By Tom Branch, on April 13th, 2011 Another short sale closed! The sellers avoided foreclosure, the buyers purchased a nice home at a discount, and the lender did not have the losses involved with a foreclosure.
Many people feel that the nation’s economy rises and falls with the housing market. While this is often true, we believe the current housing crisis is a direct result of the economic downturn and massive job loss across the nation.
In the Short Sale community, the vast majority of homeowners did not get a bad loan or buy more house than they could afford; they’re just good, hardworking Americans who fell on bad times.
All indicators point to Short Sales being on the real estate horizon for the foreseeable future, at least through 2012, and maybe longer.
We encourage homeowners across the United States to get educated on the options available should they become financially distressed. Short Sales are a great tool, providing relief to all parties.
Just remember to choose a REALTOR® with a proven Short Sale track record to negotiate on your behalf. Making the right choice can mean the world of difference to your financial future.
By Tom Branch, on April 1st, 2011 Another short sale closed! The sellers avoided foreclosure, the buyers purchased a nice home at a discount, and the lender did not have the losses involved with a foreclosure.
Many people feel that the nation’s economy rises and falls with the housing market. While this is often true, we believe the current housing crisis is a direct result of the economic downturn and massive job loss across the nation.
In the Short Sale community, the vast majority of homeowners did not get a bad loan or buy more house than they could afford; they’re just good, hardworking Americans who fell on bad times.
All indicators point to Short Sales being on the real estate horizon for the foreseeable future, at least through 2012, and maybe longer. Industry experts see another wave of distressed homeowners surfacing when the once popular Pay Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) begin to adjust in the coming months.
These mortgages allowed the borrower to essentially “pick a payment” that fit their budget in order to get into the house they wanted to purchase. These loans have the potential to negatively amortize and the rate will adjust upward – it’s just a matter of time. Pay Option ARMs were widely used in California and will begin adjusting soon.
We encourage homeowners across the United States to get educated on the options available should they become financially distressed. Short Sales are a great tool, providing relief to all parties.
Just remember to choose a REALTOR® with a proven Short Sale track record to negotiate on your behalf. Making the right choice can mean the world of difference to your financial future.
By Tom Branch, on March 19th, 2011 Another short sale closed! The sellers avoided foreclosure, the buyers purchased a nice home at a discount, and the lender did not have the losses involved with a foreclosure.
Many people feel that the nation’s economy rises and falls with the housing market. While this is often true, we believe the current housing crisis is a direct result of the economic downturn and massive job loss across the nation.
In the Short Sale community, the vast majority of homeowners did not get a bad loan or buy more house than they could afford; they’re just good, hardworking Americans who fell on bad times.
All indicators point to Short Sales being on the real estate horizon for the foreseeable future, at least through 2012, and maybe longer. Industry experts see another wave of distressed homeowners surfacing when the once popular Pay Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) begin to adjust in the coming months.
These mortgages allowed the borrower to essentially “pick a payment” that fit their budget in order to get into the house they wanted to purchase. These loans have the potential to negatively amortize and the rate will adjust upward – it’s just a matter of time. Pay Option ARMs were widely used in California and will begin adjusting soon.
We encourage homeowners across the United States to get educated on the options available should they become financially distressed. Short Sales are a great tool, providing relief to all parties.
Just remember to choose a REALTOR® with a proven Short Sale track record to negotiate on your behalf. Making the right choice can mean the world of difference to your financial future.
By Tom Branch, on February 13th, 2011  Copyright 2011 - Imaged2Sell 4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 2140 SF/Tax
Little Elm TX Home For Sale – Pre-foreclosure in Frisco ISD. Former Lennar model home with extensive front landscaping and large covered porches. Hardwood floors in entry, study, and formal dining. Island kitchen features granite counters and stainless appliances. Kitchen opens to living area with stone corner fire place. Master has dual vanities, garden tub, and walk-in closet. Designer touches include chair rails, crown molding, French doors, and upgraded lighting.
Little Elm Texas Home For Sale for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.
Source: NTREIS
By Susan L. Johnson, on February 12th, 2011  Copyright 2011 - Imaged2Sell 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2-Car Garage | 1512 SF/Tax
Watauga TX Home For Sale – The bonus on this home is: HVAC system approx 4 years old. Roof replaced approx 6 months ago and an additional home office room with water hookups and cabinets. This home needs a little tlc to make it yours. Huge back yard and storage shed. See the possiblities and make it your own.
Watauga Texas Home For Sale for Current Pricing, Details, Photos, and Virtual Tour.
Source: NTREIS
By Tom Branch, on January 26th, 2011 It’s that time of the year again. Many of us are picking up our mail and trying to get our tax documents together so we can prepare and file our 2010 returns.
 Licensed from iStockPhoto If you completed a Short Sale of a house in 2010, you will likely received an IRS Form 1099C showing the amount of debt that was cancelled in the Short Sale process. Don’t panic! The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act applies to debt forgiven in calendar years 2007 through 2012.
According to the IRS website:
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualifies for the relief.
The best course of action is to contact your tax preparer or CPA, or you can download IRS Publication 4681 for guidance on the topic.
By Tom Branch, on January 16th, 2011 According to the Distressed Property Institute, more than 80 percent of distressed homeowners who go into foreclosure have never contacted their lender or a real estate professional for help. That’s a staggering number when help and relief are available.
 Licensed from iStockPhoto Without fail, our phone rings off the hook near the end of every month from desperate homeowners looking for help. After checking the local foreclosure lists, we often find that the house is already scheduled for foreclosure the following week. At that point, it’s nearly impossible to get a Short Sale in place to stop it.
An important thing to understand about Short Sales is that the process is anything but “short.” The only thing “short” about a Short Sale is the payoff to the lender. The sooner the homeowner contacts someone for help, the more time is available to work the Short Sales process.
We encourage homeowners across the United States to get educated on the options available should they become financially distressed. Short Sales are a great tool, providing relief to all parties.
Just remember to choose a REALTOR® with a proven Short Sale track record to negotiate on your behalf. Making the right choice can mean the world of difference to your financial future.
Based on “Avoiding Foreclosure – The Field Guide to Short Sales” © 2010 – Tom Branch and Gina Branch
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