Julie Miller, Distressed Property ExpertHelping homeowners weather the financial crisishttp://orovilleshortsales.com53 Reasons the Term “Strategic Default” Is Misleadinghttp://orovilleshortsales.com/2100342/2012/01/17/3-Reasons-the-Term-Strategic-Default-Is-Misleading.aspx<p> <strong>3 Reasons the Term &ldquo;Strategic Default&rdquo; Is Misleading </strong></p> <p> In a recent study, the Chicago Booth/Kellogg School Financial Trust Index found that a full 36% of Americans would consider &ldquo;strategic default&rdquo;&mdash;another term for walking away from your mortgage&mdash;if they were underwater (owed more on their home than what it was worth).</p> <p> Now that more than one in four American homeowners is &ldquo;underwater,&rdquo; I feel that it&rsquo;s important for the community to know the truth about strategic default.</p> <p> The truth is the foreclosure process carries with it credit issues, current and future employment challenges, issues with security clearance and possible debt collections.</p> <p> That&rsquo;s why it is vital to explain the 3 reasons why the term &ldquo;strategic default&rdquo; is misleading:</p> <ol> <li> There&rsquo;s nothing strategic about defaulting on purpose, especially when you have options like short sales, mortgage modifications, and refinance (just to name a few) that may keep you from foreclosure.</li> <li> The waiting periods to apply for a new mortgage loan are at least five years less in a short sale vs. a foreclosure.</li> <li> A foreclosure will show up on your credit report every time you apply for a home loan, car loan, new job, etc., and will affect your financial situation for many years to come.</li> </ol> <p> If you are underwater and can no longer afford your mortgage payments, you need to create a genuine strategy to avoid foreclosure, helping to provide stability for you and our community.</p> <p> If you have any questions about what steps you or someone you care about should take next, contact me today!</p> <p> <strong>IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT DISCLOSURE:</strong> You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender (or servicer). If you reject the offer, you will not have to pay us for our services. The above brokerage is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.</p>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:08:40 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/2100342/2012/01/17/3-Reasons-the-Term-Strategic-Default-Is-Misleading.aspxTake Action Nowhttp://orovilleshortsales.com/2043870/2011/12/15/Take-Action-Now.aspx<p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Take action now to turn it around in 2012</strong></p> <p> Recent economic upheaval has taken a hefty toll. Looking forward to 2012, it&rsquo;s impossible to know what&rsquo;s next and the kind of an impact that an upturn or a downturn at the national level stands to have on your family&rsquo;s finances.</p> <p> Regardless of what happens in Washington or on Wall Street, two things are very clear: you are not alone and now is the time to prepare for a new normal.</p> <p> With a national epidemic of unemployment or underemployment, and 25 percent of the homeowners in the country owing more on their home than they could net for it in today&rsquo;s market, homeownership for many has become a financial liability. Not&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; being able to make payments on a home that you can&rsquo;t afford to sell feels like an awful trap, but the fact is, there are solutions&mdash;and foreclosing on your mortgage is not one of them.</p> <p> Loan modification is an option for many and banks are increasingly willing to negotiate short sales. In many cases, they&rsquo;re offering sizable financial incentives to help financially strapped homeowners to get a fresh start on their lives.</p> <p> As real estate professional who has achieved the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, it is my mission to give homeowners the gift of a fresh start.&nbsp;</p> <p> Contact me TODAY and let&rsquo;s get started.</p> <p> (530) 538-9200<br /> juliemiller@remax.net</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <span style="font-size: medium"><span><span style="color: #993300"><strong><span>Julie Miller</span></strong></span></span></span><br /> Broker/Owner<br /> CDPE, GRI, SRES<br /> SFR, FSP<br /> 695 Oroville Dam Blvd<br /> Oroville, CA&nbsp; 95965<br /> Office: (530) 538-9200<br /> Cell: (530) 370-0673</p>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:24:22 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/2043870/2011/12/15/Take-Action-Now.aspxForeclosure Fears Foster True Griefhttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1987677/2011/11/12/Foreclosure-Fears-Foster-True-Grief.aspx<p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /> </b>Reports of foreclosures by the millions have been in the news so much over the past few years that to some, it might seem like the new normal.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But as a real estate professional who is in the trenches with financially stressed homeowners every day, it never for a second feels to me like business-as-usual. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The prospect of losing ones home is right up there among the major sources of grief, and often, it goes hand in hand with other tragic setbacks such as the loss of a job, a divorce, death of a loved one, mounting medical bills or skyrocketing mortgage payments.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the first stage of grief is denial, and that&rsquo;s even more the case when the threat of foreclosure is looming. No one wants to talk about or admit financial troubles&mdash;even when millions of others have founds themselves in a similar spot.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s completely understandable, but for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, decisive action is often the most critical step toward ensuring the best possible solution.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a real estate professional who has sought out the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I help homeowners to deal with every aspect of the grief and uncertainty that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable. In the process, I help them to get on a path of financial solvency.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you or someone you care about would like to change the course of a life that&rsquo;s facing foreclosure, I get it and I can help. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Contact me today at <span style="color:red">(530) 538-9200 or juliemiller@remax.net<o:p></o:p></span></p> </p>Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:36:52 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1987677/2011/11/12/Foreclosure-Fears-Foster-True-Grief.aspxIt’s time to take another look at short saleshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1941030/2011/10/22/It-s-time-to-take-another-look-at-short-sales.aspx<p><b> </b></p> <p class="p1"><b>As recently as a few months ago, if you would have told a real estate agent who specialized in short sales that they&rsquo;d be raving about a lender&rsquo;s stellar service and rapid approval times&mdash;not to mention significant cash incentives for financially strapped homeowners for pursuing a short sale&mdash;you&rsquo;d have gotten some strange looks.</b></p> <p><b> <p class="p1">That&rsquo;s all changed.&nbsp; And it&rsquo;s changed faster and to a greater extent than most real estate professionals ever could have imagined.</p> <p class="p1">With a glut of bank-owned properties dragging down the recovery of the real estate market, as well as the national economy, major lenders are more eager than ever before to avoid foreclosure. So they&rsquo;ve sharpened their focus on short sales. Big time.</p> <p class="p1">The biggest lenders in the country have staffed up to ensure rapid processing of short sale applications. They&rsquo;ve ponied up with cash incentives at closing for homeowners who pursue a short sale. And they&rsquo;re proactively reaching out to CDPE agents and putting them in touch with delinquent borrowers.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">This is big news and the media has not really caught onto it yet. What&rsquo;s important for you to know is that whatever you&rsquo;ve read or heard in the past about long lag times and frustrations with short sales is probably no longer the case.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">As a member of the CDPE<i>Advanced</i> community, I&rsquo;m tapped into major lenders and on top of major developments affecting short sales and bank-owned properties.&nbsp; I invite you to visit my website (www.orovilleshortsales.com)&nbsp;to learn more and feel free to contact me any time at <span class="s1">(530) 538-9200 or juliemiller@remax.net&nbsp;</span>if you or anyone you know is struggling with an unmanageable mortgage.</p> </b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:19:06 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1941030/2011/10/22/It-s-time-to-take-another-look-at-short-sales.aspxRenewed trust for tough timeshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1877016/2011/09/09/Renewed-trust-for-tough-times.aspx<p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Does it feel like <b><i>trust</i></b> is one of the major casualties of the economic meltdown of 2008 &ndash; followed by the &ldquo;Great Recession,&rdquo; the &ldquo;Jobless Recovery&rdquo; and now the threat of a &ldquo;Double Dip Recession?&rdquo; <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There have been lots of promises that help is on the way&mdash;and lots of warnings of scams and schemes that have only served to confuse the matter. So where&rsquo;s a homeowner who&rsquo;s underwater or overleveraged to turn?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here&rsquo;s the bottom line: the choices that homeowners make when they feel they are at the end of their rope will have ramifications for years to come on their ability to qualify for credit, their job prospects, their security clearance and their overall finances. When a family&rsquo;s financial trajectory is rapidly heading in a negative direction, there&rsquo;s no substitute for the helping hand of a knowledgeable expert who has the integrity, the experience and the training to reverse the course&mdash;someone who is tapped into regulatory initiatives and can separate fact from fiction. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is my mission to serve as a credible source of information and perspective to homeowners who have found themselves in a tough situation and need help sorting through their options. That&rsquo;s why I sought out the Certified Distressed Property (CDPE) designation&mdash;the most renowned and recognized credential in the distressed property field, and it&rsquo;s why I continue to stay on top of regulatory and industry developments that impact options available to homeowners who are struggling with their current financial situations.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My message to homeowners who do not know where to turn: there is hope. Foreclosure is <b><i>not </i></b>inevitable and neither the government nor your bank wants to see that happen. No one expected to find themselves on the brink of foreclosure, but I have worked with countless clients who have managed to turn their financial trajectory around and get on a path of financial recovery.<span>&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It CAN be done! And it would be my privilege to help.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium"><span><span style="color: #993300"><strong><span>Julie Miller</span></strong></span></span></span><span style="color: #993300"><strong><span style="font-size: larger"><br /> </span></strong></span>Broker/Owner<br /> CDPE, GRI, SRES<br /> SFR, FSP<br /> 695 Oroville Dam Blvd<br /> Oroville, CA&nbsp; 95965<br /> Office: (530) 538-9200<br /> Cell: (530) 370-0673</p>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:43:26 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1877016/2011/09/09/Renewed-trust-for-tough-times.aspxMissing Mortgage Payments?http://orovilleshortsales.com/1788108/2011/07/12/Missing-Mortgage-Payments.aspx<p><b> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:328.5pt"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%">&shy;&shy;&shy;</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></b></p> <p><b> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: &quot;Helvetica&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi">Missing Mortgage Payments?<o:p></o:p></span></b></b></p> <p><b> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: &quot;Helvetica&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi">What Happens Next?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p><b> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">Wondering what a homeowner should expect when payments are missed? The most important thing to know is that no matter what stage of default a homeowner is in, there is often a way to avoid foreclosure. That being said, the quicker a homeowner does something about the situation, the less challenging it will be to resolve.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><b> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">First, here&rsquo;s what a distressed homeowner should expect to happen when payments are missed:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">30 Days Late: </span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">The lender will attempt phone contact or send a notice in the mail. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">60 Days Late: </span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">The lender will attempt to make contact by phone and follow up with another letter in the mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">90 Days Late: </span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">The lender will send a letter demanding all past due amounts within 30 days and start the foreclosure process.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">120 Days or More Late</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">: The lender&rsquo;s attorneys will take over and the homeowner will be responsible for their fees in addition to missed mortgage payments and the loan amount due. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">Not late yet, but about to be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">Homeowners that are not late but foresee missing payments should communicate this to their lenders as soon as possible. In the past, many banks wouldn&rsquo;t work with homeowners unless they were one or more payments behind. In light of the mortgage crisis, we are now finding that most lenders would rather take a proactive stance and decrease their loan losses rather than move right into a foreclosure. They are more willing than ever to work with homeowners to avoid being late.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt">If you are visiting my website, you or someone you care about may miss mortgage payments in the near future. I can help navigate the process and put you back on a path to financial stability. Contact me today and alleviate the stress that comes with unaffordable mortgage payments.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;tab-stops:328.5pt"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> </b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:13:32 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1788108/2011/07/12/Missing-Mortgage-Payments.aspxBreak Free From Unaffordable Mortgage Payments!http://orovilleshortsales.com/1671039/2011/05/03/Break-Free-From-Unaffordable-Mortgage-Payments.aspx<p><strong>Break-Free-From-Unaffordable-Mortgage-Payments</strong></p> <p>A recent study in Nevada (a state that holds the nation&rsquo;s highest foreclosure rate), found that only 5% of distressed homeowners knew they had alternatives to foreclosure, and only 3% took advantage of them. It was also found the 1 in 4 homeowners chose to &ldquo;strategically default,&rdquo; or allow their homes to be foreclosed upon on purpose!</p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Clearly, too few distressed homeowners know their options and the fallout of foreclosure. If they did, they&rsquo;d soon realize that there&rsquo;s nothing &lsquo;strategic&rsquo; about foreclosure, and that avoiding foreclosure is always the best plan to create financial stability.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Millions of Americans feel alone and trapped by mortgage payments they can no longer afford. In fact, 27% of Americans with mortgages now owe more than what their home is worth. However, more and more of them are finding education on the responsible alternatives to foreclosure is helping them move toward financial stability.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Education is key. The more distressed homeowners know about solutions, the more likely they are to overcome their financial challenges. I&rsquo;ve seen this firsthand.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">I can help with the education part&mdash;it&rsquo;s up to you to contact me!</div>Tue, 03 May 2011 18:35:58 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1671039/2011/05/03/Break-Free-From-Unaffordable-Mortgage-Payments.aspxHow to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Homehttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1548486/2011/02/24/How-to-Use-Comparable-Sales-to-Price-Your-Home.aspx<h2>How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home</h2> <p class="author">By: <a href="http://www.houselogic.com/authors/Carl_Vogel/"><font color="#0066cc">Carl Vogel</font></a></p> <p class="date">Published: August 5, 2010</p> <p class="summary">Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Knowing how much homes similar to yours, called comparable sales (or in real estate lingo, comps), sold for gives you the best idea of the current estimated value of your home. The trick is finding sales that closely match yours.</p> <h3>What makes a good comparable sale?</h3> <p>Your best comparable&nbsp;sale is the same model as your house in the same subdivision&mdash;and it closed escrow last week. If you can&rsquo;t find that, here are other factors that count:<br /> <br /> <strong>Location:</strong> The closer to your house the better, but don&rsquo;t just use any comparable&nbsp;sale within a mile radius. A good comparable sale is a house in your neighborhood, your subdivision, on the same type of street as your house, and in your school district.<br /> <br /> <strong>Home type:</strong> Try to find comparable sales that are like your home in style, construction material, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, basement (having one and whether it&rsquo;s finished), finishes, and yard size.<br /> <br /> <strong>Amenities and upgrades:</strong> Is the kitchen new? Does the comparable sale house have full A/C? Is there crown molding, a deck, or a pool? Does your community have the same amenities (pool, workout room, walking trails, etc.) and homeowners association fees?<br /> <br /> <strong>Date of sale:</strong> You may want to use a comparable sale from two years ago when the market was high, but that won&rsquo;t fly. Most buyers use government-guaranteed mortgages, and those lending programs say comparable sales can be no older than 90 days.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sales sweeteners:</strong> Did the comparable-sale sellers give the buyers downpayment assistance, closing costs, or a free television? You have to reduce the value of any comparable sale to account for any deal sweeteners.</p> <h3>Agents can help adjust price based on insider insights</h3> <p>Even if you live in a subdivision, your home will always be different from your neighbors'. Evaluating those differences&mdash;like the fact that your home has one more bedroom than the comparables or a basement office&mdash;is one of the ways real estate agents add value. <br /> <br /> An active agent has been inside a lot of homes in your neighborhood and knows all sorts of details about comparable sales. She has read the comments the selling agent put into the MLS, seen the ugly wallpaper, and heard what other REALTORS&reg;, lenders, closing agents, and appraisers said about the comparable sale.</p> <h3>More ways to pick a home&nbsp;listing price</h3> <p>If you&rsquo;re still having trouble picking out a listing price for your home, look at the current competition. Ask your real estate agent to be honest about your home and the other homes on the market (and then listen to her without taking the criticism personally). <br /> <br /> Next, put your comparable sales into two piles: more expensive and less expensive. What makes your home more valuable than the cheaper comparable sales and less valuable than the pricier comparable sales?</p> <h3>Are foreclosures and short sales comparables?</h3> <p>If one or more of your comparable sales was a foreclosed home or a short sale (a home that sold for less money than the owners owed on the mortgage), ask your real estate agent how to treat those comps.</p> <p>A foreclosed home is usually in poor condition because owners who can&rsquo;t pay their mortgage can&rsquo;t afford to pay for upkeep. Your home is in great shape, so the foreclosure should be priced lower than your home.<br /> <br /> Short sales are typically in good condition, although they are still distressed sales. The owners usually have to sell because they&rsquo;re divorcing, or their employer is moving them to Kansas.</p> <p>How much short sales are discounted from their market value varies among local markets. The average short-sale home in Omaha in recent years was discounted by 8.5%, according to a University of Nebraska at Omaha study. In suburban Washington, D.C., sellers&nbsp;typically discount short-sale homes by 3% to 5% to get them quickly sold, real estate agents report. In other markets, sellers price short sales the same as other homes in the neighborhood.<br /> <br /> So you have to rely on your REALTOR&rsquo;s&reg; knowledge of the local market to use a short sale as a comparable sale.</p> <h3>More from HouseLogic</h3> <p><a class="external" target="_blank" href="http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/what-you-must-know-home-appraisals/"><font color="#0066cc">What You Must Know About Home Appraisals</font></a><br /> <br /> <a class="external" target="_blank" href="http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/6-Reasons-To-Reduce-Your-Home-Price/"><font color="#0066cc">6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price</font></a></p> <h3>Other web resources</h3> <p><a class="external" target="_blank" href="http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/mv_estimates.htm"><font color="#0066cc">New York State: &ldquo;How Estimates of Market Value are Determined for Residential Properties&rdquo;</font></a><br /> <br /> <a class="external" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbuweb.tcu.edu/mrodriguez/research/viewppr.pdf"><font color="#0066cc">What&rsquo;s the Value of a View? Research from Texas Christian University</font></a></p> <p>Carl Vogel, a freelance writer and former editor of The Neighborhood Works magazine, lives in a home in Chicago that is not typical of those nearby, so he appreciates a savvy comp.</p>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:28:45 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1548486/2011/02/24/How-to-Use-Comparable-Sales-to-Price-Your-Home.aspxBank of America Freeze Begins to Thawhttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1370310/2010/10/19/Bank-of-America-Freeze-Begins-to-Thaw.aspx<div class="meta"> <div class="date-cat-author left">October 19th, 2010 in CDPE by <a title="Visit cdpe&rsquo;s website" rel="external" href="http://www.cdpe.com"><font color="#243f58">cdpe</font></a>&nbsp;</div> </div> <div class="postcontent-inner right"> <p>Bank of America announced today it is in the process of lifting its <a title="What Foreclosure Freeze Means for Homeowners" target="_blank" href="http://www.cdpe.com/blog/foreclosure-freezes-distressed-homeowners/"><font color="#243f58">foreclosure freezes</font></a> in 23 states that require a judicial foreclosure proceeding. On <a title="NPR.org" target="_blank" href="http://www.npr.org"><font color="#243f58">NPR</font></a> this morning, a spokesman said that the bank has approximately 195,000 non-performing mortgages that have not been paid in more than two years. Next week, Bank of America will reinstate suspended foreclosure proceedings, putting a stronger timetable on those distressed homeowners&rsquo; attempts to avoid foreclosure.</p> <p>Now is the time for <a title="What is a CDPE?" target="_blank" href="http://www.cdpe.com/what-is-a-cdpe"><font color="#243f58">CDPE-designated agents</font></a> and distressed homeowners to develop a strategy to put the homeowner back in control, especially through <a title="What is a Short Sale?" target="_blank" href="http://www.cdpe.com/what-is-a-short-sale"><font color="#243f58">short sales</font></a>. In fact, Bank of America has made short sales a priority in handling distressed properties. In a memo to the <a title="Distressed Property Institute, LLC" target="_blank" href="http://www.cdpe.com"><font color="#243f58">Distressed Property Institute</font></a>, the bank let us know that they&rsquo;re pushing heavily for agents to be &ldquo;proactive&rdquo; and notify the bank as soon as possible when they interact with a homeowner to list a potential short sale. This shows their willingness to work with agents&ndash;especially those with the CDPE Designation&ndash;toward this dignified solution to foreclosure.</p> <p>Although Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Ally (GMAC) have not entirely reinstated all of their foreclosure proceedings, it is only a matter of time before they do. It is vital that both CDPEs and distressed homeowners come together quickly to establish a plan and find real solutions</p> </div>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:51:19 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1370310/2010/10/19/Bank-of-America-Freeze-Begins-to-Thaw.aspxWhat Foreclosure Freezes Mean for Distressed Homeownershttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1363788/2010/10/13/What-Foreclosure-Freezes-Mean-for-Distressed-Homeowners.aspx<p>It&rsquo;s hard to miss the news in real estate today: major lenders are investigating issues in their foreclosure processes. To date, GMAC (now Ally Financial), JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have announced foreclosure freezes to review how their companies are handling the process. While most lenders have stalled foreclosure procedures in roughly half the nation, <a title="Read Entire CNN Story" href="http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/08/real_estate/bank_america_50/" target="_blank"><font color="#243f58">Bank of America recently extended their freezes to all 50 states</font></a>.</p> <p>However, few are talking about what this means for distressed homeowners and the <a title="Find a CDPE Near You" href="http://www.cdpe.com/find/cdpe" target="_blank"><font color="#243f58">agents who can help</font></a> them. While these major lenders evaluate their foreclosure processes, delinquent and seriously delinquent homeowners now have more time to evaluate <a title="Foreclosure Avoidance Options" href="http://www.cdpe.com/foreclosure-avoidance-options" target="_blank"><font color="#243f58">alternatives to foreclosure</font></a>. Real estate professionals, particularly <a title="What is a CDPE?" href="http://www.cdpe.com/what-is-a-cdpe" target="_blank"><font color="#243f58">CDPE-designated agents</font></a>, have an opportunity to reach out to these homeowners and educate them about their options.</p> <p>Not every distressed homeowner may qualify for a <a title="What is a Short Sale?" href="http://www.cdpe.com/what-is-a-short-sale" target="_blank"><font color="#243f58">short sale</font></a>. But in this economy, the real estate agent has the opportunity &ndash; some might say, the responsibility &ndash; to find solutions for homeowners in need, even if it does not result in a sale. This will help to stabilize community values and salvage financial futures for those facing true hardships.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s important to note that time may be short in these foreclosure freezes. GMAC was even quoted as stating their halt could extend through the end of the year, but may be as short as a few weeks. Take this opportunity to engage homeowners who may feel they have no other options. It&rsquo;s an opportunity to make a huge difference.</p>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:45:45 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1363788/2010/10/13/What-Foreclosure-Freezes-Mean-for-Distressed-Homeowners.aspxForeclosure Trend Reporthttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1321647/2010/09/28/Foreclosure-Trend-Report.aspx<p>View Foreclosure Trend Report <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.realtytrac.com/rnshared/MarketTrendsReports/dab1d464-a11d-4add-9ed8-1ad2562393b7.pdf">Here</a></em>.</p>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:57:44 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/1321647/2010/09/28/Foreclosure-Trend-Report.aspxThe Truth About Mortgage Modificationshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspx<h1>The Truth About Mortgage Modifications</h1><p>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.</p> <p>For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. 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!</p> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.</p> <p>Julie Miller <br/> 530-370-0673</p> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:31 GMThttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspxMortgage Payments Weighing You Down?http://orovilleshortsales.com/Mortgage-Payments-Weighing-You-Down.aspx <h1>Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Fresh Start to 2012!</h1> <p> If you've spent too much of 2011 living under the dark cloud of an unaffordable house payment, you're in good company. Current estimates are that more than 25 percent of all homeowners in this country would net less on the sale of their home than the amount they owe on their mortgage, and 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure. </p> <p> The good news is that you have options. Helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure has actually emerged into the spotlight of as a national priority, with major banks, the Federal government and many state and local agencies offering more assistance than ever before to financially strapped homeowners. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the full scope of 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: "Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of a Fresh Start." </p> <p> Contact me today and let's get started! </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Mortgage-Payments-Weighing-You-Down.aspxAre You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgagehttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Are-You-Living-Under-the-Cloud-of-an-Unmanageable-Mortgage.aspx <h1>An Unmanageable Mortgage Clouds Everything</h1> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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: </p> <p> <b> 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. </b> </p> <p> More help is available now than ever before. </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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! </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Are-You-Living-Under-the-Cloud-of-an-Unmanageable-Mortgage.aspxUnderstanding HAFAhttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Understanding-HAFA.aspx <h1>Understanding HAFA</h1> <p>New Help Has Arrived! </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow. </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Understanding-HAFA.aspxYour First Steps To Avoid Foreclosurehttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Your First Steps</h1> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today! </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx7 Short Sale Mythshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspx<h1>7 Short Sale Myths</h1><p> </p>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. <p> </p>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. <p> </p>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: <ul> <li>The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale</li> <li>You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale</li> <li>There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure</li> <li>Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment</li> <li>Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved</li> <li>Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales</li> <li>Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p>In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.</p> <p>Julie Miller<br/>530-370-0673</p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspxIs Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?http://orovilleshortsales.com/Is-your-mortgage-payment-dragging-you-down.aspx <h1>Is Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?</h1> <p> One in seven mortgages in this country is headed toward foreclosure. </p> <p> If you or someone you care about is feeling burdened by a mortgage that is unaffordable, I can help. </p> <p> 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? </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> Contact me today and let's get started! </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Is-your-mortgage-payment-dragging-you-down.aspxShort Sale & Deed-In-Lieuhttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Short-Sale-and-Deed-In-Lieu.aspx<h1>Short Sale &amp; Deed-In-Lieu</h1> <p>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. </p> <p>To help you understand more about these two options, I’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. </p> <p>I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I 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 my priority. </p> <p>Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future. </p>http://orovilleshortsales.com/Short-Sale-and-Deed-In-Lieu.aspxCash for Short Saleshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspx <h1>Cash for Short Sales</h1> <p>Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever! </p> <p>Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions. </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspxCaution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scamshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Caution-Protect-Yourself-Against-Mortgage-Relief-Scams.aspx <h1>Caution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scams</h1> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> If you are facing an unaffordable mortgage and need help from someone you can trust, please contact me today. </p> <p> I’m here to help. </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Caution-Protect-Yourself-Against-Mortgage-Relief-Scams.aspxFeeling Trapped by Your Mortgage?http://orovilleshortsales.com/Feeling-Trapped-by-Your-Mortgage.aspx <h1>Feeling trapped by your mortgage?</h1> <h2> Education is the Key </h2> <p> 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. </p> <p> 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. </p> <p> In fact, this entire website has been created exclusively for homeowners like you who need a trusted source for viable solutions to foreclosure. </p> <p> If you have questions about the information you find here, or would like to get started in creating a plan, call me today. </p> <p> The more proactive we are, the better chance you'll have in finding financial freedom and stability. </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Feeling-Trapped-by-Your-Mortgage.aspxForeclosure Vs. Short Salehttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Foreclosure-Vs-Short-Sale.aspx<h1>Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale</h1> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>This is absolutely wrong!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Julie Miller 530-370-0673</p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Foreclosure-Vs-Short-Sale.aspxOptions and Solutionshttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Options-and-Solutions.aspx<h1>Options and Solutions</h1> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Let me help you evaluate your options and get back on track to a solid, stable future.</p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Options-and-Solutions.aspxStrategic Defaults are NOT Strategichttp://orovilleshortsales.com/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspx <h1>Walking Away Is NOT The Answer</h1> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today! </p> http://orovilleshortsales.com/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspx