After studying and attending seminars with mentors that I value and follow their advice and incite, many feel that home prices have definitely stabilized. That is really good news.

Brian Buffini just completed a webinar for his top coaching clients, and stated that we on the east coast follow the west coast… and since CA has suffered harder and prior to us, we can use that knowledge for what to expect here. He is seeing not only stabilization but in some markets out west, an increase in prices. He continued to state that 2010 will be up and down market as inflation tries to be managed. He spoke about the Eco boom generation as the current 18-28 year olds which represent 50% more people than the baby boomer generation. Eventually we will be dealing with a housing shortage as demand will continue to rise as this group becomes homeowners. So things are not bleak, by any means. However, we do still need to get out of this very tough financial picture with are currently facing.

In August, I earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. I want to share this invaluable knowledge with my clients at a time when many homeowners are in a “distressed” financial situations and may already be dealing with foreclosure proceedings. Here is some good information about the basics about foreclosure avoidance for you as a homeowner, and what your options are.

Foreclosure Avoidance Options
Foreclosure is one of the most devastating financial challenges that a family can face and one that many times can be avoided. The options available to residents for foreclosure are many, including but not limited to short sales. Here is a brief explanation of these solutions:

Reinstatement: A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, however it is often the most difficult. The homeowner simply requests the total amount owed to the mortgage company to date and pays it. This solution does not require the lender’s approval and will “reinstate” a mortgage up to the day before the final foreclosure sale.

Forbearance or Repayment Plan: A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to repay back payments over a period of time. The homeowner typically makes their current mortgage payment in addition to a portion of the back payments they owe.

Mortgage Modification: A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these. These typically result in a lower payment to the homeowner and a more affordable mortgage.

Rent the Property: A homeowner who has a mortgage payment low enough that market rent will allow it to be paid, can convert their property to a rental and use the rental income to pay the mortgage.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: Also known as a “friendly foreclosure,” a deed in lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process. Lender approval is required for this option, and the homeowner must also vacate the property.

Bankruptcy: Many have considered and marketed bankruptcy as a “foreclosure solution,” but this is only true in some states and situations. If the homeowner has non-mortgage debts that cause a shortfall of paying their mortgage payments and a personal bankruptcy will eliminate these debts, this may be a viable solution.

Refinance: If a homeowner has sufficient equity in their property and their credit is still in good standing, they may be able to refinance their mortgage.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (military personnel only):  If a member of the military is experiencing financial distress due to deployment, and that person can show that their debt was entered into prior to deployment, they may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The American Bar Association has a network of attorneys that will work with servicemembers in relation to qualifying for this relief.

Sell the Property: Homeowners with sufficient equity can list their property with a qualified agent that understands the foreclosure process in their area.

Short Sale: If a homeowner owes more on their property than it is currently worth, then they can hire a qualified real estate agent to market and sell their property through the negotiation of a short sale with their lender. This typically requires the property to be on the market and the homeowner must have a financial hardship to qualify. Hardship can be simply defined as a material change in the financial stability of the homeowner between the date of the home purchase and the date of the short sale negotiation. Acceptable hardships include but are not limited to: mortgage payment increase, job loss, divorce, excessive debt, forced or unplanned relocation, and more. Many lenders are willing to do this, as it is a less costly option than owning your real estate.

This represents only a summary of some of the solutions available to homeowners facing foreclosure. I would be glad to evaluate your individual situation, property value, and possible options. Understanding your options now could help you make the best decision for you and your family.