Short Sale Information for Sellers

Resolve to Face the Facts!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:19:31 GMT

Resolve to Face the Facts!

Since 2007, 8.9 million homes have been lost to foreclosure and millions more are headed in that direction.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to ensure that you or anyone you care about does not add to that statistic.

The unfortunate fact is that so many homeowners who have played by the rules and never imagined that they could be facing foreclosure are now in a very tough situation.

More than one in four homeowners owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth. On top of that staggering statistic is the fact that millions of homeowners are unemployed, or underemployed and falling further behind every month.

Sound familiar? Rest assured you are not alone.

If you feel that you are headed toward foreclosure, or if you are avoiding facing that fact, the sooner you reach out for help, the better your options.

As a CDPE agent, I help distressed homeowners to work through every aspect of the denial and discouragement that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable, and in the process, to move toward financial solvency.

If you or someone you care about is ready to tip the scales back toward financial solvency, contact me today and let’s get started.

_______________________________

Lydia Puller is a Luxury Short Sale Specialist. She is CDPE and CIAS certified Realtor and author who specializes in “strategic” and “hardship” short sales in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lydia’s short sale team covers Marin County, Sonoma County, San Francisco County, Alameda County and Contra Costa County.

To learn more about short sales, go to http://www.LuxuryShortSale.com or http://www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com. To search all short sale and pre-foreclosure listings visit www.LydiaPuller.com

Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

Can You do a Short Sale with Federal AND State Tax Liens?

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:03:14 GMT

Can You do a Short Sale with Federal AND State Tax Liens?

Yes! You can absolutely short sale your home if you have Federal and State tax liens. Although the process can be a bit more challenging it’s done successfully every day!

Short sales as you know take quite a bit of time to close because you need to get lender approval before you can close escrow. Whereas the traditional or “organic” real estate transaction can take 30-45 days to close, a short sale with one or two liens can take up to 2-3 months to get short sale approval. Throw in a federal and/or state tax lien and it can take an additional 30-45 days before you can close the sale.

Getting the lender to approve your short sale is the first step in the process, getting the state and feds to remove the tax liens from the property is the next step. You can work on removing the federal tax liens in conjunction with the lender short sale approval process, however if you are in California, you must wait until you have written lender approval and an appraisal before you can get the state tax liens removed.

Because of the varying time constraints between federal and state tax lien release make sure to set expectations with all parties involved. If you are using a short sale addendum, as is required in California, make sure that you have a long expiration date (boilerplate is 45 days) but when a tax lien is involved make sure you have at least 90-120 days for the short sale addendum expiration date.

Working with short sales and tax liens can seem daunting to many agents but once you’ve been through the process you will know what is required of you…look at it as just one more hurdle you have to jump through in the short sale process.

Your mission when working with a short sale that has a federal or state tax lien is to release the lien(s) from the property so you can close the sale. This means that you need to compile information, submit forms to the appropriate departments, and get the lien released from the property. Although it seems daunting in reality, with a little patience, perseverance and know how it can be done.

Federal Tax Liens

The first step is to find out what is expected of you and what the time frames are for releasing the federal tax lien. First read IRS publication 783 entitled “How to Apply for a Certificate of Discharge of Property from the Federal Tax Lien”. Then download IRS form 14135, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p783.pdf. Both are easy to read and easy to follow with complete instructions.

Not clear enough and need more assistance? Then take a look at the videos that the IRS released to help you through the process. http://www.irsvideos.gov/Individual/IRSLiens/

Other publications that will be useful to you are: “Guidelines for Notices of Federal Tax Liens”, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1468.pdf and Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative”, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2848.pdf

State Tax Liens (California)

With a federal tax lien you can submit the paperwork for release of liens prior to getting the short sale approval from the lender(s). However, if you are in California and you have state tax liens you must have written short sale approval letters prior to submitting your application for the release of the state tax lien. You also need to submit an appraisal report with your application whether it’s the appraisal from the short sale lender(s) or from the buyer’s lender.

If you don’t have the appraisal you can write a letter indicating that the appraisal report is forthcoming but please note that if you do not submit the appraisal with your application your release of the lien will be contingent upon the State receiving the appraisal. (Caveat: in lieu of the appraisal report you can submit a thorough CMA. Although the guidelines state that an independent appraisal is needed from licensed appraiser there have been instances where the CMA provided is sufficient to garner lien release).

The instructions for “Partial Release of Lien and Subordination of Lien” can be found at the following link, https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/liens/rlslien.shtml

While the Feds have a form for third party authorization (form 2838) the State of California does not give agents authorization to speak on behalf of their clients. A real estate agent can gather all of the supporting documents and submit the application but it is your title officer who will have access to the seller’s file. You will only be able to track the file/package through your escrow officer.

The link for title and escrow instructions is, https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/liens/title_escrow_companies.shtml

The entire package needs to be sent either via FedEx or UPS (overnight) and once it is received the file will be assigned to a representative who will review the package. Thereafter it will take approximately 21 days to get the release so if your approval letter has a close of escrow date make sure to ask for an extension to allow time for the release of liens.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, make sure to set expectations with the Buyer’s Agent, the Buyer’s and your Seller. Remind them that while you have a few more steps in the process of getting the short sale approved because of the tax liens, it can be done!

Lastly, make sure that you let the Seller know that just because you have removed the tax liens from the property in order to complete the sale their debt to the Stated and Feds is not forgiven. The outstanding federal and state debt still needs to be repaid. For more information about that its best that the Seller contact their CPA and/or start their search with the IRS or Franchise Tax Board.

_______________________________

To learn more about short sales, go to http://www.LuxuryShortSale.com or http://www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com. To search all short sale and pre-foreclosure listings visit www.LydiaPuller.com

Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

Fannie Mae says Consumers are Optimistic About Home Prices

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:39:34 GMT

<p> <strong><a title="Edit Fannie Mae says Consumers are Optimistic About Home Prices">Fannie Mae says Consumers are Optimistic About Home Prices</a></strong></p> <p> &nbsp;&ldquo;Due to an improved economy consumers remain optimistic that home prices will increase&rdquo;, says Fannie Mae in their latest National Housing Survey (Federal National Mortgage Association).</p> <p> Fannie Mae also indicated that a large number of consumers believe that home prices will improve within the next year. However, many of those surveyed continue to adopt a &ldquo;wait and see&rdquo; attitude, while others continue to believe that home prices will continue to drop.</p> <p> To be more specific, out of the consumers Fannie Mae surveyed, 22% believe home prices will improve in the next year home prices to stay the same, and 22% expect <strike>it</strike> home prices to continue to decline.</p> <p> Although the survey focused on an improvement in consumer expectations many are still very concerned about the country&rsquo;s overall economy and the trajectory of housing prices.</p> <p> Fannie Mae also said that the market will continue to adjust within the next five years, due largely to changes in housing policy. &nbsp;Fannie Mae anticipates major improvements in the real estate market as most policies changes will be implemented within a 5 years</p> <p> In related news, a new bill called The Fairness in Foreclosure Act (H.R. 3566) has been introduced that aims to limit the time in which a bank can bring deficiency judgments against foreclosed properties. At present, the time frame where a bank can bring a deficiency judgment varies from six months to six years.</p> <p> If enacted, The Fairness in Foreclosure Act would prohibit banks from pursuing deficiency judgments more than 12 months after foreclosure and restrict deficiency judgments against all low-income families. Hopefully, this bill will help give consumers greater optimism over real estate and home prices.</p> <p align="center"> _____________________________________________</p> <p align="center"> &nbsp;</p> <p> Lydia Puller is a Luxury Short Sale Specialist, a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), CIAS certified Realtor and author who specializes in &ldquo;strategic&rdquo; and &ldquo;hardship&rdquo; short sales in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lydia&rsquo;s short sale team helps homeowners in Marin County, Sonoma County, San Francisco County, Alameda County and Contra Costa County.</p> <p> To learn more about short sales, go to <a href="https://www.odesk.com/leaving_odesk.php?ref=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.LuxuryShortSale.com" target="_blank" title="You are about to go to a URL outside odesk.com">http://www.LuxuryShortSale.com</a> or <a href="https://www.odesk.com/leaving_odesk.php?ref=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com" target="_blank" title="You are about to go to a URL outside odesk.com">http://www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com</a>. To search all short sale and pre-foreclosure listings visit <a href="https://www.odesk.com/leaving_odesk.php?ref=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.LydiaPuller.com" target="_blank" title="You are about to go to a URL outside odesk.com">www.LydiaPuller.com</a></p> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 383.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in" valign="top" width="511"> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Lydia Puller</span></b></div> <div> <b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt"><font size="3">CDPE</font>&nbsp;</span></b></div> <div> <b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist</span></b></div> <div> <b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Short Sale &amp; Foreclosure Certified</span></b></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Serving Marin County, San Francisco&nbsp;and the East Bay</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">DRE# 01371576 </span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Alain Pinel Realtors</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Tel: (415) 599-5028&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; width: 6.65in; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in" valign="top" width="638"> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Web: <a href="https://mail.apr.com/OWA/redir.aspx?C=f17cba0644e14c1da5c090d648091e39&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lydiapuller.com%2f" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff">www.LydiaPuller.com</font></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Blog: <a href="https://mail.apr.com/OWA/UrlBlockedError.aspx" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff">www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com</font></a> </span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt">Blog: <font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com" target="_blank">www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com</a></font></span></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> &nbsp;</p>

3 tips to Help You Avoid Foreclosure Heading into the New Year

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:36:50 GMT

Year-End Tips

3 tips to Help You Avoid Foreclosure Heading into the New Year

Heading into the holiday season, you may have found some extra time to research how you can avoid foreclosure. If so, congratulations on taking the first and most important step in improving your situation—seeking help!

To be successful now and in 2011, here are the top three things you should focus on when exploring foreclosure alternatives:

1. Create a Budget: When seeking an arrangement with your lender you must prove the monthly income shortfall that keeps you from making your mortgage payments. Create an itemized list detailing your monthly income and expenses. Pull together bank statements and check stubs for the last three months.

2. Know your Options: It’s important to know you have several options to consider, so you can take advantage of the solution that is best for your specific situation. Find out more about your options on my website here: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

3. Contact and Experienced Agent: A licensed agent who has undergone specialized training is vital to successfully navigating foreclosure avoidance. As a CDPE-designated agent, I’ve trained extensively to provide you with the information you’ll need to execute strategy tailored to your situation.

Most major lenders have granted a two-week foreclosure holiday from December 20th to January 3rd. The sooner you contact me, the more options you’ll have to prevent foreclosure and get back on track for a financially stable and successful 2011!

Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

U.S. Homes to Lose $1.7 Trillion in Value

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:11:40 GMT

According to analysis released Thursday by the research firm Zillow, U.S. homes are expected to lose more than $1.7 trillion in value this year. Since the market peaked in June 2006, the company says homeowners have been stripped of $9 trillion in equity.

Despite a strong start to 2010, by the end of the year homes lost more of their value this year than they did in 2009. From January to June, the housing market lost $680 billion, but from June to December, Zillow projects residential home value losses will top $1 trillion. Read more....

Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

Bank of America promises to resume foreclosure sales....

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:45:12 GMT

Bank of America said Friday it was ending its hiatus on foreclosure sales, and promised to get its act together after a series of sloppy home seizures prompted the bank to back off and re-examine its process.

The bank said it plans to proceed with 16,000 foreclosures this month, though it will observe a "holiday suspension" of sales and evictions from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have announced a similar holiday freeze.

(Source: CNN Money)

Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: www.ShortSalesMarinCounty.com

Lenders Under Fire

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 10:28:42 GMT

Congressional meetings have begun regarding improper filings of foreclosures better known as the “Robo-Signing Scandal” or “Foreclosure Gate.” These incorrect filings prompted large lenders to impose temporary halts of foreclosures across the U.S., and have given distressed homeowners more time to take action to avoid losing their home.

California's most expensive zip codes - with medians above $800,000 - saw the number of homes foreclosed on in the third quarter fall 14.7 percent from the second quarter and rise 11.8 percent year-over-year.

The concentration of foreclosures in those high-cost zips remained relatively low last quarter - 1.0 foreclosure per 1,000 homes. That compares with 5.4 foreclosures per 1,000 homes across all zip codes statewide last quarter, and 9.5 foreclosures per 1,000 homes in zips with median sale prices below $200,000.

On average, homes foreclosed on last quarter took 8.7 months to wind their way through the formal foreclosure process, beginning with a notice of default. That's down from 9.1 months for the prior quarter but up from 7.0 months a year earlier. The increase from last year could reflect, among other things, lender backlogs and extra time needed to pursue possible loan modifications and short sales.

Because the foreclosure process has received so much attention lately, many are wondering if a loan modification may be a better solution for all parties involved. Lawmakers are pushing for solutions that will either keep distressed homeowners in their homes by reducing their payments or by streamlining the short sale process to avoid foreclosure.

For more information on how you or someone you know can avoid foreclosure, call me today!

Need information about short sales or know someone who does? Click here for help Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Marin Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: http://www.ActiveRain.com/blogs/llpuller

Making Sense of Mortgage Modification

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:22:53 GMT

There has been much in the news in the past few weeks about mortgage modifications for homeowners who are having trouble making their house payments. Many are having difficulty qualifying for modifications, and so far the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has had disappointing results.

I currently have clients that have been trying to modify their loans on their own for the past 2 years to no avail. Because of the low ratios of success for homeowners modifying loans on their own I am seeing more and more homeowners who are being forced to either short sale their properties or they simply let their homes fall into foreclosure. Most don’t realize that they don’t have to go at it alone.

The Washington Post recently reported that “troubled homeowners who receive housing counseling are 60% more likely to avoid foreclosure and have their mortgage payments lowered significantly than borrowers who navigate the process themselves.” While the chance of success can be slim I can help homeowners facilitate the process of loan modification and discuss other alternatives to foreclosure if a modification is not an option.

As a CDPE, I feel it’s my duty to help anyone I can during these hard times. If you would like to know more about mortgage modifications and whether or not you might qualify, please feel free to contact me.

Need information about short sales or know someone who does? Click here for help Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Marin Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: http://www.ActiveRain.com/blogs/llpuller

Distressed Homeowners Not Alone

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:39:16 GMT

A study by Fitch Ratings estimates that 7 million homes across the U.S. are delinquent. For homeowners who are struggling to make mortgage payments—or are behind already—know that you’re not alone.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have been extensively trained to help you or someone you know pursue alternatives to foreclosure.

Did you know that lenders would rather not foreclose on homeowners? It’s actually a very expensive process for them. Banks are in the business of lending money, not selling homes. If they can work out a solution to either keep the homeowner in the property through loan modification or possibly sell the property for less than what is owed, it helps all parties involved.

Problem is, banks are overwhelmed with the sheer number of homeowners struggling to make their payments, and are eager to work with educated agents who know the process and can help provide solutions for distressed homeowners. As a CDPE, I can help you or someone you know find a way through these troubling times.

If you or someone you know owes more on their home than what it’s worth and doesn’t know what to do, I encourage you to call me today.

Need information about short sales or know someone who does? Click here for help Lydia Puller CDPE Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay DRE# 01371576 Alain Pinel Realtors Marin Tel: (415) 599-5028
Web: www.LydiaPuller.com Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com Blog: http://www.ActiveRain.com/blogs/llpuller

Short Sales and Existing-Home Sales in the Bay Area

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:10:20 GMT

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) just released their existing-home sales numbers, but what does this mean for homeowners and buyers in San Francisco Bay Area?

According to NAR, 379,000 homes were sold nationwide in September, and they expect that a total of 4.53 million homes will be sold in 2010. This is down 19% from 2009 numbers when buyers were looking to take advantage of the tax credit that initially ended in November.

Short sales have become an increasing portion of these (and national) home sales. Helping local homeowners avoid foreclosure, I’ve experienced a high degree of success in short sales.

With millions of homeowners across the country seeking this better option to foreclosure, if you or anyone you know is having trouble paying the mortgage and doesn’t know what to do, contact me for more information.

I can help.

Need information about short sales or know someone who does? Click here for help

Lydia Puller

CDPE

Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist

Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified

Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay

DRE# 01371576

Alain Pinel Realtors

Marin Tel: (415) 599-5028

Web: www.LydiaPuller.com

Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com

Blog: http://www.ActiveRain.com/blogs/llpuller

Foreclosure Freeze: What Does it Mean for Homeowners?

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 20:50:16 GMT

You may have heard that Bank of America, Ally Financial (formerly GMAC), and JPMorgan Chase have all temporarily suspended foreclosure proceedings to investigate possible problems with mortgage documentation. Bank of America froze foreclosures in all 50 states, but recently announced they will move forward in the 23 states that resolve foreclosures through their judicial systems. Ally and Chase have continued to halt proceedings in these states.

For homeowners having problems making mortgage payments, this may seem like tremendous opportunity to stay in their homes. The unfortunate reality is that the foreclosure process will start again, and for those facing foreclosure, the real opportunity lies in the extra time to find better alternatives. The first step to take during this opportunity is to contact an educated real estate agent as soon as possible to learn about options.

For homeowners who owe more on their homes than what they’re worth and don’t what to do, I can help provide options and hope during this time of uncertainty. Together, we can take a proactive approach to a situation millions of Americans are facing everyday. We can use this extra time for developing a strategy to get past this time of distress, and move toward a brighter, more stable future.

Need information about short sales or know someone who does? Click here for

help

Lydia Puller

CDPE

Realtor / Certified Relocation Specialist

Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified

Serving Marin County, San Francisco and the East Bay

DRE# 01371576

Alain Pinel Realtors

Marin Tel: (415) 599-5028

Web: www.LydiaPuller.com

Blog: www.RealEstateOfMarinCounty.com

Blog: http://www.ActiveRain.com/blogs/llpuller

Strategic Defaults are NOT Strategic

Walking Away Is NOT The Answer

You may have heard that a “strategic default” can be an appropriate and even beneficial reaction to an upside-down mortgage or impending foreclosure. While this idea is widespread, the truth is that default is never an easy road to choose, and rarely ever strategic.

Unfortunately, the ramifications of a “strategic default” are rarely explained, leaving many homeowners stranded on an island of misinformation. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the myths and misrepresentations of strategic defaults.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today!

Government Program Surveys

Are You Eligible?

The government programs currently available to homeowners can be valuable resources, but only if you know which ones are right for your situation.

That’s why I’ve created this free resource that lets you find out which programs you’re eligible for. Read the descriptions for each program to see which one fits your situation, then fill out the corresponding survey to see if you are eligible.

Are you eligible?

The good news is that programs exist for a variety of situations, and even more options are available beyond those programs. As a CDPE-designated agent, I can provide all of your possibilities and help you get moving toward a solution.

Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy

Considering filing for bankruptcy? There may be alternatives you've never considered …

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and are possibly considering bankruptcy, there may be better solutions for your particular circumstances. I've created the free report available on this page, "The Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy," to provide more information.

Alternatives to foreclosure, such as conducting a short sale and moving into a rental residence with less expensive payments, may offer the breathing room you need to reorganize your finances.

To get your free report, fill out the form below and click send. However, if your situation is urgent and you need immediate assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I'm here to assist you.

Freezes in Foreclosure

Think a Foreclosure Moratorium Will Save Your Home?

Think Again.

You may have heard news that politicians are requesting a federal moratorium on foreclosures and wonder what this means to you, especially if you are behind on mortgage payments. The reality is that a foreclosure freeze is not the answer to your problem. However, there are steps you can take to avoid foreclosure.

On the site below I've listed 5 steps to Avoid Foreclosure, which starts out with the proactive approach in avoiding foreclosure—taking action!

I have created this site to provide a source of empowerment and education. From short sales to loan modifications, I can provide information to provide a genuine sense of hope.

For a free report on the Five Steps to Avoid Foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send." Remember, a moratorium won't save your home—only you can! I'm here to help.

Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have devoted my career to helping homeowners who face difficult situations, taking them from uncertainty to resolution. Lately I've found a lot of conflicting information going around, especially concerning short sales, which you should know about.

A short sale occurs when a lender accepts the selling price of a home, even if it is less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. For particular homeowners, this can be the best option to foreclosure. Yet, I still hear people suggest that short sales are basically the same as foreclosure.

This is absolutely wrong!

You need to have the CORRECT information. That’s why I'm glad you're here. To help, I’ve prepared a free report—just for you—that compares the realities of foreclosures and short sales side-by-side. Simply provide your information below, and I'll send you this report.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Lydia Puller
(415) 599-5028

7 Short Sale Myths

There are millions of homeowners just like you who are looking for answers and don’t know what to do. You’re not alone and you’re in the right place.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, there’s still an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the options available, especially short sales.

To give you a better idea of the short sale option, and to set straight some of the myths you may have heard, I’ve prepared a free report just for you - please fill out the information below to receive your free report. This report will clarify the following myths:

The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale
You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale
There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure
Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment
Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved
Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales
Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties

These ideas are potentially harmful to homeowners seeking real solutions. I hope you’ll review this information for yourself or share it with a homeowner in need.

In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.

Lydia Puller
(415) 599-5028

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.

For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.

If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.

Lydia Puller
(415) 599-5028

Caution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued regulations protecting consumers against mortgage relief fraud. Due to the growing number of scams that are designed to take advantage of homeowners in distress, the government wants to make sure you won’t be a victim.

As a CDPE, I am fully compliant with the FTC regulations, and want to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals or companies, as well.

In fact, I’ve developed a free, detailed report that explains the warning signs of potentially fraudulent activity so you can protect yourself and the ones you love.

If you are facing an unaffordable mortgage and need help from someone you can trust, please contact me today.

I’m here to help.

Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage

An Unmanageable Mortgage Clouds Everything

When families are tapped out financially and faced with the uncertainty of not knowing how much longer they'll be able to stay in their home, the prospect of planning or having a positive outlook on the future seems out of the question.

Many financially strapped homeowners feel frozen in action and it's no wonder, but here's the most important point that you need to know:

Even though millions of homes have been lost to foreclosure, you and those you care about absolutely do not need to add to that statistic.

More help is available now than ever before.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start.

If you, or someone you care about is looking to get out from under the cloud of unmanageable mortgage contact me today for a confidential consultation!

Escape Your Unmanageable Mortgage

Getting free doesn't have to mean running away.

Today, many homeowners find themselves unable to escape an unmanageable mortgage. Some of them are being given some bad advice.

They are being told that walking away from their mortgage and letting the bank foreclose is their best possible option. It is called Strategic Default, and it has terrible consequences.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I make it my mission to know the best possible options available to distressed homeowners for both their present AND their future.

Read the report on my site entitled Escape Your Unmanageable Mortgage: Getting free doesn't have to mean running away. Then, call me and schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Feeling Trapped by Your Mortgage?

Feeling trapped by your mortgage?

Education is the Key

If you or someone you know feels like a prisoner to unaffordable mortgage payments, you should know that education may be the key to financial freedom. You have options available that can help ease the worry of making payments or losing your home to foreclosure.

To find out more about the options you have to choose from, download the free report I've created at the bottom of this page.

In fact, this entire website has been created exclusively for homeowners like you who need a trusted source for viable solutions to foreclosure.

If you have questions about the information you find here, or would like to get started in creating a plan, call me today.

The more proactive we are, the better chance you'll have in finding financial freedom and stability.

Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down?

Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Fresh Start to 2012!

If you've spent too much of 2011 living under the dark cloud of an unaffordable house payment, you're in good company. Current estimates are that more than 25 percent of all homeowners in this country would net less on the sale of their home than the amount they owe on their mortgage, and 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure.

The good news is that you have options. Helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure has actually emerged into the spotlight of as a national priority, with major banks, the Federal government and many state and local agencies offering more assistance than ever before to financially strapped homeowners.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the full scope of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of a Fresh Start."

Contact me today and let's get started!

Make Financial Stability Your Resolution

Foreclosure Stress Never Goes on Holiday

If a foreclosure is threatening your happy holiday, you should know you're not alone. Millions of Americans are in the same situation, and it is my goal to help ease the stress that comes with the threat of foreclosure for as many as I can reach.

As a CDPE-designated agent, I help struggling homeowners navigate the various options they have to avoid foreclosure. One possible option is a mortgage modification, which makes monthly payments more affordable.

For more information regarding this and other solutions, please download the free report located on this site.

If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact me throughout the holiday. I'm here to help. Make financial stability your resolution for the New Year!

The Robo-Signing Settlement

The Robo-Signing Settlement: How it can help you stay in your home!

The news has been abuzz in the past few weeks about the historic Robo-Signing Settlement reached between the government and five major lenders. The settlement raises lots of questions, but for homeowners who are in danger of losing their home there is only one:

Can this settlement help me stay in my home?

The answer: Possibly! But regardless of whether you meet the specific eligibility requirements of the settlement, it is important to remember one thing:

THERE ARE OPTIONS!

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I have information about what this settlement means for distressed homeowners.

If you or someone you care about is in danger of losing their home and think they have no options, contact me today for a confidential consultation.