Our Blog

Thursday, April 17 2014

Conroe Short Sales: Can I Short Sale If I Have Substantial Assets & Good Income?

Conroe – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from Dave. Here is Dave's Question.

"I bought several investment properties at the peak of the market. The homes have dropped in value by almost 40% and I am losing money on the rent every month.

I am sick of writing a check every single month to cover the loss. I would like to short sale these properties if possible. I am just wondering if the banks would allow it. What do you think?” asked Dave.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here was our answer. Dave, there is no answer that is correct 100% of the time. In your situation, it depends on your lender. Many lenders will allow a short sale.

Others won’t talk to you until you are behind on the payments. I do know a friend of a friend who is in a situation very similar to yours and is short selling several properties.

He has substantial assets and a good income. Some of the banks were easy to work with. He was able to stay current on the payments until they approved the short sale.

However, some of the other banks weren’t as easy to work with. He had to stop making payments before they would talk to him.

It all depends on the bank and how much you want to short sale. I know several people that write big checks every month just trying to stay afloat on their rental properties.

If you aren’t planning on buying another house for 2-3 years, and want to stop the bleeding, then a short sale is a great option.

If I were you, then I would attempt a short sale. It doesn’t cost you any money. I don’t see how you can lose. If they don’t approve the short sale, then you are exactly where you are at today.

Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: Can I Short Sale If I Have Substantial Assets & Good Income? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 08:24 am | Permalink | Email

Wednesday, April 16 2014

Conroe Short Sales: Can I Short Sale If I Don't Have A Normal Hardship?

Conroe – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from Chad. Here is Chad's Question.

"I own a condo that I purchased in 2007, pre-construction for $375,000. My mortgage balance is $337,000.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

I have been trying to sell my unit for upwards of 2 years with no success. I have been unable to refinance because my unit is worth much less than the balance on my mortgage.

I have been denied a loan modification. I must move by this summer and do not want to make a penny on the sale. I just want to be rid of this property.

I have been advised that I would not get approved for a short sale because I do not have a financial hardship. However, I am not sure this is correct. I am seeking advice as to what my options are.” said Chad.

Here was our answer. If you are moving for a job transfer then, then you have a legitimate hardship. I do know this.

If you move in 6 months and stop making the payments, then something will need to be done. The bank will either approve a short sale or foreclose on your property.

You could try to rent the unit out and write a check every month to cover the payments. But, then you would be limping along for years until the market improved and you can sell.

But, what if things get worse? What if a tenant trashes your condo and you can’t afford the repair bill? No one wants to rent a trashed condo.

You would have a hard time covering the payments then and even risk a foreclosure. I would start the short sale process today. There is a good chance that your lender would approve a short sale today.

If not, then you could convince them to approve it later, after you have moved. Some short sale negotiators are easy to work with and will approve the short sale.

Others might play hardball and want a promissory note from you. It’s all negotiations. The sooner you start the negotiations, the sooner you can move on with your life. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at laura@realtytx.net.

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: Can I Short Sale If I Don’t Have A Normal Hardship? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 09:01 am | Permalink | Email

Tuesday, April 15 2014

Conroe Short Sales: Is It Legal For A Seller to Buy The House He Is Short Selling?

Conroe – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from Mau. Here is Mau's Question.

"Is it legal for a short sale seller to buy the house he is selling on short to reduce his mortgage loan?” asked Mau.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here was our answer. We don’t know of any law on the books that forbids a person from buying a home they are short selling. Here is what we do know.

Most banks and lenders don’t allow it. If the short sale negotiator sees a sales contract with you as the buyer, then they won’t approve the short sale.

Sure, you could do fishy paperwork to buy the home yourself. But, you risk getting in trouble for fraud if you were caught.

I think the biggest reason people aren’t trying this is because they can’t get a loan after a short sale. You aren’t able to buy another house for 2 years after a short sale.

There is an FHA loan program that allows you to buy after a short sale. But, one of the stipulations is that you must be buying a smaller or inferior home.

If you are looking to reduce your mortgage loan, then do it the legal way. Get a loan modification with your current lender. Or, short sale your current home, rent for 2 years, and then buy a new home.

That allows you to wipe out the upside down debt and move on with your life. And best of all, you aren’t at risk of going to jail for fraud. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: Is It Legal For A Seller to Buy The House He Is Short Selling? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 08:25 am | Permalink | Email

Monday, April 14 2014

Conroe Short Sales: Who is in charge during a short sale?

Conroe – Many home buyers think that the short sale lender is in charge during a short sale. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The short sale lender can only veto short sale offers. They can’t put the property up for sale or decide who to sell it to. Only the home owner can do that. Why is that?

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Until the lender forecloses on the home the home owner is in the driver’s seat. They “own” the property until the lender forecloses.

We have had many buyers get angry that a home owner would not accept their lowball offer. “You have to submit my offer to the lender. If you don’t then that would be fraud”, they tell the home owner.

You, the home owner are in charge. That means that you can make the following decisions.

You are allowed to pick the buyer’s offer that you think the lender will be most likely to accept.

You are allowed to turn down offers that you don’t like for whatever reason. (Maybe the buyers are too picky about the home and want you to make repairs.)

You are allowed to turn down offers if the buyer is not pre-approved for a loan. In addition, you can ask the buyer to inspect the property before they write a contract.

You are allowed to ask for an earnest money deposit to make sure the buyer is serious about the house.

It is your right to do these things for as long as you own the property. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: Who is in charge during a short sale? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 07:32 pm | Permalink | Email

Friday, April 11 2014

Conroe Short Sales: How To Avoid Any Surprises When Selling A Short Sale

: What? I Didn't Know We Had To Pay That Fee?!!

Conroe – Many agents and buyers are scared of short sales. Here is something that I do to make the short sale process easier for the home seller.

Before I start negotiations with your lender, I will order a complete title search. Here is why I do that. I want to know all the costs upfront, before I give the bank a number.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

If I don't do this, then the short sale lender will approve the short sale at a certain price. We can get to the closing table and discover there are unforeseen costs.

Then we have to go back and re-negotiate with the short sale lender. This can be tough because they already have a higher number in mind.

Sometimes you have to start the short sale negotiations all over again. That can delay the short sale by 2-3 months, if not longer.

This trips up many agents and causes them to bad mouth short sales. Extra costs can show up in the form of higher than expected Homeowner's Association Dues, Property Taxes, and other costs.

The title company will do a complete title search. They will get an estimated payoff from the Homeowner's Association, and estimate the payoff for the taxes.

Since I take this pre-caution I have found short sales to be easy and fun. Before you hire a short sale agent, ask them about the short sale process. If they don't mention this step, then find another short sale agent.

Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: How To Avoid Any Surprises When Selling A Short Sale is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 11:25 am | Permalink | Email

Thursday, April 10 2014

Why Is My Agent Trying To Talk Me Out Of Buying A Short Sale in Conroe?

Conroe – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from Tamra. She is buying a home and her agent is trying to talk her out of short sales.

Here is Tamra’s question. “I am looking to buy a home. Some of the best priced properties are short sales. However, my agent won’t show me these homes.

She keeps on telling me the prices are lower than the lender will accept and that short sale never close. What should I do? I am really interested in these homes, especially at the price they are being offered at.”

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Here was my answer. Tamra, you should talk to your agent and see what they dislike about short sales. Your agent may have had a bad experience with short sales in the past.

Short sales are a great way to purchase a home at a good price. They are tougher and take a lot longer than your average real estate transaction.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them. Just be cautious with your search. Make sure the agent who has the house for sale has prior short sale experience.

Your agent can ask them what short sales they have sold in the past. If they or the people working with them have a good track of working with the banks, then you should be ok.

Remember, not every short sale is going to be approved at the listing price. But, if they banks feel the price is fair, then they will accept the offer.

So go look at some of those short sales. With a little luck one of them will be the perfect home that meets exactly what you are looking for.

Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Why Is My Agent Trying To Talk Me Out Of Buying A Short Sale in Conroe? is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 10:00 am | Permalink | Email

Wednesday, April 09 2014

Yes, Banks Are Approving Short Sales in Conroe

: Short Sales Do Work

Conroe – The Stop Foreclosure Institute sometimes receives e-mails from people that short sales are impossible. Well, short sales are not impossible. They just take time. Here is an example.

The Stop Foreclosure Institute was attempting a short sale on a property. The bank turned down an offer for $220,000 on the house.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Today it looks like an offer for 185k will be approved. Why is that? The first offer was submitted 4 months ago.

The bank did an appraisal. The appraiser thought the house was worth $265,000. The lender rejected the offer because it didn't meet their guidelines.

We put the home back on the market and waited for another offer. The property values continued to decline. The next offer came in for $185,000 several months later.

The bank re-opened the short sale process and ordered a new appraisal. This appraiser thought the house was worth $197,000.

The bank approved the short sale offer. As you can see, short sales can get approved with a little luck, time, and persistence. With some luck, the bank will see that the short sale makes financial sense and approve it.

We've seen over 50% of our short sales sell, get approved, and close in 3-4 months. And that's the first attempt at negotiations.

The majority of the remainder will get approved, but we will have to submit more offers.

Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax adviser before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Yes, Banks Are Approving Short Sales in Conroe is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 10:01 am | Permalink | Email

Tuesday, April 08 2014

Conroe Short Sales: Even The Rich Are Being Foreclosed

Conroe – This is good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it. Here is the good news.

If you are a little guy having financial problems, then you are not alone. Even Billionaires are being foreclosed on.

One billionaire real estate developer in Florida had several projects foreclosed on. Another very well known real estate developer is having to re-negotiate mortgages on his investment properties.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Even a woman who was married to a man who was the richest man in the world at one time is being foreclosed on. Here is the story according to Yahoo Finance:

"Article Title: The Rise and Fall of Patricia Kluge

Former billionaire spouse turned vintner is now facing foreclosure.

It's the kind of story from which movies are made. Sad ones, that is. A beautiful young woman marries a billionaire, divorces and uses her hefty settlement to strike out into a celebrated business, only to lose it all. Rather than a contrived film plot, this is the real-life story of Patricia Kluge.

Last month Kluge, now 62, bid adieu to Albemarle, a beloved Charlottesville, Va., manse. That's when the 200-acre, 45-room estate became the subject of a foreclosure auction on the courthouse steps in downtown Charlottesville. By its ending, creditor Bank of America had repossessed the property for just $15.3 million.

The sales was just the latest in a string of ups and downs for the former heiress. Raised in Iraq under British rule, Kluge worked early in her career as a nude model for first husband Russell Gay at Knave magazine. On a trip to New York City she met John W. Kluge, the founder of Metromedia. The two were married in 1981. By the time they divorced nine years later, Kluge, the husband, was ranked by Forbes as the world's richest man, worth more than $5 billion.

Patricia walked away with a paltry settlement by comparison, estimated to have come to less than $1 million a year, plus Albemarle. The 24,000-square-foot neo-Georgian home boasts a helipad, wine grotto, stables and two kitchens. It is nestled in the Virginia countryside near Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate.

The seeds of Kluge's financial downfall were sown in 1999 when, along with third husband William Moses, she established the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard on 960 acres near Albemarle. The couple's plan: Create vintages that would establish Kluge Estate, and subsequently Virginia, as an East Coast mecca for fine wine.

The Kluge Estate Winery quickly won critical acclaim for its bubbly vintages and red-wine blends. Soon Kluge wines were making their way to the dinner tables of society darlings and upscale restaurants. They even graced the menu for Chelsea Clinton's multimillion-dollar wedding weekend last July.

Perhaps intoxicated by her success, Kluge decided to expand aggressively. Over the past five years she took out $65 million in loans, according to public records. The money went into expanding wine production and building a super-luxury subdivision called Vineyard Estates, which was to include 24 multimillion-dollar homes with pools, outdoor kitchens, tennis courts, horse trails -- and even space for private vineyards.

That's when the housing crisis hit. Vineyard Estates failed to draw buyers. Property values plunged.

In 2009 Kluge put Albemarle up for sale. Sotheby's International Realty initially listed it for $100 million. The figure was cut to $48 million in early 2010 and then to $24 million, where it sat until February's bank foreclosure.

Apparently unable to service her debt, Kluge then hired Sotheby's Auction House to host a two-day estate auction on the Albemarle grounds. Up for sale went personal jewelry, art and furniture that included a Chippendale dressing commode that sold for $338,500 and a Qing Dynasty table clock that fetched $3.8 million. All told, 933 items brought in $15.1 million.

Next went the winery itself. Farm Creditor of Virginia, one of Kluge's three major lenders, estimates she poured more than $40 million into the business. Despite critical acclaim for her vintages, Kluge appears to have cranked up production to 30,000 cases a year, only to discover that her company could sell less than half that. Kluge and Moses defaulted on almost $35 million in loans. By mid-December Farm Credit had repossessed Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard after it failed to sell in an auction in which the minimum bid was set at $19 million.

Farm Creditor of Virginia still owns the property and has put a freeze on all operations. The bank plans on April 7 to resell the acreage as six separate tracts in an absolute auction, in which they are sold to the highest bidder with no reserve price. The vineyard's farm equipment will be sold the following day.

With no buyer turning up for Albemarle, Kluge stopped making payments last year and defaulted on nearly $24 million in loans from Bank of America. She received a foreclosure notice in January, and Bank of America picked mid-February to auction off the estate. The bank took possession when no buyers stepped forward with a bid of more than $15.3 million.

There may be a silver lining for Kluge's creditors, if not for the former heiress herself. Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Kluge's, has expressed an interest in taking Albemarle off Bank of America's repossession roster. He has already bought up the 216-acre front lawn.

"Ultimately we'd like to buy the home, but the bank has an unrealistic expectation for the purchase price," asserts Jason D. Greenblatt, general counsel for the Trump Organization. "We do have Right of First Refusal on that piece [the Albemarle home], so that if and when the bank finds a buyer, they would have to come to us first to see if we want to take it."

The Trump Organization also bid in December on Kluge's winery properties, but its offer was rejected by Farm Credit. Greenblatt says he's planning to travel to Charlottesville to tour the grounds and discuss buying the Kluge properties from the banks that now own them.

Kluge remains embroiled in the restitution claims and disputes related to the foreclosures, according to a source close to her, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Kluge herself is remaining mum.

Despite their financial troubles, Kluge and Moses continue to live in a home that many would consider palatial. It's a $3 million Vineyard Estates property they had built on spec back in the days when it seemed as if no real estate deal, or vintage, would ever go sour."

Kluge did what a lot of Average Joes did. She borrowed lots of money and had a hard time making the payments after the economy tanked.

That is some consolation to the person of lower means who bought a big expensive house. How many people bought a house they could afford when the economy was good, but now that their income has dropped they can’t afford it?

Apparently even the rich did it. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go through with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on Conroe Short Sales: Even The Rich Are Being Foreclosed is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 07:56 am | Permalink | Email

Monday, April 07 2014

Why Lenders Back Off When Threatened With Bankruptcy

Conroe – Bankruptcy is one of the scariest words a lender can hear. A bankruptcy filing can stall their ability to foreclose by 6 months, and sometimes as long as a year.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

The lenders know that most bankruptcies will cause them to lose the ability to pursue you for any losses. This means they can’t go after you for any upside down debt.

The only thing a lender gets in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is any collateral they have on a loan. So they can foreclose on your house, but that is about the only thing they can do.

They can’t garnish your wages or bank accounts. So use the bankruptcy threat in your negotiations. Lenders know how much it will hurt their ability to collect from you.

The most effective technique that we have seen is to have all negotiations go thru a bankruptcy lawyer. The lawyer knows how to negotiate from a position of power.

The lawyer will also know full well exactly how bankruptcy will hurt the lender. Even if you have no intention of declaring bankruptcy the lender will get scared and cave in.

Then you can get the loan modification you deserve. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at . I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 936-321-2977

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Conroe loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Laura Austin.

Laura is a Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty.

Phone: 936-321-2977. .

View My homes for sale at .

Laura Bolieu Austin specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Conroe Texas. Conroe Loan Modification Help, Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Short Sale Realtor. Conroe Short Sales. Conroe Realtor.

Important Notice

Laura Austin, Keller Williams Realty, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Laura's personal views and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams Realty.

This information on How To Preserve Your Credit During A Conroe Short Sale is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com

Posted by: Laura Austin AT 09:35 am | Permalink | Email

Friday, April 04 2014

How To Preserve Your Credit During A Conroe Short Sale

Conroe – If the right decision for you and your family is to sell the house as a short sale, then the sale will have an immediate effect on your credit score.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

You might feel like it’s just overwhelming and demoralizing to see your credit score take any more hits!

But, here’s the silver lining: according to most experts, 78% of Americans have ERRORS on their credit score. Why is that a silver lining?

If you have negative errors on your report that get fixed, that will be a benefit to your score.

Average people can, on their own, take steps to repair and restore their credit report/ credit score after a short sale.

Here is how to avoid any double whammies during and after your short sale.

Follow these simple steps.

1. Review your credit report. I recommend the site: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp;.

Do not go to any of those “free credit report” sites. After you get the report, review everything on it.

If you see anything that is negative, inaccurate, or questionable make a note of it. On your list, write down why you disagree with that item on your report.

2. Write letters to the different credit bureaus about what you are disputing on your report. There are several sample letters available online: http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms.;

Here is a simple tip: DO NOT use the online dispute forms that are on the websites of the 3 credit reporting agencies. Write your own letter and make it short, firm, and demanding of action.

3. Mail your letters to the credit bureaus through either registered or certified mail. This is what sets the clock for them to correct issues.

The law lays out a timeline that they have to follow (45 days.) And, this gives you a record of the mailing, too.

4. Keep a file of all that you have done, including dates. Then, track your results, also.

5. When you’ve gotten back responses (or if 45 days pass and you haven’t gotten responses), then it’s time to repeat some of the process again for some item or another on your report.

If you are diligent and proactive, you might just surprise yourself by the benefits you can see in on your credit report – even after your short sale! Thinking about a short sale?