Chris and Bernie Shoemaker

Do foreclosures reduce home values?

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:06:42 GMT

Posted: 03 Aug 2010 12:47 PM PDT

Yes, verifiably, according to researchers in a recent working paper, “Forced Sales and House Prices”.

An MIT economist and two Harvard researchers analyzed 1.8 million home sales in Massachusetts (1987 to 2009), finding that “foreclosure reduces the value of a house by 27 percent, on average.”

Combine this with with their statistic that foreclosed homes make up roughly one in 12 houses with under $1 million left on the mortgage. Then consider a US Treasury statement that foreclosures can reduce surrounding home values up to 9 percent. This exposes the dramatic effect foreclosures are having on home prices-all home prices-across the country.

Is this really shocking? Perhaps the size of the decrease in value of foreclosures is shocking, but certainly not that it happens. Short sales, a transaction in which the property can avoid becoming vacant, is increasingly sought after as a solution not only for homeowners facing foreclosure, but lenders looking to recoup more of their investment. Today, CDPE-designated agents are helping to facilitate hundreds of thousands of these transactions nationwide. Already this is helping communities recover and prices stabilize. This is a movement that will continue to make a difference.

Short Sales in the Media

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:57:49 GMT

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 02:33 PM PDT

Here’s an excerpt from a recent article on short sales in The New York Times:

WITH property values down by as much as 30 percent in New York City, some homeowners who bought at the height of the market are finding themselves underwater and are being forced to sell their homes in short sales.

Did you catch that? FORCED to carry out short sales? This may seem trivial, but here “short sales”—a dignified solution to foreclosure for struggling homeowners—has been connected to the term “forced,” a hefty verb that often carries a negative connotation. Here’s some context where that word might have fit more appropriately:

§ When the homeowner lost her home to foreclosure, the authorities FORCED her to vacate the property.

§ Due to all his missed mortgage payments, the homeowner was FORCED to pack his belongings when the locksmith arrived to change the locks.

§ After the homeowner declared bankruptcy because she could no longer afford her escalating mortgage, she was FORCED to surrender her assets.

Unfortunately, real estate agents deal with this every day. Their clients and potential clients read influential language in the media presented with a dual purpose: report and engage. The information is important—often otherwise unavailable to the public—but also written to grab attention. This exposes the danger in relying too heavily upon singular media sources for market data and perspectives.

Real estate agents and homeowners in today’s challenging market must seek multiple sources and viewpoints for their information. This is the only way to form an accurate opinion and make the best possible decision in any given circumstance.

There were, however, some incredible positives in this article that bear mentioning. Here’s an awesome perspective from one of the nation’s leading lenders:

Short sales are a gentler alternative to foreclosure for both sellers and lenders. “Compared to a foreclosure, a short sale generally allows an easier transition for the borrower, less impact on their credit history, and larger net proceeds to the loan’s owner,” said Tom Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, adding that Chase encourages borrowers who are unable to keep their homes to consider short sales.

See, there are silver linings … you may just need to look for them seven paragraphs down.

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:31 GMT

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.

For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. We’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. We'll make sure you get a copy of the report right away! Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!

As a Certified Distressed Property Experts, we have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.

If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call us today.

Chris Shoemaker
248-383-5390

Your First Steps To Avoid Foreclosure

Your First Steps

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

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!

Understanding HAFA

New Help Has Arrived!

The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA.

With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow.

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.

7 Short Sale Myths

There are millions of homeowners just like you who are looking for answers and don’t know what to do. You’re not alone and you’re in the right place.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, there’s still an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the options available, especially short sales.

To give you a better idea of the short sale option, and to set straight some of the myths you may have heard, I’ve prepared a free report just for you - please fill out the information below to receive your free report. This report will clarify the following myths:

The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale
You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale
There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure
Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment
Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved
Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales
Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties

These ideas are potentially harmful to homeowners seeking real solutions. I hope you’ll review this information for yourself or share it with a homeowner in need.

In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.

Chris Shoemaker
248-383-5390

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.

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!

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!

Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have devoted my career to helping homeowners who face difficult situations, taking them from uncertainty to resolution. Lately I've found a lot of conflicting information going around, especially concerning short sales, which you should know about.

A short sale occurs when a lender accepts the selling price of a home, even if it is less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. For particular homeowners, this can be the best option to foreclosure. Yet, I still hear people suggest that short sales are basically the same as foreclosure.

This is absolutely wrong!

You need to have the CORRECT information. That’s why I'm glad you're here. To help, I’ve prepared a free report—just for you—that compares the realities of foreclosures and short sales side-by-side. Simply provide your information below, and I'll send you this report.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Chris Shoemaker 248-383-5390

Avoiding Mortgage Modification Fraud

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker Are Agents Against Mortgage Fraud!

The last thing struggling homeowners need is to be victimized by fraud. Sadly, some people are preying on those who need help the most. Today, the real estate industry is the newest, biggest target for predatory schemes. In fact, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that mortgage fraud cases are 400 percent higher than they were five years ago. We know this is especially true in Metropolitan Detroit.

With nearly 1 in 6 homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, understand that you are not alone. Knowing your legitimate foreclosure-avoidance options is the best way to fight this terrible trend.

The report on this site will tell you how to avoid mortgage fraud schemes, as well as what solutions are available to you. Enter your information below and get the facts now!

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.

Options and Solutions

Thank you for visiting this site and taking the first step toward finding answers. I appreciate what it has taken for you to come here, and commend your efforts to get the facts about your situation. The current real estate environment can be frustrating, with misinformation and conflicting plans for how to proceed.

As a real estate agent, what I often see in troubled homeowners is a belief that they are alone with their challenges. Regrettably, over 70% of homeowners in foreclosure proceed without ANY visible assistance. This is not acceptable for the communities I serve.

That's why I've developed this site: to ensure you get the valuable resources that can reduce your financial strain and change your life for the better. As a CDPE I know the options for homeowners in foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgages, and I can send you a report detailing this information, prepared just for you.

Simply enter your information below and click "Send." I hope that you will review this information carefully, so that your next steps are the right steps toward a real solution.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get back on track to a solid, stable future.

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.

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.

Strategic Defaults are NOT Strategic

Walking Away Is NOT The Answer

You may have heard that a “strategic default” can be an appropriate and even beneficial reaction to an upside-down mortgage or impending foreclosure. While this idea is widespread, the truth is that default is never an easy road to choose, and rarely ever strategic.

Unfortunately, the ramifications of a “strategic default” are rarely explained, leaving many homeowners stranded on an island of misinformation. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the myths and misrepresentations of strategic defaults.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today!

Short Sale & Deed-In-Lieu

Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress in the Detroit area.

To help you understand more about these two options,We’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below. Or you can call us and we'll mail or email you the report. We live and work in the northern Oakland County area and we have helped many homeowners avoid foreclosure.

I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. We commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is our priority.

Let us help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

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.

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.

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.

At the End of Your Rope?

Free report details 10 ways to alleviate the stress of an unaffordable mortgage payment.

Millions of homeowners across the nation are experiencing difficulties paying their mortgages. If you or someone you care about is feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage, please take the time to review the report found on this website.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I've been extensively trained to counsel and guide homeowners through their options. There are dignified solutions available to help people get back on path to financial stability. My clients have found strength in the knowledge that they are able to take an active role in avoiding foreclosure.

They know that avoiding foreclosure is key in providing for a brighter future. Foreclosure can wreak havoc on credit and affect current and future employment status in addition to many other long-lasting side effects. In the report, I demonstrate just how harmful foreclosure is in comparison to an extremely effective alternative called a short sale.

I can help you or someone you care about create a strategy for living a life without the burden of missed payments. Call me today, and let's work together to put you back on the path of financial stability.

A Dignified Solution

You Deserve a Dignified Solution

The economy today has been especially hard on homeowners. I meet people every day who thought they made a responsible decision on their mortgage loan, only to be hit with the unexpected.

The first and best move to make in this position is to educate yourself on what your options are based on your financial situation. Avoiding foreclosure is always something worth pursuing if you can, and there really are dignified alternatives available.

To get my free report on all the options and benefits of avoiding foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, please contact me right away.

I'm here to help.

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!