Dallastown Area Schools Home Report for September 1 through December 14 2009

Dallastown Area Schools Home Report for September 1 through December 14 2009

This report are for all the homes sold in Dallastown Area School District as of September 1st through today.

Total homes sold was 130.

The lowest price was listed for $58,000 and sold at $48,500 located at 6 E Frederick St, Dallastown, PA 17313

The highest property was listed at $525,000 and sold at $515,000 located at 2773 Chestnut Run Rd, York, PA 17402

Price ranges of homes that sold in the following chart

$40,000 - $75,000 6 homes

$75,001 - $100,000 5 homes

$100,001 - $125,000 10 homes

$125,000 - $150,000 23 homes

$150,001 - $175,000 29 homes

$175,001 - $200,000 18 homes

$200,001 - $250,000 17 homes

$250,001 - $300,000 11 homes

$300,001 - $400,000 10 homes

$400,000 - $515,000 2 homes

The median price range for Dallastown Schools real estate is $168,850 for the period.

Average of days on the market until it went under contract was 62 days

Active Listings

There are currently 265 homes on the market.

Least expensive listng is $89,999 located at 2956 Cape Horn Rd, Red Lion, PA 17356

The most expensive is $1,295,000 located at 2709 Augusta Circle, York, PA 17402

Average days on the market is 127 days or a a little over 4 month supply of inventory.

These statistics are provided by the Multiple Listings Service by the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties

RAYAC Housing Snapshot

A monthly review of the residential real estate market in

York & Adams Counties

October 2009

October Housing Statistics

The REALTORS Association of York & Adams Counties (RAYAC) reports

that a total of 540 homes were sold in Adams County during the first 10 months

of 2009. In York County 3,343 homes were sold through the end of October.

The median sales price in Adams County was $185,950, a 7% decrease from

last year. In York County the median sale price was $159,900 reflecting a drop of only 3%. Comparing the month of

October 2008 to October 2009 number of homes sold was up 38% in York County and 12% in Adams County.

“The real estate market appears to be improving. We are interested to see the impact of extending the first time

Tuesday, December 15, 2009by The Pilgrim Team

Solving the foreclosure crisis one homeowner at a time.™

Short Sale Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure:

Dignified Solutions

©2009 Distressed Property Institute, LLC All Rights Reserved.

The above brokerage assumes no responsibility nor guarantees the accuracy of this information and is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal advice.

It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional counsel regarding your rights as a homeowner.

Possible Crisis? There are Dignified Solutions.

The state of the U.S. economy and housing market has brought many homeowners from security to uncertainty. But within this uncertainty, solutions have been created to assist those who need help. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay the mortgage, it is vital to understand ALL the options available.

The pressures of an upside-down mortgage are not just felt by the homeowner. Lenders are looking to avoid foreclosure and work with homeowners to find solutions to their financial situations. Lenders are not in the real estate business, do not wish to take ownership of a home, and do not want a house to sit idle on the market

So what options are available to YOU?

If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure and the damages it will cause to credit scores, employment or security clearance, you should consider a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (or “deed-in-lieu”). These options could allow you to sell or walk away from your home without incurring liability for deficiency.

What Are Your Options…

judgments from creditors, or tax lie

In both a short sale and deed-in-lieu, your lender can claim you owe a deficiency judgment on your remaining balance. This means the lender may have the right to pursue the difference of what you owed and the eventual sale price of the home.

In a foreclosure, all rights to your property are lost, while the lender retains the right to pursue a deficiency judgment. It will also remain on your credit history for ten years or more.

During negotiations for both short sales and deed-in-lieu transactions, it is imperative to understand whether your lender reserves the right to pursue a deficiency.

What Are The Possible Tax Consequences?

When it comes to the tax implications of a short sale or deed-in-lieu transaction, you will need to consult a tax professional. As a general rule, any debt forgiven by the lending institution will be considered income. Lenders are required to file a 1099-A with the IRS showing the deficiency, which could have tax implications for you. Once you have received Form 1099-A, you will need to complete IRS Form 982 to report how much of the debt was forgiven by the lender.

Again, consulting a tax professional is a vital part of this process, and can save you from future financial difficulties. Distressed Property Institute, LLC All Rights Reserved.

What’s Your Fastest Way Out?

A deed-in-lieu is the fastest solution out of a foreclosure, compared to the timeline of a short sale. However, very few lenders will negotiate a deed-in-lieu if a lien, or second mortgage has already been taken out on the home. Also, a deed-in-lieu will be a typicalqu estion asked on any future credit applications. Your history of short sales will not be a concern. In addition, a short sale provides the feeling of accomplishment for Listing York PA Homes your home.

What Should I Look Out For?

If you are considering either a deed-in-lieu or a short sale, it would be wise to review the terms and conditions of your transaction carefully. Make certain your agent can explain whether or not a deficiency balance is forgiven, or how long the lender can pursue this judgment.

Both options can save you from the distress that foreclosure will cause on your credit, finances, future employment and, most importantly, your stability.

I Heard About “Deed-For-Lease” ... What’s That?

You might have read about a new program called Deed-for-Lease™. Fannie Mae created this program as an option for homeowners who are in distress but not eligible for a mortgage modification. Through this program, qualifying homeowners have the option to remain in their Homes for sale in york pa as renters after voluntarily transferring the property deed back to the lender. The homeowners must prove they are able to afford market rent, and then sign a lease with the lender.

Deed-for-Lease provides an additional option for borrowers who do not qualify for, or have not been able to sustain other loan-workout solutions. While this program is unique to Fannie Mae loans, be sure to discover what options your lender offers to homeowners who do not qualify for loan modifications but wish to stay in their Homes for sale in york pa.

Following are a few of the homeowner qualifications for this program:

*The property is to be used as the occupant’s primary residence

*The occupant’s income is sufficient to cover rental payments

*Inspection shows that the property has been kept in good condition

*The occupant agrees to be responsible for regular maintenance

*The number of occupants is appropriate for the home

*The occupants signing the lease must agree to a credit review

*To learn more, please contact me or visit www.efanniemae.com.

With more than 1 in 7 U.S. homeowners not paying the mortgage, it’s clear that no one is immune to the current economic situation.

I believe every homeowner deserves the best information and education to protect themselves from losing their home to foreclosure and ruining their credit. For those already struggling to pay their mortgages and unsure of what to do next, understanding short sales and deeds-in-lieu can ease their stress and potentially save them from an impending foreclosure. Deciding on which route will be best for you and your family’s future is the most important decision you can make. Please use this information to better understand the options available.

As a CDPE, I have been trained to assist homeowners in these difficult situations. If I can provide you with more information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me or go to my web page here.

Foreclosures Short Sales York PA Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure No comments have yet been submitted for this entry.

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Wyndham Hills Real Estate Activity Report for 2009

Wyndham Hills Real Estate Activity Report

Real Estate activity for Wyndham Hills, York, PA for the peiod of January 1st through November 30, 2009

Active Listings - Total currently listed 10

Least expensive home on the market is located at 1290 Grantley Rd at $269,900. The most expensive is $1,185,000 located at 900 Oakdale Rd. The median price is $507,450 and the average days a property has been on the market is 116.

Sold Listings - 8 sold

The least expensive was located at 850 Grantley Court, York at the price of $432,000. The most expensive home located at 1780 S Wyndham Dr, York sold for $1,050,000. The median price for those homes sold was $580,000, and the average days the homes were on the market was 136 days.

If you have an area anywhere in York County you would like to have a market update on a regular basis don't hesitate to contact us at Professional Realty Associates and the Pilgrim Team. We are here to serve you.

Harvest Your Gratitude This Thanksgiving!

A Happy Thanksgiving of Gratitude! Gratitude is an Attitude...

Do you wait until Thanksgiving Day or Christmas to thank those that you love and those that have helped you? It is important to spend time during these special holidays to be thankful. However, it shouldn't be the only time you demonstrate your love and appreciation to others.

Here in York County Pennsylvania you should have no problem thinking of ones to thank on a daily or weekly basis. What can be done to help others this Thanksgiving?
If you need some ideas, here are some to get you thinking:
* The economy has affected many families this holiday season, donate non perishables to a local food bank, or donate your grocery store free turkey for those less fortunate. Invite a family less fortunate into your home and share your meal with them. Better yet invite someone who is alone to enjoy the holidays with your family. Do you have extra coats? You can donate them too.
* The Pilgrim Team is proud to sponsor the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program again this year! We will be accepting donations for needy children at our office 3921 E. Market St York, PA. We are starting our toy drive early this year, because now more than ever there is a need to help out the families of less fortunate children have a great Christmas. In addition The Pilgrim Team is Happy to donate their moving truck to help distribute the toys.
* Your appreciation may have more of an impact when it is done at an unexpected time. Giving thanks during the holidays can be somewhat expected. Surprise someone by showing your gratitude when it is least expected and it will be remembered for a long time.
* Your notes and thoughtful comments won't get diluted by those from others trying to catch up for the past year on their thanks.
* True gratitude involves action. Lend a hand, Pitch in, Volunteer, Thank a Veteran or a Solder overseas, Make a gift, Give your time, or just listen. Give back as often as you can.

Giving thanks doesn't just benefit the other person. You will receive benefits from doing it as well. You will begin to feel happier and more relaxed. In fact, it has been proven in studies that being grateful can have a positive effect on your health. It can reduce your stress and boost your immune system.

Christmas is important. Easter is important. Halloween is important for the kids. But for our own personal happiness, there is nothing like a truly heartfelt Thanksgiving. Why wouldn't you look for every opportunity to show your thankfulness to others? Don't wait for a holiday before you look for opportunities to show your gratitude. Give thanks on a regular basis throughout the year.
Make every day Thanksgiving Day in 2009!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it --William Arthur Ward

Is now the time to Sell and Buy your next home in York PA

I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy or sell a home here in York, PA. Some of my clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they already have. They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy a home here in York at that time. The problem with this approach is that you don't know where the bottom is until after you passed it it is like looking in the rear view mirror, meaning until you've missed it!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have held fairly steady the last six months, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates go up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call me Jerry Pilgrim if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market. Visit me at www.PilgrimTeam.com

Stewartstown Station Real Estate Statistics

is this the housing statistic actiivity since Jan 1st 2009 in the sub-division known as Stewartstown Station in York County PA. It is located just outside of Stewartstown, PA and located within the Southeatern School District.

Current "active listings" as of November 23rd - 4 homes are listed begiining at $244,900 and the top price os $289,900.

Homes that have sold as of th 1st of 2009:

14 homes have had the deeds transferred, sold prices ranged from $169,900 to $300,000.

If you compare this year statistics to the same time period in 2008 you will find that 7 homes sold that year from $229,900 to a high of $305,000.

Haines Acres Home Sales Statistics

Below are the current Homes for sale in york pa that have either been sold, pending or are currently active in the Haines Acres Neighborhod. The date range begins May 1st thru November 19, 2009. The statistics have gome from the Realtors Assocaiation of York and Adams Counties.
LIST PRICE:


SOLD PRICE:

DOM:

HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT

$389,900 $55,000 $200,873 $176,250 $7,030,562

$285,000 $147,500 $202,845 $188,450 $4,056,900 35

336 1 82 40

Appraiser Spreadsheet

MLS # StatusType Schl Dist Address City BRFBHBTtl Fin SF Tot Acre L/P S/P ClsPdBySlrDOM

20906351 PND DET York Suburban 730 Edgewood Rd York 2 0 0 735 0.260000 $55,000 156

20907560 SOLD DET York Suburban 1021 Sundale Dr York 3 1 1 1449 0.231400 $157,900 $147,500 35

20908696 SOLD DET York Suburban 2465 Cambridge Road York 3 1 0 1962 0.206600 $149,900 $148,000 3000.00 61

20904832 SOLD DET York Suburban 212 Greystone Road York 3 1 0 1260 0.143500 $152,400 $149,500 0.00 55

20902035 SOLD DET York Suburban 901 HAINES ROAD YORK 4 2 0 2174 0.354100 $159,900 $154,900 3199.91 145

20814023 SOLD DET York Suburban 2479 Auburn Road York 3 1 0 1513 0.330600 $159,000 $157,000 5000.00 201

20905227 SOLD DET York Suburban 2478 Crystal Lane York 3 1 1 1391 0.198300 $163,000 $158,000 108

20909307 SOLD DET York Suburban 2570 Raleigh Drive York 3 1 1 1992 0.212000 $157,900 $160,000 6100.00 23

20910223 PND DET York Suburban 501 Erlen Drive York 3 2 0 1952 0.234200 $162,500 37

20911516 PND DET York Suburban 2545 AUBURN ROAD YORK 3 1 0 1618 0.220000 $162,900 4

20903782 SOLD DET York Suburban 2456 Bradford Drive York 3 2 0 1716 0.206600 $165,000 $165,000 7500.00 5

20812788 PND DET York Suburban 2512 Brighton Drive York 4 2 0 2548 0.248000 $165,512 297

20911688 ACT DET York Suburban 2661 Cambridge Rd York 4 2 0 1302 0.213500 $169,900 30

20910627 PND DET York Suburban 970 Sundale Drive York 3 1 1 1391 0.247900 $169,900 15

20912395 ACT DET York Suburban 2800 Eastwood Drive York 4 2 0 1911 0.247700 $174,900 10

20911884 ACT DET York Suburban 2456 Wharton Road York 3 1 1 1580 0.214600 $174,900 24

20910982 PND DET York Suburban 2457 Eastwood Dr York 3 1 1 1963 0.217200 $174,900 32

20911698 ACT DET York Suburban 550 Sundale Drive York 3 2 0 1674 0.239700 $176,250 30

20911404 PND DET York Suburban 480 Ardmore Lane York 4 2 1 2332 0.300000 $179,900 8

20906140 ACT DET York Suburban 2464 Schoolhouse Lane York 3 1 1 1957 0.212100 $179,900 177

20906101 SOLD DET York Suburban 770 Erlen Drive York 3 1 1 2323 0.234200 $187,900 $184,000 336

20906433 SOLD DET York Suburban 3230 Dorsett Lane York 3 2 0 1644 0.300000 $184,900 $184,900 23

20909421 SOLD DET York Suburban 491 Maywood Road York 4 1 1 1726 0.288500 $214,900 $192,000 14

20911514 ACT DET York Suburban 2541 Raleigh Dr York 3 2 0 1444 0.200000 $199,500 40

20907546 SOLD DET York Suburban 445 Ivory Road York 3 2 1 1659 0.260000 $214,900 $214,900 21

20903393 SOLD DET York Suburban 2965 FORREST LANE YORK 4 2 1 2647 0.270000 $249,900 $235,000 0.00 57

20903952 SOLD DET York Suburban 2870 Forrest Lane York 3 2 0 2677 0.276100 $249,900 $249,000 1

20814040 SOLD DET York Suburban 2 Hunting Park Court York 3 2 1 2609 0.650500 $249,900 $249,900 7497.00 177

20902130 SOLD DET York Suburban 510 Ardmore Lane York 4 2 1 2674 0.266400 $277,900 $250,000 173

20908262 SOLD DET York Suburban 730 Plymouth Rd. York 4 2 1 2721 0.266900 $259,900 $252,500 51

20909067 SOLD DET York Suburban 520 Ardmore Lane York 4 3 1 2780 0.267000 $259,900 $259,900 5000.00 15

20903877 SOLD DET York Suburban 830 PINEHURST ROAD YORK 5 2 2 3368 0.378700 $259,900 $259,900 10000.00 114

20900679 SOLD DET York Suburban 990 Melrose Lane York 3 2 0 2254 0.315000 $299,900 $285,000 116

20905950 ACT DET York Suburban 3220 Forrest Lane York 5 2 1 2875 0.264500 $319,900 175

20908669 ACT DET York Suburban 3280 Forrest Lane York 4 3 1 4313 0.676000 $389,900 108

Disclaimer

This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

Help Others Have a Merry Christmas!!

44 days and counting! Are you ready for all the holiday shopping? Please don't forget the Toys for Tots Program this year when you are looking over you list. At Professional Realty Associates located at 3921 East Market Street, the Pilgrim Team has a drop off box to collect any new toys you would like to donate to less fortunate children. This is a very worthwhile project and I know it would make your heart feel warm, and it would especially warm the hearts of all the youngsters who receive these gifts on Christmas morning! You can visit the Pilgrim Team website at http://www.pilgrimteam.com/ for more information. Have a happy holiday season!

Thank a Veteran Today!

Honor those who fought for us and those who served our country!
Take the time to "Thank a vet" for their patriotic sacrifice for country.
So remember each time you see someone who has served our country. When you see one just lean over and say Thank You.
That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

http://www.pilgrimteam.com/

Home Sales in York CentralSchool District

RESIDENTIAL/FARMS
Detached
Central

20903028 3304 Stone Ridge Road $99,900 $101,000 101% 174
20908359 962 WILLOW RIDGE DRIVE $248,000 $250,000 101% 40
20908610 727 N GEORGE STREET $109,900 $99,900 91% 26
20908987 235 Edgewood Rd $149,900 $155,000 103% 7
20910148 2925 Meadowbrook Blvd $140,000 $140,000 100% 7
20910785 2520 Mt. Zion Road $89,900 $89,900 100% 14
Totals $837,600 $835,800 100% 45

Semi-Detached
Central
20907476 1207 N DUKE ST. $119,000 $99,500 84% 78
20909722 26 E EIGHTH AVENUE $75,900 $74,900 99% 30
Totals $194,900 $174,400 89% 54

Condo/Townhouse
Central
20814291 68 Lexton Drive $110,000 $99,000 90% 244
20906825 3628 Pleasant Valley Road $159,900 $148,000 93% 73
20907359 1683 Long Drive $79,900 $77,900 97% 350
20907379 336 BRUAW DR $149,900 $119,900 80% 50
Totals $499,700 $444,800 89% 179

York PA Shortsales and Foreclosures

Hi Everyone,
It's that time of year again, and even I'm planning some travel and setting my affairs in order for the next few months. I hope you and your family are happy and healthy headed into the end of the year, and I look forward to catching up soon.
But I'm finding this time of year is also proving difficult for a lot of people in our community who are upside-down on their mortgages in York PA and surrunding area's and don’t know what to do. I'm seeing it often lately, and in these cases I'm also finding a lack of good information.
This is why I became a Certified Distressed Property Expert. I want to make sure the people of our community have the right facts to make the right decision for their individual situations. And to help, I made this website dedicated to the issues affecting distressed homeowners, and the solutions available to them:

http://yorkshortsales.com/

Download my free report on the myths concerning short sales. Because in reality, a short sale could be the best solution for a homeowner in trouble. Use this report to gain insight on your situation, or to help someone you know. Don't let your path to a stable financial future get derailed by a myth.

Feel free to contact me to learn more about this or just to talk ... either way it would be great to hear from you.


Sincerely yours,


Jerry Pilgrim
Professional Realty Associates
The Pilgrim Team

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended with Changes

This is what I just received from NAR.
Charles McMillan, 2009 NAR President

As of today – Thursday, November

– that bill has passed and will be sent to President Obama for his signature.

We have posted a side-by-side comparison of the changes on Realtor.org. Let me summarize the changes quickly now:

When the President signs the bill, the expiration date for the credit will move to April 30, 2010.

First-time buyers who have not had interest in a principle residence for three years are still eligible, and the maximum amount remains the same – $8,000 for married couples, $4,000 for those filing separately.
Current homeowners, who have consecutively maintained the home they want to sell as their primary residence for five of the last eight years, are also eligible. However, the maximum amount for those homeowners is lower: $6,500 for married couples and $3,200 for those filing separately.
The tax credit may not used to purchase a home for more than $800,000. All buyers who want to get the credit must include documentation of the purchase on their tax returns.

Toys for Tots Drive

The Pilgrim Team is is proud to sponser Toys for Tots as a drop off location again this year! We will be accepting donations for needy children at our office below.  We are starting our toy drive early this year, because more than ever there is a need to help out the families of less fortunate children have a great christmas. In addition The Pilgrim Team is Happy to donate their moving truck to help distribute the toys.
Toys For Tots Drop off Location
Professional Realty Associates
3921 E. Market Street York, PA 17402 757-5955 is supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys For Tots Program again this year!
Help us support them by bringing new unwrapped toys.
Monday thru Friday 9am - 5pm thru Dec at the above location.
Make a child Smile This Holiday Season!
http://www.PilgrimTeam.com/

Learn the Truth about Short Sales

Thursday, October 29, 2009
by The Pilgrim Team, York, PA

Short Sale Myths

A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who must sell and owe more on their Homes for sale in york pa than they are worth. Unfortunately, a number of myths about short sales have developed, and it is important to understand the reality of this process should you find it meets your current needs.

Myth #1 - The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short Sale

The qualifications for a short sale include:This is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered. Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure.

1. Financial hardship- There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2. Monthly Income Shortfall - "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see thatyou cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3. Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

Myth #2 -You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency.

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

Myth #3 - There,is Not Enough Time to Negotiate a Short Sale Before My Foreclosure

This is a myth that probably hurts homeowners the most. Many do not realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

The foreclosing party-in most cases a lender--can stall a foreclosure up to the final day of the process. Today, many lenders will stall a foreclosure with as little as a phone call from you explaining that you are trying to sell, and almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract. For real estate professionals who understand foreclosures and short sales, there is time available until the foreclosure process is complete.

Myth #4 - Listing My Home as a Short Sale is an Embarrassment

It is understandable to have reservations about letting the world know that you owe more on your home than it is worth. However, according to recent estimates, one out of five homeowners in theU.S. is in the same situation. You are to be congratulated for admitting you need help, taking action, and finding a professional who can work with you toward a solution.

With recent estimates showing 40-60% of U.S. sales will be short sales or foreclosures, you are not alone.

Myth #5 - Short Sales are Impossible and Never Get Approved

This is a complete falsehood. Are short sales more difficult to execute? Yes. Do you, as a homeowner, need to learn about a new process? Yes. Are they impossible? Absolutely not.

For example, agents with the Certified Distressed Property Expert(CDPE) Designation receive thousands of short sale approvals on a monthly basis. These professionals have undergone extensive training in methods to help homeowners in distress and process short sales. While there are no guarantees in any transaction, more and more short sales are being approved regularly. This is far from an impossible process.

Myth #6 - Banks are Waiting on a Bailout and Not Accepting Short Sales

You may have heard this, but the reality is that banks (and the U.S. government) are trying to do anything they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosing on properties. It is preposterous to believe they would deny a short sale in hopes that some future legislation would pass and pay them for losses.

Today, more banks are aggressively pursuing short sales and working with agents who understand how how to process them. Freddie Mac recently hosted a national training webinar for real estate agents where they expressly stated the organizational goal of "eliminating distressed assets through loan modifications or short sales."

Myth #7 - Buyers are Not Interested in Short Sale Properties


This is a myth that potential sellers hear all the time. Thankfully, this is just not true. In fact, many agents are getting calls from buyers who say they only want to look at foreclosure and short sales.

For buyers, short sales and foreclosures have become synonymous with "good deals." More specifically, international buyers are targeting these properties. Listing with an experienced agent who is educated in the short sale process will provide you with a great chance of quickly seeing a contract on your property.

In conclusion, Agents with the CDPE Designation have been trained in all aspects of the short sale process, and know how to deal with the parties involved in foreclosures. Finding a CDPE can explain what options you have, and get you on the path to recovery.

Search for Open Houses Online

As a homebuyer, how do you learn where open houses are in the area? You probably start by checking out the ads in the local paper. Then, you might hop in the car on Sunday afternoon, cruising the streets on the chance you might stumble upon an open-house sign. With gas prices at an all-time high, do you really want to waste an afternoon driving up and down the streets of the neighborhood in which you’d like to move looking for the possibility of an open house? Looking for open houses just got easier.

The new and innovative Web site allows buyers to search open houses throughout your desired community. It is fast and user-friendly! Currently, real estate agents have listed their open houses on the site, which is updated weekly.  Simply go to the Web site, type in your preferred area and immediately see hundreds of open houses in the comfort of your own home. View maps, directions and multiple pictures before you get in the car and traverse the neighborhood. With more than 75 percent of homebuyers using the Internet to view homes for sale, doesn’t it make sense to find information about open houses online? Save time, money and the hassles of driving all over town for open houses. Visit www.openthisweek.com today to see the upcoming open houses in your neighborhood.