Proof that NOW is a Good Time to Sell

York County Homes Sellers Take Notice!



Proof that NOW is a Good Time to Sell

Startegic Foreclosures Good or Bad?

Recently there has been some talk about "strategic foreclosures". Unfortunately there have been some individuals promoting to people who are in financial distress and don't know where to turn when they have fallen behind in their mortgage payments. They have taken the stand that it is O.K. to just walk away and never look behind them for the consequences that come with such a move.

Just last week Good Morning America had a special about walking away from your commitment. The analogy they used was that if it is good enough for corporate America to do so, it is O.K. for the average homeowner too. It was totally irresponsible reporting and they should be taken to task to promote such a terrible injustice to the public. They did not mention what consequences there are to individuals who actually must work and maintain households, credit ratings and personal reputations if they allow a foreclosure to happen. Obviously they did not realize or even care that with that type of reporting people could be jeopardizing their financial futures including holding on to the job they currently have or a job in the future. Corporations don't have to think about those things as it not part of the business world. So yes, corporations do that sometimes but with different consequences.

Please don't consider a Strategic Foreclosure as you might not be happy what you may end up with. Call me today for a confidential interview and we can set the record straight and get you on the right financial path.

What is a Realtor Worth?

In today’s market what you need to be the most concerned about is what level of marketing you can expect from a Realtor. Secondly the Realtor must have the ability to negotiate not just with the buyers on your property to get the highest price for you, but also there is a high incidence of properties not appraising for the sales price on the contracts. When that happens I then must negotiate with the appraiser to prove to them that the value they came up with is incorrect and that they must change the appraisal. I have made and saved my home sellers thousands of dollars due to my experience and knowledge of the market. Please don’t get caught up on a difference of 1% broker fee when actually a fulltime agent such as me can save you thousands of dollars particularly in today’s market. If you want a fulltime professionals real estate agent in York, PA call me Jerry Pilgrim of the Pilgrim Team of Professional Realty Associates.

Satisfied Short Sale Seller Client

Free Foreclosure Avoidance Guide

I wanted to get in touch with you about some startling statistics regarding the latest distressed property trends.

In a recent study by Lender Processing Services (LPS), 6.38 million people were at least 30 days late on their mortgage payments. If you or someone you care about is feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage, please take the time to review the free foreclosure avoidance guide I’ve place on my website:

[insert your website address]

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I can navigate a homeowner through a variety of options. I’ve listed some of the most common alternatives to foreclosures that homeowners can take advantage of to get back on the path to financial stability.



I would truly appreciate your taking the time to refer any homeowners you know that may need my assistance. I’m sure that they would appreciate it, too! The sooner they contact me, the more time we’ll have to develop a strategy to avoid foreclosure.



With gratitude,

Jerry Pilgrim
CDPE, CRS, e-Pro, Broker/Owner
Professional Realty Associates

Break Free From Unaffordable Mortgage Payments!

Break Free From Unaffordable Mortgage Payments!

A recent study in Nevada (a state that holds the nation’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 “strategically default,” or allow their homes to be foreclosed upon on purpose!

The Realtors Association of York and Adams County (RAYAC) and the local Multiple List Service report for York County that there are currently 3236 (Active) properties on the market as of May 24^th, 2011.  There are 371 Short Sales included in that total, and there have been 276 Bank Owned Properties that have closed or are pending settlement and 260 properties have sold since January 1^st. These numbers represent 536 total distressed properties or 27% of the properties sold.

Clearly, too few distressed homeowners know their options and the fallout of foreclosure. If they did, they’d soon realize that there’s nothing ‘strategic’ about foreclosure, and that avoiding foreclosure is always the best plan to create financial stability.

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.

Education is key. The more distressed homeowners know about solutions, the more likely they are to overcome their financial challenges. I’ve seen this firsthand.

I can help with the education part—it’s up to you to contact me!

Staging Tips To Help Sell Your Home Fast

In this difficult economy, selling your home can be a challenge. Sellers are looking for help to sell their home faster and for top dollar. Staging a home for sale is one of the best marketing strategies in residential real estate.

If you are not familair with staging, it is the process of showcasing your home in its absolute best light. By doing this, you draw buyers’ attention to your home’s most appealing features and helps to not draw attention to the features that are not as appealing.

By staging your home you can emphasize on your home’s positives. It’s part art, part science--and all marketing. It can involve everything from fresh paint to clever carpentry, new lighting to new window treatments. And don’t forget the borrowed (or rented) furniture to define and enhance each room!

To see staging in action, watch an episode or two of HGTV’s Designed To Sell for some amazing tips. Also see Top 10 Home-Staging Dos and Top 10 Home-Staging Don’ts by Designed To Sell’s Donna and Shannon Freeman.

Below are some tips that you can follow to help make your home shine:

* Clear it out. You have stuff--lots of stuff. And your house is overloaded with all that stuff. Go through each room and get rid of the clutter everywhere you see it. Your rooms will look bigger, more restful, and more inviting. And all you did was pick up!

* Clean it up. Make sure everything shines inside and out, from windows, floors and countertops inside to the deck, garage and yard outside. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath. A little well-applied elbow grease will go a long way in selling your home. And it’s free!

Do these two simple things, and you’re already ahead in the staging game.

But should you keep going and stage other aspects of your own home? That depends on whether you have the eye, the skill--and the objectivity. Can you put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see your home as the buyer will see it--positive points and negative points? Are you prepared to tackle those negatives? Do you have the “designer’s eye” for color and other design elements? Do you have the technical skills to complete improvements?

Staging can definitely help sell your house for more if it’s done right, whether you do it on your own or you hire a professional stager.

Home Sellers In York PA Here are some Tips

Home Sellers

Selling a home can be overwhelming but it should always be a smooth process. Clients who list their homes with The Pilgrim Team receive truly personalized service with unmatched results. Jerry and his Team have extensive knowledge and experience in York real estate, and they can market your home to the right buyer. By constantly adapting to market trends and using first-rate marketing techniques, The Pilgrim Team can target specific buyers who would be interested in purchasing your home.

So Why List With The Pilgrim Team?

Unmatched Experience with Record Results
Exceptional Negotiation Skills to Maximize Price
Large Buyer Client Base including Business from Area Corporations
Unmatched Internet Exposure
Cutting-Edge Marketing Techniques and Strategies
First-Class Support Team – We Are Always There for You!
State of the Art Technology Integration
A True Passion for Selling
Honest, Trustworthy and Sensitive
An Exceptional Closer who Keeps Your Sale Together and Gets It Done Quickly.
*Sellers Check Out our Guaranteed Sales Program*

We understand that you may be in the information gathering stage and may not be ready to open up about who you are or your real estate needs at this time. If you are not comfortable providing all your contact information that is perfectly okay. Just enter your name, phone number, and email address so we can send you the material you requested.

We hate spam as much as you, so the only person who sees your info is your Realtor.

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.

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

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.

Is Now The Time To Sell My House?

Is now the time to sell my house or should I wait? That is probably the question most people who want to sell are asking themselves these days. It all comes down to do you need to sell right now or just do want to make a change? Sometimes because of a job relocation it is not a decision you have any choice to make. But if you want to sell because you have outgrown your present house due to family size or maybe you want to downsize because the kids have moved out, what do you do? With the dramatic drop in home values do you wait for the market to recover to the norm or do you sell now? Let's take a look at where the market is and where it may be going. If your house has dropped around 20% in value over the last 3 years and the market rebounds to what is considered normal which is an average of 2-3% appreciation a year it could take over 10 years for the market to make up the difference in what you lost. Most people don't and can't wait that long. What you do have going for you is that you can possibly save thousands of dollars on the house you will buy and at a very low interest rate if you need to finance it. So is it a good time to sell...you bet.

What is most important if you decide to sell you house keep in mind that all Realtors are not alike. As far a what company do you hire, that really has no bearing on your decision, remember the company does not sell your house the agent does. So be sure you choose an experienced agent who has an excellent marketing plan, has excellent negotiating skills and has the experience to help you all the way until you get a successful sale. Please feel free to check me out at my web page or call me for a interview. You'll be glad you did.

York County PA Home Market Statistics

York PA Housing Statistics

Single Family Homes:

Jan-May 08' SOLD Units - 938 represents a 14% decrease over the same time period in '08. It also represents a 33% decrease over '07.

Time on Market for sold homes in '09 for same time period was 85 days.

Homes that are currently Active (unsold) have been on the markey 120 days.

The Median home price dropped form a high in '07 of $221,013 to $211,335 in '08 to $188,588 a 33% decline.

What these statistics mean for Buyers is obvious. If you have the means to buy a home NOW is the time. The low interest rates couples with the more affordable home prices in York County PA. The $8,000 dollar tax rebate will run out Dec 1st of this year.

For Home Sellers the home must be priced to the market or it will become another unsold statistic. You will need to choose a Realtor with an A+ marketing program that will give your home maximum exposure to potential home buyers. List your home with Jerry Pilgirm and you will get just that.