Real Estate Articles
Industry-related articles to keep up with news in the banking and foreclosure markets.
Apr 1, 2020
April Fools
Its April 1st, and many landlordscommercial and residentialare expecting to see economic vacancy. In the meantime, speak with your lenders about your options.Mar 26, 2020
What The $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Means For Housing
After several days of debates and deliberations, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a stimulus bill to prop the economy amid the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday evening. The $2 trillion aid package is now headed for the House before it reaches President Donald Trumps desk.Mar 25, 2020
Congress Reaches Agreement On A Coronavirus Relief Package: Tax Aspects Of The CARES Act
Dima Williams of Forbes reports on what the $2 trillion stimulus means for housing. Instead of turning to page 567, read Williams? summary highlighting that foreclosures are banned, and lender forbearance granted for up to 180 days for residential homeowners and 30 days for multifamily owners.Mar 19, 2020
COVID-19 and real estate update
Despite some completed transactions, we have unsurprisingly seen a spike in homes taken off the market:Mar 18, 2020
CARES Act as it relates to real estate investing
those missed mortgage payments could cause a severe cash shortage in the mortgage industry.Mar 18, 2020
that foreclosures are banned, and lender forbearance granted for up to 180 days for residential homeowners and 30 days for multifamily owners.
CoreLogic also conducted a comparative analysis of current purchase applications compared to 2018 and 2019. Despite lower rates, we are seeing an understandable decrease:Mar 14, 2020
Real Estate As An Essential Business
Are the many activities that underline the real estate industry from home construction to title searches essential services during the coronavirus pandemic?Mar 14, 2020
CARES Act
Lifes basic needs are food, water and a roof over your head, which makes real estate an essential service,Mar 13, 2020
A halt on foreclosures
Except for vacant or abandoned properties, lenders of mortgages backed by federal agencies (such as the Department of Agriculture or the Federal Housing Administration), Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae may not execute foreclosuresor foreclosure-related evictionsfor 60 days starting March 18.Mar 13, 2020
Loan payment forbearance
Regardless of their delinquency status, owners of residencies, ranging from single-family homes to fourplexes, may request payment forbearance from their loan providers, given that they prove COVID-19-induced financial hardship.Mar 13, 2020
Forbearance for borrowers of multifamily mortgages
Owners of multifamily properties, who were current on their loan payments as of February 1 but are now facing financial difficulties due to the health crisis, may seek forbearance by submitting oral or written requests to their lenders.Feb 3, 2020
CARES Act for Multifamily and CRE property owners
It's pretty clear that commercial / multifamily property owners and developers are getting hammered. Forbearance measures issued by GSAs are coming up short.Sep 5, 2013
Real Estate Professionals Must Battle Foreclosure 'Zombies' to Survive
These so-called ?zombie? foreclosures take place when a bank initiates foreclosure on a property but then abandons the process, leaving the property in a sort-of no-man?s land?vacant but not for sale.Sep 27, 2012
you walk away
Sep 27, 2012
Short Sales: Popular, Yet Still Underutilized
It is widely recognized throughout the industry that short sale completions are increasingeven surpassing foreclosures in many areas of the country. However, according to surrender data, short sales overall make up just 20% of the foreclosure market; REOs still dominate 49%.Sep 25, 2012
Bridging Communication Gap With Distressed Borrowers
Developing trust between a lender-servicer and distressed borrower during the loss mitigation process has been a barrier within the mortgage industry for several years. But banks and service providers have stepped up their communication efforts in order to bridge the gap that currently exists between all parties involved in this process.Aug 27, 2012
Should A Borrower With An Underwater Mortgage Strategically Default?
Should A Borrower With An Underwater Mortgage Strategically Default?Aug 22, 2012
New Short Sale Surrender Guidelines for GSEs Will Make Process Easier
Starting November 1, 2012, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will implement new short sale guidelines to make the approval process easier for eligible borrowers.Aug 16, 2012
Independent Foreclosure Review Deadline Extended
Aug 13, 2012
Loan Mods Take a Nosedive, Short Sales Skyrocket
Jul 27, 2012
Strategic Default
May 17, 2012
BofA Offering Up to $30K in Relocation Assistance for Short Sales
Just days after Bank of America officially announced its nationwide program offering up to $30,000 in relocation assistance for short sales, a Massachusetts-based real estate company revealed in a blog that one of its clients was approved to receive $10,000.Mar 13, 2012
Major Changes Announced for HAFA
$3,000Nov 24, 2011
Real Estate: Short sales not a simple process
Nov 20, 2011
Training Realtors to Lower REO Inventory Levels
As the number of REO and foreclosed properties continues to increase nationwide, servicers, financial institutions and brokers need to figure out a way to sell their assets more effectively.Oct 9, 2011
3 Things Agents Should Know About Short Sales
short saleSep 12, 2011
Bank of America will eliminate 30,000 jobs
The cuts, which affect Bank of America's consumer businesses, represent 10 percent of the Charlotte, North Carolina, bank's work force. The bank said it hopes the cuts and other measures will result in $5 billion in annual savings by 2014. The bank has already cut 6,000 jobs this year. The bank also said it would look for cost savings at its other businesses in a six-month review that will begin next month.Aug 10, 2011
Houston Texas Real estate transactions
short salesJul 30, 2011
Short Sale Single Family
Jul 14, 2011
July 14, 2011 home sales rise
The Houston Association of Realtors just released its market update report for July 2011. While many parts of the country are facing astonishing numbers of foreclosures and short sales, the houston area real estate market continues to improve. we are very thankful to live in a well diversified area with many different types of jobs and opportunities. Energy is of course a major driving force of Houston's economical growth, but the houston area remains strong in other fields of business such as manufacturing, medical services, technology, industry and education.Jul 1, 2011
Houston Short Sale Real Estate
www.weshortsaleloans.comJun 14, 2011
When Is Title Work Done During a Short Sale?
Completing a real estate short sale is no easy task, for either real estate agents or home sellers. But as in all real estate transactions, the buyers in such sales must obtain title insurance and pay for a title search that will ensure that the home they are buying has no liens against it.May 24, 2011
Bank Of America , Citigroup , Foreclosure News
First Posted: 05/16/11 04:42 PM ET Updated: 05/17/11 05:43 PM ETMay 15, 2011
The 5 Most Common Complaints of Short Sale and REO Buyers
(and How to Avoid them)Nov 13, 2010
From bad to worse in mortgage crisis
Houston-area foreclosure postings in September totaled 4,691 - the highest since October 1987.Nov 2, 2010
America Has 130.7 Million Housing Units. 18.8 Million Are Vacant.
The Census Bureau has released its survey of Residential Vacancies and Homeownership for the third quarter of 2010Oct 20, 2010
HUD Highlights Unintended
Consequences of Robo-Signings. Solution Needed ASAPOct 14, 2010
Lenders Foreclosed on Record Number of Properties in Q3
This morning that foreclosure filings in the third quarter of 2010 rose 4 percent from the previous quarter but were down 1 percent from the same period in 2009. 930,437 homes, one in every 139 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing during the quarter.Oct 12, 2010
Foreclosures and Bank Meetings
SUMMARY OF BANK MEETINGSOct 10, 2010
Bank of America puts sales on hold
Foreclosure flaw forces lender to review actionOct 8, 2010
Up to 40 states plan inquiry into foreclosure data
WASHINGTON The attorneys general of up to 40 states plan to announce soon a joint investigation into banks' use of flawed foreclosure paperwork.Oct 7, 2010
Bank of America Freezing foreclosures? What does that mean?
The reason for all of this is because foreclosure defense lawyers have broken down MERS to the piece of turd that it is. If they did not stop they would e subject to billions of dollars in damages. The government using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with the top lenders formed MERS to screw the world, the states, and we the people. There is grass roots anger with people on the street looking to burn down the banks. Bob Rubin, Larry Summers, Alan Greenspan and the big Wall Street and Bank hot shots set up the biggest scam in world history. Well, the people finally caught on when they were thrown out on the street. I just finaished trying one of these cases, and the fraud and perjury are so perverse and the judges are so ignorant of this area of the law, that they have begun to pull it off. Now the tide has changed and the people will wipe out the wrongdoers like a Tsunami. My pleasure is to personally hook up the bracelets. I want more than money. I want these guys in jail and their reputations runined for the misery that they have thrust upon us based on pure greed. Tough shit on them.Jul 20, 2010
SELLERS FEEL THE HEAT AS THEY CONTINUE TO SLASH HOME PRICES THIS SUMMER
Down Economy and High Levels of Home Inventory Put Sellers at Disadvantage as Prices Continue to DropJul 2, 2010
Swinging Short Sale Discounts
Short sale discounts from regular retail home prices are varying widely from market to market in the USJun 24, 2010
Foreclosure Timeline from WeShortSaleloans.com
Novice short sale and other real estate investors are often confused by the entire process;Jun 14, 2010
Big Banks Move to Short Sales
Earlier this week a top executive at Bank of America told an REO conference in Dallas that the lender would be focusing more on short sales than ever before.May 28, 2010
Model U.S. City
Yet if you want to see successful 21st-century urbanism, hop on down to Houston and Texas, the Lone Star State.May 20, 2010
Delinquencies, Foreclosure MBA National Delinquency Survey
Delinquencies, Foreclosure Starts Increase in Latest MBA National Delinquency SurveyMay 3, 2010
HAFA encourages short sales to avoid foreclosure
Short sales give distressed homeowners an exit that doesnt lead through credit-damaging foreclosure and saves banks money compared with taking and selling houses with failed mortgages.Apr 9, 2010
Making Homes Affordable
In February 2009, the Obama Administration introduced a comprehensive Financial Stability Plan to address the key problems at the heart of the current crisis to get our economy back on track. A critical piece of that effort is Making Home Affordable, a plan to stabilize the housing market and help struggling homeowners get relief and avoid foreclosure.Apr 5, 2010
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives ProgramApr 5, 2010
CNBC Video
Government Encourages Short SalesApr 5, 2010
HAFA
Bank of America Home Loans will now be using Equator as the primary tool for short sales. It is a self service portal that automates the short sale process. This will streamline the process and improve the experience for both customer and real estate agents.Apr 3, 2010
The Asian Dragon?
Writing to sell is actually the TRILLION dollar industry I?ve been talking about this whole time.Apr 3, 2010
People are panicking right now.
Theyve lost their jobs. Theyre locked in their homes. And nobody knows what will happen next.Covid-19 has crippled our economy and wiped out the livelihood of many families worldwide.Mar 31, 2010
Feds Increase Incentives for HAFA Short Sales
The Treasury Department has increased the incentives for servicers, investors and distressed homeowners to participate in an expedited short sales program that goes into effect April 5Mar 28, 2010
Some who can afford mortgages prefer to walk
These fed-up homeowners say they left because bailed-out banks duped themMar 26, 2010
Is a Short Sale Right for You?
Sometimes the best strategy is to sell at whatever price you can getMar 26, 2010
Luxury Homeowners in U.S. Use 'Short Sales' as Defaults Rise
Homeowners with $1 million-plus mortgages are defaulting at almost twice the U.S. rate and many are turning to short salesMar 25, 2010
Housing market's upswing at risk of collapsing
WASHINGTON The recovery in the housing market is at risk of collapsing.Mar 22, 2010
What is a Short Sale?
Its the sale of a property for an amount below the existing debt on the property.Mar 15, 2010
March 15, 2010 - This Week's Topics:
Freddie and Fannie Bounce Mortgages Back to Banks Unfinished Construction Offers Investors Another Opportunity to Profit Builders Look to Prosper from Hidden Transfer Fees Pittsburgh, Louisville Top List of Best Housing Markets The American Culture of Homeownership 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Fall to 4.76% Breathe Life Into Your Investment Portfolio with ProbatesMar 12, 2010
Addressing Negative Equity Issues
It's no surprise that negative equity has become a major issue in the current housing market; experts report nearly one of every four mortgages being higher than the current value of the underlying real estate. Unfortunately, that doesn't tell the entire story. Short sale investors, real estate agents and homeowners alike need to understand the full impact of negative equity in order to make the best decisions regarding the current plan of action for any property.Mar 11, 2010
Foreclosures rise 6%
Over 308,000 households with loans received a foreclosure filing in FebruaryMar 10, 2010
So, how are Americans spending their money both today and into the near future?
1. Nearly 34 percent of the average household income goes toward housing. Expect this trend to continue as people downsize into affordable housing options.Mar 1, 2010
Home supply rises 4.2%
inventory of homes -- single-family homes, condominiums and town houses listed on local multiple-listing services -- in 27 major metropolitan areas rose 4.2% in February from a month earlier.Feb 12, 2010
Moody's - Short sales will rise 50%
Federal and mortgage industry officials are increasingly looking for ways to get distressed borrowers to leave their homes voluntarily, without going through the expensive foreclosure process or a messy evictionFeb 10, 2010
20% of homes underwater
one of every five U.S. home owners owed more on their mortgage than their home was worth in the fourth quarterFeb 9, 2010
Fannie and Freddie failing
Feb 3, 2010
Market update 2/2/2010
Refinance loans up 21%Feb 2, 2010
How to Save the Sale
Sooner or later every short sale investor encounters a sale in danger of dying.Jan 20, 2010
FHA announces significant policy changes
Jan 20, 2010
Another down year in housing
Jan 20, 2010
FHA increasing fees and tightening lending rules
Jan 19, 2010
Houston Housing Market
Jan 15, 2010
Big Banks Accused of Short Sale Fraud
Jan 13, 2010
Broker's Price Opinion
The Broker's Price Opinion (BPO) is not completed by you the investor. It's submitted by a real estate agent and it is part of the overall package when it is submitted for an approval on the discount.Jan 13, 2010
Treasury Effort May Boost Short Sale Usage
http://www.managingreo.com/ednote/?story_id=198Jan 12, 2010
Short Sales: The Next Big Thing
Jan 12, 2010
Automating Short Sales: The Next Big Thing
Jan 12, 2010
Treasury Effort May Boost Short Sale Usage
Jan 4, 2010
Top 10 Real Estate Predictions for 2010
Nov 8, 2009
SEC Wants Your Opinion on Short Selling
Sep 15, 2009
Short Sale Definition
Sep 7, 2009
US Treasury Home Affordability & Stability Plan Program Guidelines
Eligibility and Verification: Loans originated on or before January 1, 2009. First-lien loans on owner-occupied properties with unpaid principal balance up to $729,750. Higher limits allowed for owner-occupied properties with 2-4 units.Aug 12, 2009
Short Selling
Aug 12, 2009
LET US HELP VIDEO
THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS IN AMERICARESPONDING TO HOMEOWNERS IN NEEDApr 14, 2009
Mortgage Company Directory
Mar 26, 2009
Foreclosure and Mortgage Facts
Mar 21, 2009
Short Sale Client Policy Changes
Feb 20, 2009
Homeowner Affordability & Stability Plan
Feb 19, 2009
7 Myths about Short Sales
Feb 19, 2009
New Years Resolution
Feb 17, 2009
Workshop Coming To Houston March 28, 2009
in 30 days there will be another event to houstonFeb 4, 2009
Foreclosures dominate home sales
Foreclosures dominate home salesFeb 4, 2009
Short Sale FAQ's
Jan 21, 2009
BPO
BPOJan 21, 2009
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007
Jan 13, 2009
Claims of Illegal Foreclosures
Claims of Illegal ForeclosuresJan 4, 2009
TX Aggressive Laws
Dec 12, 2008
State proposes bill to prevent foreclosure scams
State proposes bill to prevent foreclosure scamsDec 11, 2008
Foreclosures in TX decline
Foreclosures in TX declineDec 11, 2008
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act
Home Foreclosure and Debt CancellationDec 8, 2008
Video from Houston Shortsale Seminar on Nov 21
Here is the video of our presentation and questions and answer session involving ShortsalesDec 5, 2008
10% of homeowners facing mortgage woes
10% of homeowners facing mortgage woesNov 26, 2008
Market Update Event Photos
Nov 17, 2008
1980's and 2008 whats the difference
Nov 13, 2008
Texas foreclosure numbers a mixed bag, report shows
Texas foreclosure numbers a mixed bag, report showsNov 12, 2008
Federal Housing Finance Agency announces foreclosure initiative
Federal Housing Finance Agency announces foreclosure initiativeOct 31, 2008
Homeowners in Denial, study shows
Homeowners in Denial, study showsOct 11, 2008
McCain's Mortgages Plan
Oct 10, 2008
'Sky-is-falling' reports snowball troubled times
Oct 10, 2008
Freddie Mac suspends Houston foreclosure sales
Oct 10, 2008
Wells Wins Battle over Wachovia
Aug 13, 2008
More homeowners under water
Aug 12, 2008
U.S Homeowners Struggle with Negative Equity
Aug 12, 2008
Home Value drop
Jul 30, 2008
Long Strange Credit Trip
May 30, 2008
Mortgage woes spur short sales
Apr 22, 2008
Notes from Short Sale Specialist
Mar 18, 2008
Home Affordability rankings for top 50 markets
Mar 6, 2008
Home Equity Hits New Low
Mar 6, 2008
U.S home foreclosures at record high
Feb 12, 2008
30- day moratorium on foreclosures
Feb 12, 2008
Lenders to help homeowners facing foreclosure
Feb 5, 2008
301-worst paying jobs
Feb 5, 2008
101-150 High Paying jobs
Feb 5, 2008
151-200 High Paying Jobs
Feb 5, 2008
201-250 High Paying jobs
Feb 5, 2008
251- 300 Low Paying Jobs
Feb 5, 2008
51-100 Higest paying jobs
Feb 5, 2008
1-50 Highest Paying Jobs
Feb 5, 2008
20 HIGHEST PAYING JOBS
Feb 4, 2008
Mortgage Process
Feb 4, 2008
Bad loans spiking at local banks
Jan 30, 2008
Countrywide posts 4Q, yearly loss
Jan 30, 2008
Centex loses nearly $1B in third quarter
Jan 29, 2008
Tennessee foreclosures up 25% last year
Jan 29, 2008
Countrywide Crushed
Jan 29, 2008
Hawaii ranks 43rd in '07 foreclosures
Jan 28, 2008
U.S. new home sales off 26% in 2007
Jan 25, 2008
Mortgage industry fears foreclosure moratorium
Jan 25, 2008
Banks' bad loans hit level of S&L Crisis
Jan 22, 2008
Wachovia 4Q earnings plunge 98%
Jan 22, 2008
Bank of America's 4Q income plummets 95%
Jan 1, 2008
NEW RESIDENTIAL SALES IN DECEMBER 2007
Sep 18, 2007
Short Sale FAQ
Sep 17, 2007
Mortgagenewsdaily.com
Sep 7, 2007
Loss Mitigation Specialist Explained
Aug 10, 2007
foreclosure
Aug 10, 2007
videos
Jul 25, 2007
Foreclosure Help is Avaliable
Jul 2, 2007
Harris County foreclosures level off
Jun 23, 2007
Focus on Loss Mitigation
May 4, 2007
Houston Area late mortgage payments on rise
Mar 14, 2007
Record foreclosures in fourth quarter
Mar 12, 2007
New Century Mortgage
Mar 12, 2007
subprime
Mar 5, 2007
The new exit strategy: A short sale
Feb 13, 2007
Texas foreclosures continue to rise
Jan 17, 2007
Foreclosure rates up big in December
Jan 13, 2007
More fall behind on mortgages
Jan 8, 2007
What 20 jobs pay in 75 metros
Nov 20, 2006
Home prices down 1.2% in third quarter
Nov 3, 2006
MARKETING PIECES 2
Nov 3, 2006
marketing pieces 3
Nov 1, 2006
Texas Foreclosure Law Summary
Oct 22, 2006
Houston Foreclosures Up 23%
Sep 26, 2006
top 10 foreclosure market
Aug 20, 2006
50 year mortgages
Jun 28, 2006
Mortgage Short Sale
Jun 19, 2006
WATERFALL loss mitigation guidelines GSE
Jun 19, 2006
Pre-Foreclosure Sale
Jun 13, 2006
'Overpriced' housing gets more overpriced
Apr 28, 2006
Houston Investors
Apr 28, 2006
How to Avoid Foreclosure
Jan 1, 2006
Foreclosures up 43 percent Nationally
Aug 28, 2005
Nontraditional Lending
Aug 27, 2005