting on behalf of the bank giving out cheques to people and getting them out of their homes. Another fellow wants to invest in a foreclosed homes and then ‘flip’ it. The seasoned real estate agent is of the opinion that the real big and fancy houses have not been affected – one has recently been sold for a record. The dental assistant who is a single mother of three has a frown on her forehead for she has to vacate her house within a fortnight. Where will she go with her credit history in shambles?

Nobody will rent out any unit to her. Her tale is the one of many – after resetting her mortgage payment shot up. She is sorry not to have thought about the future and allow herself to get talked into this mess. Now her prime focus is on finding a roof – she has no time for blaming games. Notices on the main door are beginning to peeve her little ones. The general sympathy is for her but she cannot be bailed out to stay in a house she could ill afford from the very start. But borrowers who were responsible and stayed within their budgets are being affected also in similar manner.
In Stockton things are going to get darker before the sun comes out again. The market has to work out its own routine.

Some opine that one has to wait till 2011. This means more will be thrown out with bad credit and nowhere to hole in. The dental assistant has surely had a bitter real experience. Her advice to others is very down to earth – keep within your budget and your foot on the ground when you look to the sky.

Search Images

Raleigh Foreclosure Homes

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

Raleigh is the Capital of North Carolina state and also county seat of “Wake County”. Raleigh is also familiar as the “City of Oaks” because of its numerous oak trees, A 2007 estimate puts the population at approximately 367,995, ranking it as second most populated city of North Carolina. Raleigh has the distinction of being one among few cities planned and developed specifically for the purpose of housing a state capital.

In spite of being spared the destruction caused by the Civil War, Raleigh did not grow much from the original size in 1792 till streetcar lines were introduced in the 1920s, and the “Research Triangle Park” was established in the 1950s, and a freeway came up in the 1960s. IBM proved to be an influencing force in Raleigh during the 1960s, and had a great influence on the city’s growth.

Raleigh enjoys a subtropical climate with generally moderate weather during the spring, and also in the falls and winters. However, the summers are found be hot accompanied high humidity, rainiest months being July through August.

Raleigh houses and supports industries that include electrical, electronic, telecommunications equipment, clothing apparel, medical, food processing, pharmaceuticals and paper products. Raleigh is also an established center for researching as well as textiles. The city boasts to being a prominent retail-shipping hub for the eastern part of North Carolina in addition to being a wholesale distribution point for varieties of food stores.

The figures in the foreclosure listings for Raleigh are; 855 pre-foreclosures, 4 auction properties, 306 bank owned, 35 free for sale by owner, 740 resale homes and 436 new homes. There are also 2 government owned properties on the list. A very minute observation or analysis of these figures will tell you that bank owned properties form a big chunk of the foreclosure listings. Many of these properties are on the list owing to Default Notices served on the owners. Such properties are in most cases good bargains as banks do not wait very long, to look for the best buyer at the best price, and hence pitch their offers at very competitive price tags.

In Raleigh foreclosure listings all available at prices one could never dream of a few years ago, when the housing boom was at its peak. Raleigh has a bright future and anybody who is willing to settle in the city never forget to check the foreclosure listings of the area because you never know you may land up with the best deals. For those willing to make it a place to work at and a domain to live in, this is the best opportunity to settle down always check http://www.foreclosurelistings.com.

Search Images

Foreclosures Rising In Twin Cities Of St. Paul And Minneapolis

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

The foreclosure virus is spreading. ACORN is a national organization scrutinizing its effect on low and middle-income communities. ACORN is working to empower communities to fight for social justice. Its report is very exposing and revealing. In April this year 535 families of St. Paul and Minneapolis were served foreclosure notices. In St. Paul the number was 24 times greater than in the same month the previous year. There were 5995 foreclosures, which meant 167% increases from 2005. It records the second largest percentage increase in US. . Minneapolis and St. Paul Bloomington have the 83rd highest foreclosure figures in US. Northern Minneapolis is the worst affected with seven of the top ten units being located here. It is apprehended that the situation is going to get the worse as the year advances. Interest rates of sub-prime loans are rising steadily. With more borrowers being unable to bear it foreclosures are inevitable. Initially floating interest rates had seemed attractive because there was the possibility of rates going down. Moreover the interest rates were lower than the conventional loans. But in reality the reverse has happened. Rates have begun to more than double in the jump. The situation is untenable for borrowers.

Sixty five year old Al Ynigues is a music instructor who has known his loan broker for five long years. A feeling of trust and confidence had been established. He now feels let down by this predatory lending. Ynigues is already two months behind in payments but he is still hopeful that the lender will negotiate for new terms.
ACORN has taken an aggressive stand for the sufferers and trying to enforce negotiation. Lenders use violence and abuse to threaten families. They are now being called upon to modify loans to make it viable. There is the option of a temporary foreclosure freeze. ACORN has given out a clarion call to all the jumbo sub-prime mortgage firms to suspend foreclosures for three months and to utilize this time to work out a schedule beneficial to both parties in the long term. The prime focus is on people continuing to live under their own roofs.
The ball is now in the court of the brokers. Ynigues says from his experience that lenders will never bend. Nevertheless with organizations coming forward aggressively he too is starting to nurse hopes.

Search Images

Readers Speak Out On Foreclosures, Lenders And Careers

Monday, September 24th, 2007

Attorney Pray dealing with consumer cases focusing on bankruptcy opines that after having read an article on foreclosures he is at one with the columnist Paul Wenske (MoneyWise September 16th). If it becomes absolutely impossible to keep the house then the homeowner must open talks with lenders and negotiate about selling it via a realtor or a homebuyer professional like himself. The realtor may be able to fetch a better price but if that road too gets blocked then the investor is the next best bet
Some of his clients are running around with cheques to different loan offices just to keep up with interests. These offices are franchises run by ill trained personnel blatantly flouting consumer protection laws and bullying clients to believe that bankruptcy clause would not help them – rather they would be criminally prosecuted for bad cheques!
In the article mention was made of a suit (Quik Payday Inc v Stork) in which consumers of Kansas were given extra protection. But how to enforce it taking into account the type of borrowers? The statistics of these loans speak volumes. One lender during 45 months lent $967,550. It meant that the company pocketed $485.165 as financing fees. It is little wonder that with this ratio of returns for investments made makes the running of the show attractive.
During the Carter presidency certain lending practices were reined in after the famous Bert Lance case. But with the latter’s discontinuation as per federal regulations, the people began to use credit cards at random. When this reached a saturation point the licensed loan predators began to move in for the kill. Pray does not have the specific answer to the question that arises – something should be done so that reasonable loans are available while the business of providing these continues to continue.
Another writer compliments the columnist on an article about secrets to a successful career and behind the scenes action to meet up ends – MoneyWise Kids & Money – 9th September. The writer asked his 7-year-old daughter about her future plans. The child vacillated between an artist who would exhibit her creations in a museum to being a nurse like her mother. The writer wishes his parents had in their turn spoken about choice and options. Today’s child can be given the push by setting the right talk and example.

Search Images