Last week Bernie and I received our CDPE designations.  CDPE stands for Certified Distressed Property Expert and we are especially pleased that we can help even more local residents either stay in their homes or stop or avoid foreclosure.  If you or someone you know needs help staying in their home, is in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, is confused about the new 'rescue' legislation have them call us.  We can answer questions can help stop and/or avoid foreclosure.  We have helped many people this year avoid foreclosure and move on with their lives.  Hiding from this all to common problem is not the answer.  Call us and see if we can help.  There is no obligation or charge for a consultation.

Are you tired of hearing nothing but bad news about the real estate market?  I can hardly stand to watch the news any more.  I've quit watching CNN even though I was hooked on it for years.  The truth of the matter is, that, while prices of our local real estate are still very soft, the number of sales is up for the 4th month in a row.  People are buying homes, rates are still low and prices are incredible. We are able to help more people stay in their homes, work something out with the bank or sell thier property and avoid foreclosure.  Yes, you can avoid foreclosure.  The steps aren't always easy but it is possible!! There are 7,000,000 people in this country in trouble with thier mortgage or in foreclosure.  Many times this isn't necessary.  If you or someone you know needs help with a real estate crisis have them call us.  Chances are if we can't help we know someone who can. 

For those hoping to purchase their first home in Oakland County there could be help from the American Dream Downpayment Initiative.  This group lends $10,000 for downpaymant and closing costs to first time home buyers in 50 participating communities in the county.  The American Dream Downpayment Initiative is a federally funded program, dedicated to providing funds to increase the overall homeownership rate, especially among lower income households, while revitalizing and stabilizing communities. Sounds like something we could use more of!  The program is regulated through the Department of Housing & Urban Development.

For more information on the program, please contact Dorothy Melvin Johnson, ADDI Coordinator, at 248-858-0495.

We had a guest speaker at our staff meeting this morning from Trott and Trott, the legal firm that represents many of the larger lenders in our area when they foreclose on properties.  I was able to learn a great deal from the attorney they sent to speak about the foreclosure process to our staff.  This evening I received a call from someone facing a Sheriff Sale in March on their home in Oakland County.  Based on the information presented at the meeting this morning I was able to (hopefully) give this person some advice that could likely help them stop the foreclosure and stay in the home they love. Being a Realtor is not all about buying and selling real estate.  Sometimes it's about helping someone stay in their home.

If you know someone facing foreclosure or having a problem making their mortgage payments, have them call us.  We're happy to give an honest assessment of their options.

This morning I added an article that was forwarded to us by one of our team members.  This is the best article we've seen relating to short sales vs. foreclosure and how it effects your credit.  I've added the article to our website and you can find it under RESOURCES - KNOWLEDGE BASE.  If you have other questions regarding the time frame or consequences of a short sale vs. foreclosure please give us a call.