Considering Various Efforts Aimed At Keeping California Foreclosures From Increasing Drastically

By Jerry Springstein

Examining California's effort to keep the rate of California foreclosures down invariably means that one needs to examine how foreclosures went up over the last two to three years, much of which can be chalked up to rampant speculation. Additionally, California has been suffering from a number of structural defects in terms of its real estate markets for quite a while as well.

To begin with, it's pretty much been an accepted fact that California real estate is always pricier than the real estate in most other parts of the country with several notable exceptions (Honolulu, Hawaii and certain parts of New York City and Boston, Massachusetts market to name a few). Whether this high prices were really sustainable forever, is now being shown to be a falsehood.

Many people, though, believed that real estate out in California was going to increase in value pretty much forever. Of course, this totally disregarded the fact that economic cycles (and real estate plays a part in those cycles) will always go through an expansion and contraction, though it's the case that this particular contraction was put off for longer than is usually the case.

California also had a few structural defects in its real estate market that made it attractive in one way but that same attractiveness also was thought to be a detriment to the state and its ability to generate revenues in several other ways. In 1978, the people of the state pushed through a change to the California Constitution that limited property tax increases to certain predefined levels.

For anybody who was out looking at property in California, it's certainly the case that Proposition 13 tended to make Golden State real estate look attractive because of its damper on property tax raises. With taxes relatively reasonable, at least for California, a large number of buyers jumped into the markets over the decades. When the recession hit, though, the markets were bound to be affected more intensely than might usually have been the case.

Because of all these issues, California is being forced to dig itself out of a partly self-created hole that has only been deepened by the rate of CA foreclosures. One way it's doing so is through the "California Foreclosure Prevention Act, " which is a law aimed at trying to slow down the speed and the rate of residential foreclosures in the Golden State.

This is mainly done through what the state calls a 90 day "holding" period, which is added on to the normal time line that most standard foreclosures must adhere to. It is requiring that lenders wait an extra 90 days after they've sent a notice of default to be recorded before they can move to record and publish a Notice of Trustee's Sale. There are certain criteria that must be met, by the way.

Even though California foreclosures have climbed steadily to heights not seen just several years ago, that rate actually shows some signs of decline and improvement though there are an equal number of economic experts who say that it is sure to climb further in the future. At present, what's more important is that California is trying to stop the bleeding and stabilize its rate and force it down. There are many people who are hoping it succeeds, and soon. - 31862

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Buying A Home - How To Know If a Neighborhood Is Right For You

By Sarah P. Shimanski

Buying a home can be a significant event in your life. One important feature that can't be ignored is the location of the home you want to buy. If you're a renter, this may have been something you've taken for granted due to the fact you could easily move at the end of your lease. But choosing a good location for your new home could mean the difference between living happily or living miserably.

Buying a home commits you to that location for at least a few years. It's a place where you connect with your
neighbors and community. When buying a home, you want to buy one with a great location. This will increase your chances of a higher resale value.

Each person has distinct needs and preferences when it comes to the features desired in a neighborhood. You need to choose the neighborhood that matches your particular needs. Here are five features you need to match to your individual preferences:

1) Is The Neighborhood Safe? - Who doesn't want to live with low crime? While everyone wants this positive
feature, it's not without a trade off. The outskirts of a major city tend to have less crime, but it also means
you'll have less shopping choices and fewer opportunities. You'll also spend more travel time just to access these
opportunities.

2) Local Amenities - Time is a valuable commodity in todays busy world. Juggling work, going to the market,
children's activities and school, daycare, dentist, entertainment, and time waiting for public transportation
consume most of your day. If you decide to live in a community farther away, you'll be dedicating more time to
traveling. It's important to put a great deal of thought into how much extra time you're willing to sacrifice towards traveling.

3) Appeal of the Community - Some of you will prefer uniform master planned communities while others prefer the historic charm where a variety of home styles are displayed. Neighborhood characteristics such as the landscape, trees, and surrounding restaurants should match your tastes.

4) Schools - The quality of the public schools will be an important feature if you have children. Even if you don't
plan on having children, your home will have a higher resale value when you do sell. If your kids will be attending private schools, this feature may not be as important.

5) Are There Zoning Restrictions? - If you plan to remodel a home to suit your particular needs, be sure to
check if the city has any zoning restrictions that might interfere with your plans. Some zoning regulations limit the changes you can make to a home. This ensures a uniform look throughout the neighborhood. - 31862

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Buying A Home - How To Make Your Offer Shine In A Hot Market

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If you're considering buying a home when the real estate market is hot, or if you're up against some tough competition trying to offer on the same house, you've got to go that extra mile to beat out your competition. Here are some tips to make your offer jump ahead of the rest:

1) Move Quickly - If you fall in love with a particular house, the chances are great there are other hungry homebuyers who feel the same way. If you want to increase your odds of having your offer accepted, you need to act quickly and be one of the first buyers to submit an offer.

2) Let Your Real Estate Agent Personally Present Your Offer - If the seller doesn't object to this technique, this will give your agent a chance to show why your offer is the best.

3) Bump Your Offer Higher Than Everyone Else - Money talks so if your offer is the highest, you'll stand out from other homebuyers. To make this strategy work, your offer only needs to be a few thousand dollars higher than the competition.

4) Make It Personal - This technique involves drafting a letter telling the seller why their home is perfect for you and how you'll continue caring for it after the sale. Be specific in the letter and reference specific features of the home you'll continue to care for. For example, if the seller takes a lot of pride in their prize garden, mention how you'll continue to maintain it just like the seller. Your agent may dismiss this strategy, but it could make the difference between your offer being accepted over another one.

5) Limit Your Contingencies - While it's normal to have standard loan contingencies and inspections, be careful not to overdo it. If the home market is hot, some buyers will even be willing to pass up inspections just to get their hands on a home. While this isn't advisable due to the risk of hidden defects, be prudent when it comes to the number of contingencies you submit.

6) Do Your Loan Pre-Approval Early - Many homebuyers are ahead of the game by getting their pre-approval before searching for a home. If you don't have a pre-approval letter ready when you make an offer, a seller won't give your offer serious consideration because you may not be able to satisfy the loan contingency.

7) Make It Easy For The Seller To Say Yes - If you're trying to shop when the home market is hot, you can eliminate most of your competition by making it easy for the seller to say yes. Try making an all cash offer and remove any loan contingency. If possible, try borrowing additional funds from family and friends to supplement your down payment to fund the initial purchase. After you move in, it'll be easier for you to apply for traditional bank financing. - 31862

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Gaining Mastery Over California Foreclosures By Remaining In California Housing Markets

By Shane Jones

Dealing with California foreclosures by sticking with California's real estate market in the face of, until recently, increasing foreclosure rates will take a very strong investor who comes to the game with strong financial backing and a lot of patience. It wasn't always the case that an investor needed to be this way out in California, because (prior to the real estate bust) any people played the game with little or no financial backing to speak of.

Why this is so has mainly to do with a string of unrealistic expectations and a fair amount of irrational exuberance, especially out in California real estate markets. Many people basically looked at home buying as an investment instrument rather than an actual home and got into the buying and selling of real estate with little capital and with ridiculously lax lending backing them up.

This sort of phenomenon -- which many real estate industry experts refer to as flipping -- went on with surprising vigor out in the Golden State, to name just one region. Of course, no housing boom has ever lasted forever without being accompanied by a subsequent housing bust. The current rate of California foreclosures is prime evidence of this axiom, though many didn't really believe it would ever happen.

Now, with nationwide foreclosure numbers at well over 300,000 in a month -- and with California along with several other states contribute in nearly 60% to that number -- many weak investors, and more than a few home owners, have been forced out of the market. In most cases this was involuntarily, which is another explanation for why CA foreclosures have become a common sight in the Golden State.

Whether or not any investor has the fortitude to stick with California real estate depends on that investor's tolerance for risk, for one. Patience and tolerance or not characteristics that many investors in the old California real estate market possessed in large degree. But, long-term prospects for an eventual rebound look strong, meaning the patient investor could make something of even the California market over time.

It doesn't look as if short-term prospects, at least at present, are going to improve for the next few years even out in California, which has some of the most desirable properties in the country. Just a few years back, an investor in property in California could make a 30% profit in a single year, which is exceptional but which is also clearly unsustainable over the long run.

Today? Any investor hoping to get into the market at its bottom and take advantage of all those CA foreclosures with the realistic in expecting, at most, a 3% rate of return over 36 months, though that promises to improve as California gets control of its housing markets and its budgetary problems. Though that rate is an average or generalized figure, it's still probably reliable over the short-term.

Some experts feel that this deep correction was necessary for California on at least a macro scale. The rate of California foreclosures has made investors realize that there are times when they "buy and hold" strategy makes more sense than a flipper-like strategy, which can be after mental to any real estate market. Investors in California properties, therefore, should go into it with good finances and equally good amounts of patience. - 31862

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Buying a Home - 10 Facts You Need To Know About Buying An Older Home

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If you've wondered what owning a charming historical home would be like, there are certain advantages and disadvantages you need to be aware of before deciding to buy one. Let's explore these in detail:

1) Lower Price - As you search through listings of homes for sale, you'll find older homes selling for less than newer ones. This feature makes it an attractive option for homebuyers on a tight budget. However, the opposite can be true in certain metropolitan areas where land costs are high.

2) Construction - You'll find the workmanship and construction materials used in older homes to be higher in quality. Most older homes feature thicker beams, solid fixtures, heavy wood doors, and thicker walls.

3) A Community With History - In an established neighborhood, it's easier to experience the ambiance by driving through the area. When you look at new homes, it's difficult to get a feel of the community when you only have empty lots and drawings to look at.

4) Completely Developed Landscaping - Living in an older community allows you to enjoy the beauty of a mature landscape. Tall trees and fully grown bushes and flowers accentuate the charm of the community.

5) Charm - Older homes exhibit unique decorative accents and character such as beautiful crown moldings, durable built-in cabinetry, and sturdy hardwood flooring. You won't find these upgrades in a new home unless you invest money to add these details.

While there are wonderful advantages to buying an older home, there are also drawbacks such as:

6) Improvement Costs - The appliances and fixtures in an older home have endured years of use and will require money to replace and upgrade. The water heater, light fixtures, and faucet handles will need to be replaced.

7) Energy Efficiency - Older Homes are constructed of less energy efficient materials so you'll spend more on energy costs to keep your home warm in the winter and cool during the summer.

8) Decor - An older home will usually feature old outdated colors, wall coverings, and flooring. Plan on spending extra money and time changing the decor to appeal to your individual taste.

9) Floor Plan Layout - Older homes were built for a different time period so you'll find smaller rooms and a less functional layout. Unless you plan on remodeling your home, you'll have to use your creativity to fit a flat screen plasma TV or home office.

10) Expect A Lower Resale Value When It's Time To Sell - For the same reason why you were able to afford your home in the first place, older homes tend to have a lower resale value compared to a similar sized newer home. - 31862

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Buying A Home - 10 Facts You Need To Know About New Homes

By Sarah P. Shimanski

New home planned communities or developments are sprouting up all over the U.S. Statistics show that up to 1.6 million new homes are being constructed each year. If you're a homebuyer searching for a new home, there's nothing like the anticipation of moving into a brand new home tailored just for you. In spite of the positive features offered by a new home, there are negative features you should be aware of. First let's go over the positive features:

1) It's Untouched! - A new home has never been lived in by anyone else and it's spotless clean just for you.

2) A New Home Is Tailor Made Just For Your Taste - When you buy a brand new home, you get to select the paint colors, flooring, and accessories to suit your particular taste. You also have the ability to select the ideal floor plan layout to suit your lifestyle.

3) Modern Conveniences - You'll find new homes offering features designed just for today's lifestyle. Convenient features like an attached 3 car garage, open floor plan, and high speed phone and cable lines. New homes also come with built-in energy saving appliances that won't need replacing for at least a few years.

4) Environmentally Friendly - New homes for sale are constructed with energy efficient materials so you'll not only save on heating and cooling costs, you'll use less of mother nature's resources.

5) Community Planning - New homes tend to be built in master planned communities which feature convenient facilities such as swimming pools and community centers. These developments usually have homeowner rules and regulations you need to abide by.

Now let's examine the disadvantages to buying a new home:

6) Higher Cost - New homes typically cost more than an older home, but they tend to have a higher resale value. Plus you'll find some good financing deals offered by the developer to help you buy your new home.

7) Limited Representation - Unless the builder cooperates with outside agents, you'll have to deal only with the builder's sales agent. This limits the amount of protection you'll receive because you won't have another agent looking out for your best interests.

8) Break In Period - As the first owner, you get to be the first one to test out the features of your home. It's not uncommon to discover flaws or defects in materials or workmanship when you first live in the property.

9) Delays - Developers try to complete a home by the estimated deadline, but there will be times when delays move the finish date farther out. Unfortunately developers rarely compensate you for your inconvenience.

10) Rules - Many planned communities require you to live by their written rules regarding use of the property. Unless you plan on moving out, you'll have to live with those rules. - 31862

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Buying A Home - 5 Tips On Finding A Home To Fit Your Lifestyle

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If you're considering buying a home, it's important to consider what your life will look like in a few years. it's so easy to become occupied with our present lifestyle and choose a home to match today's needs. But you need to
be aware there are 5 main factors that can influence the quality of life in your home. Let's go over 5 tips to help you find the right home:

1) What's your ideal lifestyle? - Think about what you'd like your social life to look like. if you want to be able to party on the weekends and enjoy the local nightclubs and bars, you'll probably want a home close enough to walk home. If your job requires traveling, buying a townhouse or condo near the airport would save you
lots of travel time.

2) Number Of Household Members - If you don't plan to marry, live with a partner, raise a family, or have your
parents move in, a home with less square footage may be fine. But if you expect your household to grow, be sure to evaluate other features such as quality of public schools, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and lot size.

3) Suitable Floor Plan - Before you decide on a home, be sure the floor plan suits your daily activities. Be sure
there's adequate space for your hobbies, home office, and
entertaining. Don't choose a home with a small family room if this is where your family spends a lot of time.

4) What Activities Do You Plan On Doing At Home? - Are you a handy person who dreams of restoring a vintage home to pristine condition? Do you dream of working on a backyard arboretum? Then a home in the suburbs with a big yard may be what you're looking for. But if you like to
throw big birthday bashes and parties, a metropolitan home may be more to your liking.

5) Buying a Home For An Investment? - If you're financially challenged and only able to buy a smaller home, a good strategy would be to purchase a smaller home that needs minor cosmetic work in a good area. Over time with a little investment of effort, you could restore the property to mint condition and sell if for a large profit. Then you can use the profit generated from the sale to fund the purchase of a larger home or even investment property such as a duplex.

By paying close attention to these 5 suggestions, you'll increase your odds of finding the right home for your
unique lifestyle. One eye opening exercise is to ask a friend or family member to help your think about the
possible directions your life may take within the next 5 years. To get the most benefit out of this exercise, it's
important to be honest with your expectations. The end results may change the type of home you decide to purchase - 31862

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Minnesota Foreclosed Home Listings In The Two-bedroom House Market

By Izok Cohen

In Minnesota foreclosures relating to repossession of a residential property, happens when an arrears notice arrives through the post. An arrears letter should be taken very seriously as it will mean that you are likely to lose your home. The notice could arrive after one default or more but either way it could result in the forfeiture of your home.

The lending company will send you a notice of default payments and inform you that foreclosure proceedings will be taken against you in order to repossess the property. The notice will state clearly how much time you have before the bank repossess your home.

By this time you will have a choice of three things. The first is to let the foreclosure go ahead and lose your home that way. The second is to try and negotiate a settlement of some kind by either borrowing money to clear any arrears or extend the life of the mortgage. The third is to try and sell of the house yourself and pay back the arrears and the owed mortgage.

The repossessed home can be sold of in two ways: Sale via a bank. The bank officials will ask a local real estate broker to put the property on the market for a quick sale. They will reduce the prices substantially so they can get a quick sale and liquidize their investment.

Selling through auction houses: This is a sale that has been planned in advance, and you may get a notification period with the first default notice. Once again the idea is to sell as quickly as possible and realize the money tied up in the property. Auctions can be held every week, or monthly or quarterly and there is high demand for this sort of sale. Auction companies will advertise well ahead to get bidders to the auction.

If your residence has been seized because you failed your federal taxes, then you are entitled to redemption period. This period is extended to well after the owner has lost possession of his home. He or she can get the home back if they buy by paying back the money spent on buying the property. This is not inclusive of any monies owed to the taxman. So to be clear, the previous owner will have to buy out the new owner by paying them the amount of money they paid to purchase the property in the first place.

For this type of repossession certain criteria have to be satisfied. Once the property is sold, the certificate of sale is only transferred when the redemption period is satisfied, in case the old owner can buy back. The redemption period could be from anything form six months to one year.

You do have to meet certain criteria. After the property forfeiture, deeds of sale will only transfer ownership after the redemption clause is concluded. Some sales have limitations for six months, and some a year. Within this time, the previous owner can buyback the property by paying the following: the bid money, the interest and any costs. During the reclaiming procedure the new owners do not have any legal rights to stop repossession. - 31862

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Buying a Home - Learn About 5 Neighborhood Facts That Increase Your Resale Value

By Sarah P. Shimanski

When buying a home, the location can make a big impact on the resale value of your home. If you're buying into a popular part of town, you'll have a much easier time selling as more home buyers are willing to purchase it. The resale value will be higher and you'll be able to put more cash in the bank after the sale. But if you purchase a home in a less popular location, the resale value will be considerably less due to decrease demand. Let's check out the 5 neighborhood facts that can increase the resale value of your home:

1) Local School District - Higher rated public school districts increase the demand for homes in that community. If you plan on sending your kids to the local public schools, you'll want to put this at the top of your criteria for the ideal neighborhood. If you'll be using a private school for your children, this feature may not be so important.

2) Local Crime Rate - Who wouldn't want to live in a city with low crime? While this may be high on your list of desirable neighborhoods, be prepared to sacrifice more in travel time to work and other daily activities. You'll find rural areas to have a lot less crime than the crowded metropolitan areas.

3) Variety Of Shopping And Amenities - Home buyers are attracted to a community with a good variety of stores, restaurants, and activities. Homes located next to these areas have a higher resale value.

4) Square Footage of the Home - While it may be tempting to buy a home with the largest square footage for the money, be aware that a large home situated in a community of smaller homes tends to appreciate slower. Most home buyers attracted to that community will be searching for smaller sized homes to fit their budget. Buyers who want a larger sized home, will prefer to purchase one that matches the surrounding community. Homes with an unusual remodel can also stand out like a sore thumb.

5) Is It Up and Coming? - Lastly, check to see if the neighborhood is showing signs of improvement. Drive the area to see if homes are being remodeled, have new landscaping, or if new trendy stores are opening. You can also check with the local city planning department to see if there are plans for future redevelopment in the area. If you time it just right, you could get in on the ground floor of an up and coming neighborhood. This will definitely have a positive impact on the resale value of your home. - 31862

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Buying A Home - 3 Starter Facts You Need To Know

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If you're considering buying a home, you probably have a wish list of the ideal features you want your new home to have. But as you browse the local real estate market, your heart sinks as you begin to realize you'll need to lower your expectations for your new home. Instead of a spacious home with a perfect view, you may have to settle for a cracker jack home with a view of your neighbor's wall.

Even though you may have to sacrifice some features, it doesn't mean you can't use a little creativity to get into an affordable home. Be on the lookout for an up and coming neighborhood. Telltale signs include homes being remodeled or new landscaping being installed. You can usually get in this type of community at a reasonable price. Also follow where the artists go. It's not uncommon for artists to change a rundown community into a desirable one.

While a starter home may not have all the ideal features you want in your dream home, it can get you in the door of the real estate market so you can start building equity. Hopefully with the right market conditions in the future, you can save enough to buy a bigger and better place. This strategy works great if you expect your income to increase in the future. Even without a better paying job, you can still move up into a better home using the equity from your starter home. In spite of the benefits of purchasing a starter home, there a three facts you need to be aware of:

1) Puts A Dent In Your Savings - Buying a home is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. You'll have to put a large sum down, plus there will be other expenses such as: moving costs, closing costs, property inspections, property appraisals, and realtor commissions.

If you think buying a smaller square footage home will solve your problems, think again. Just because a home is tiny doesn't mean it's going to be cheaper. Land costs can be expensive depending on which part of town you plan to buy into. This especially applies to nicer neighborhoods.

2) Get The Right Mortgage - If you can, be sure the mortgage you're applying for doesn't have a prepayment penalty. This gives you freedom to sell your home anytime or pay the loan off early. If possible, find a loan with low or zero points as this will keep more money in your pocket.

3) Keep Your Options Open In A Down Market - In a tough economy and a sluggish real estate market, your home won't appreciate much. If this happens, be aware of the potential consequences if you need to sell your home during this time. You could end up losing money on your home and have a difficult time upgrading to a bigger house.

In spite of these precautions, many homebuyers follow this strategy to get their foot into the real estate market. Not only do you enjoy the pleasures of home ownership, but you'll gain experience in being a homeowner. - 31862

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An Arizona Foreclosure: The Steps Involved In Locating One

By Terry Rice

Arizona, a state that benefited from the robust housing market of just a few years ago, is now one of the regions hit the hardest by a weak housing market and economy in the United States; looking for an Arizona foreclosure is not a hard task given this dynamic. In fact, one source listed two regions in Arizona, Phoenix and Scottsdale, in its top twenty five worst housing markets list of 2009. With this said, it is rather useful for people looking to purchase a foreclosed property in Arizona to know where they can find one. Useful information and property listings can be found from sources that list bank-owned properties, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Marshal Service, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) site.

To begin, someone looking to purchase a foreclosed property in Arizona can view thousands of them at no cost on foreclosure listing sites. These are in fact the most comprehensive means to find a foreclosed home, and an Internet search will produce millions of websites that may in fact lead a person to the home of his or dreams in the beautiful southwestern state of Arizona. It should be noted that the properties listed on these sites are not an asset to banks, who have to pay depreciation and maintenance costs for the foreclosures. They thus want to dispose of them as quickly as possible. Thus, given the incentive of the banks to quickly unload the properties, it is extremely important for someone looking to buy a foreclosed home in Arizona to check out the condition of the bank-owned properties to ensure that they will not be more trouble than they are worth in the future.

In addition to bank listings on foreclosure sites, foreclosed properties in Arizona can be found on the websites of the US Department of Housing (HUD), Home steps, and Fannie Mae, all government-affiliated organizations that list many foreclosed properties on a daily basis. It is helpful to look at each one of these sources in depth.

The US Department of Housing (HUD) lists what are known as HUD properties. It is of note that if someone wants to purchase a HUD property in Arizona, they should plan on living in it themselves and not offer up the house for rent. This is as HUD properties are initially only offered to owner-occupiers. They are eventually open to everyone only if it is becoming impossible to sell them.

Foreclosures Arizona can also be located on Homesteps, an additional top source of foreclosures in Arizona. This organization is also associated with the US government, as it is a part of the government-affiliated Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac is a money lender sponsored by the US government. Homesteps is effortless to use, and it lists foreclosures that can readily be found based on the buyer's specified attributes.

In addition to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae is an another money lender that is sponsored by the US government. Like the Homesteps site, the Fannie Mae site has a user-friendly search engine that enables a person to specify the exact location in Arizona that he or she has an interest in moving to as well as other details like number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

It would surprise many individuals to know that government agencies in addition to those which are mortgage-based also list many good foreclosures on their websites. In particular, the US Dept. Of Agriculture (USDA), the US Marshall Service, and the IRS or Internal Revenue Service all list foreclosed properties on a daily basis. For starters, the USDA not only establishes and maintains food, farming, trade, and agriculture policies. It also seizes farms, businesses, and other foreclosed properties and lists them for sale on its website.

The US government's Dept. Of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is administered by the US Marshall Service. Properties which are captured by the FBI, the Dept. Of Homeland Security, and the US Attorney General's office are all listed on the US Marshall Service's site. These properties were seized by law enforcing government organizations in the effort to combat and control crime. In fact, the profits generated by the sales of these foreclosed properties are put towards crime fighting efforts.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website lists properties that were seized due to unpaid taxes. Many of the homes on the website are offered for quick sale by auction. The IRS website is very detailed, and it contains many listings in Arizona.

Finding a foreclosed home in Arizona is not hard to do, as many information sources containing thousands of foreclosed property listings are available on the Internet. Top sources of finding foreclosures in Arizona and throughout the US include foreclosure list sites; government-sponsored sites such as Fannie Mae, Homesteps, and the United States Dept. Of Housing (HUD); the United States. Dept. Of Agriculture; and the US Marshall site. - 31862

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Buying A Home - Fixer-Upper You Want To Avoid

By Sarah P. Shimanski

While every homebuyer's dream is to move into their dream home as quickly as possible, expectations are quickly tempered when the home they can afford is limited by their budget. One appealing option for many homebuyers struggling to enter the real estate market is to purchase a fixer-upper. While the low price of a fixer may be enticing, the outcome can be disastrous if you buy the wrong kind.

The best home to fix up would only require minor repairs such as replacing antiquated wallpaper or flooring. However since a multitude of homebuyers and real estate investors are scrambling for this type of property, it's almost impossible to come across this opportunity. But there's hope, you can find certain visually unappealing fixer-uppers other buyers will pass up.

The extreme opposite of the simple fixer is the home requiring significant renovation such as foundation work, moving or adding walls, adding more bedrooms and much more. Unless you have a rich uncle or a contractor in the family, you should walk away from these type of properties, especially if there are significant health violations (like mold) or can't be lived in because of extensive damage to the roof or floors. Let's study the 3 main concerns when buying this type of fixer-upper:

1) Bank Approval May Be Difficult - A bank may deny your loan until you complete a minimum number of repairs. If your budget can't afford these repairs, you won't be approved for a loan.

2) Repair Costs Can Exceed What You're Willing To Spend - If the reason you purchased a fixer was due to financial limitations, how will you come up with the money for additional repairs? Don't be fooled into thinking a basic cosmetic fixer won't need some minor reconstruction work. If you still decide to buy a home needing significant remodeling work, be sure you set aside additional funds for future projects.

3) Major Remodeling Can Disrupt Your Life - If this is your first home, you may not want to deal with contractors, take time off work to oversee their activity, and deal with unexpected delays or extra costs. Your family relationships can also suffer from the resulting chaos while living in the house during construction.

Your best option would be so search for a fixer-upper somewhere in between the two extremes: a home needing moderate repairs you can handle on your own or with some professional assistance. Choose a home that only needs new paint, carpeting, or tile work rather than a new roof or major electrical upgrades. If you do find a property that fits your criteria, make sure to:

1) Check with the city building department to see if your plans are feasible. Most cities have minimum code requirements for upgrading wiring and plumbing, height limits, setback rules, and other restrictions.

2) If you plan to add a second story or a room, be sure to consult with an architect, contractor, and engineer about the feasibility of the project and estimated costs.

3) If you plan on purchasing a fixer with a partner, make sure to sit down and discuss how all parties will deal with the inconveniences and headaches associated with remodeling such as time off work and supervising contractors. - 31862

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Buying A Home On A Tight Budget-Joint Ownership With Family And Friends

By Sarah P. Shimanski

If your finances alone won't qualify to buy a home, consider a joint purchase with a compatible friend or family member (or two) in the same circumstances. By combining your finances together, you'll be able to increase your chances of qualifying for a home. If you plan to buy a home jointly with your roommates, the adjustment will be easier since you're used to living together.

One viable option to consider is a residence with separate units, such as a duplex. Everyone would have the privacy of their own separate entrance, kitchen, and more. Even though there may be advantages with this setup, the issues of maintenance costs for the land and property still need to be discussed.

One cost effective option is to buy a single home and divide the living area into separate sections. The only problem with this setup is you lose the benefit of having your own private space. If possible, try to buy a house where the layout allows you to easily separate the living space.

It's important to spend time discussing some key financial issues and issues unique to co-ownership before you jump feet first into a co-buying situation. One vitally important concern will be how the down payment and monthly expenses will be apportioned. Are you going to divide everything evenly or will you divide everything on a percentage based on the amount of down payment invested, the size of bedroom assigned, or other criteria? A good idea is to check with a tax professional on how your arrangement will affect your tax situation.

Another issue to be discussed is what happens to a co-owner's share of the property when he or she dies? Will their share automatically pass on to the beneficiaries of their will or trust? What happens in situations when one owner decides to move out-do they have the option to rent their share of the house, sell it, or require the other co-owners to sell or buy him or her out?

Taking proper title to the property can have major consequences when not done wisely. It's best to seek the advice of a trained attorney before deciding on what kind of ownership to list on the deed. Some popular ways to list ownership on a deed are joint tenants with rights of survivorship or tenants in common.

Some additional concerns that should be addressed are what length of time does everyone plan on staying in the property (and what are the options when one owner gets married or their parents need extended care); how will the common areas be maintained (cleaning, home supplies, music volume, and overnight guests); decorating the house, and what happens when one owner gets into financial problems.

Buying a home jointly with another party is a huge commitment and it's vital you choose the right person to partner with. Be sure to discuss all issues with your future co-owner and put the agreement in writing with the help of an attorney. - 31862

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A Brief Glimpse Into Some Internet Tools For Finding Arizona Foreclosure Listings

By Kenny Strickland

When looking on the internet, where does one search to find Arizona foreclosure listings - and what does the word "foreclosure" mean, anyway?

When a person defaults on his property loan, it forces the lender to take it back - and this is known as "foreclosing" on the property. One person's loss has often been another's gain, as many times the lender is in a hurry to unload the property in a quick sell, and recover the initial investment in the property. In this way one often happens on a terrific deal.

Finding listings for these types of homes in Arizona is easier than it once, was with advent of search engines. In addition - many real estate agencies, resource publications and government entities involved with regulating foreclosed homes and properties in the area, now have their own websites - which means a lot of the information one requires for purchase is accessible over the internet. Here are just a few useful resources for the potential home-buyer to check out:

Search engines: Search engines should get credit as the easiest way for the lay person to pull up general links for foreclosed properties in Arizona - and the housing market in general. This is an especially great place for one to start, if he isn't sure in the beginning which direction he wants to go as far as home buying - and therefore needs a broader search to give him some various ideas of everything out there. Once he's narrowed it down, he can search for more specific topics.

Links to free listings provided by HUD: There are some links provided by HUD to various REO agencies who may have free listings available for anyone to view. By clicking the agencies' link, a person is linked to an informational form to fill out details of what he is looking for in a home and property. He is then shown a list of homes that may fit his specifications. And he will likely be contacted by an agent the next day, for follow-up.

Real estate owned (REO) property websites: Like any other agency, REO have their own agents to conduct a search and purchase process from start to finish - from the qualifying of the applicant to making the sale. In essence, the agent is the go between for the buyer and resale property owner or lender. It's easy to come across these sites on the internet, and the listings are free to view once there. A person just picks the state he wants the information for, specifies the city or county, and up comes any pertinent listings - complete with property details, and asking price. He might also find a few handy links to other informational sites he's smart to educate himself on - such as laws that apply to the purchase of a foreclosed home in Arizona.

Online property auction sites: Members pay a small fee, and have access to extensive listings in every region of any state in which he has an interest. They also provide other useful things such as name and contact numbers for real estate agents that can help them with their interests. Members can also participate in the online auction sector of the site - for another fee, of course. This is crucial as the member is notified of all upcoming online auctions, including the details of where and when certain properties will be on the auction block.

Government regulated foreclosure listings: When looking for foreclosed homes to buy in Arizona, a person is smart to educate themselves ahead of time what he's up against when the home he's interested in purchasing is under state government regulation. A good example of this red tape in action is the pre-qualifying status one must achieve before he can view listings of their properties. On the plus side, the membership package includes free viewing of all the foreclosed property listings in all fifty two states, and being already qualified to buy a home if he finds one he likes - of course.

There many helpful resources one can use to locate Arizona foreclosure listings on the internet. Even though takes a while for someone to actually buy a foreclosed property - one who has patience and uses the resources he finds on the internet, might just reach his goal faster than he thinks. - 31862

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The Increasing Number Of Florida Foreclosures And The Way They Hurt Real Estate

By Eva Gooding

Sunshine State real estate markets and how Florida foreclosures affect them would make for a good case study in most business school economics classes, for sure. The main lesson that would probably be drawn is that all economies go through booms and busts, no matter how long it takes to move from a boom to a bust. Florida, being the state it is, managed to duck that bust for a while though the natural cycle appears to have asserted itself again.

The issue with this current "bust" (with a drop in residential real estate prices of at least forty percent in some areas of the state) is that it's so deep and widespread. It's also a fact that much of the rise in property values in Florida over the last decade had no rational underpinnings, meaning that homes were increasing drastically in value, even in Florida, based on nothing much at all other than a demand that had to tail off, inevitably.

The onset of an actual and sharp recession was the match that lit the kindling that became a widespread drop in home values. With buyers out there beginning to restrict their activities in order to ride out the recession, fewer people found other people willing to buy these overpriced homes. Soon enough, values declined and they were stuck with properties that were worth less than they owed.

In hindsight and in looking at these properties, it becomes clear that many got into the market based on speculation that values would continue to go upwards. They bought homes on adjustable-rate mortgages or with very little equity and did not expect that the steep decline in home values would occur, leaving them with homes they couldn't sell and without a way to make a profit from them even if they could.

For another, they were soon to face the fact that their original note -- while initially nice and low in terms of repayment terms -- was going to increase, sometimes drastically, and give to them a new payment they couldn't come close to being able to afford. It's no wonder, then, that foreclosure began to become an attractive option to many folks holding these properties.

At one time, going into foreclosure was probably the last thing any home owner would consider doing, but attitudes toward even this financial issue have begun to change among many homeowners. This might be because people now live in a more disposable culture in terms of outlook, and their homes have now become no different than anything else they dispose of eventually.

Whether or not this sort of disposable attitude when it comes to homes will last remains to be seen. It's also uncertain what affect on Florida foreclosures this attitude will continue to exert over the long run. Many in Florida hope that because it's a nice place to live with equally-nice homes, the markets will soon begin to rebound. For sure, if any state can do it, it'll be Florida first and foremost, which is something to hang onto, one would say. - 31862

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What To Know When Buying A Rental Property For The First Time

By Aimee Jones

A whole lot of individuals obtain a house hold thinking that it's going to be a stress free experience. Most kids grow up in houses that are in pretty excellent shape, perhaps in the nice upscale suburban neigheborhood. It is a comfortable existance.

When you buy a house for yourself, you might learn that owning a home is not always the greatest thing in the world. In fact, it could be most closely linked to having a job that you're stuck with until you can "sell" it. Yeah, it can be a real pain.

Even though I very own my own residence, I believe that even the term owning a house is kind of misleading. Right after all, most individuals don't actually private the residence that they live in. They are type of renting it via a mortgage. They genuinely private a share of ownership within the home.

Whenever you only personal a share of ownership in the property, you begin to believe about it differently. For example, why ought to the bank get to individual the home when they don't do anything other than hold on to the cash? That seems kind of dumb to me.

Also, houses are a lot of do the job. I mean, truly a complete large amount of function. You wouldn't believe so going in, but oh my can they be a complete ton of work. It's quite unpleasant at times to need to fix up your residence just to make it nice.

Oh, and repairs form of suck too. I doubt you've put much thought into it before but repairing your individual house isn't significantly fun either. If some thing breaks, you have to fix it yourself or pay a entire bunch to have somebody else fix it. Talk about unpleasant. It's not cool.

Cleaning your own house is also not terribly fun. After all who wants to clean? Personally, I don't enjoy cleaning at all. It just isn't what I enjoy doing, so I avoid it like the plague.

All in all, you have to really know what you're getting yourself into before buying a house. It might seem like the "American Dream" to some, but once you have to take care of your own stuff for a while, it can seem more like a nightmare. - 31862

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Now Is A Great Time To Purchase Georgia Foreclosures

By Sam Iandimarino

If you are thinking of entering the real estate investment market, Georgia foreclosures may be the perfect place to start. Homes are selling for extremely low prices throughout the United States. But the foreclosure market is particularly strong in Georgia, because there are more distressed properties there.

There is an exceptional opportunity for real estate investors to profit from foreclosures in Georgia. But by buying, selling and renting in Georgia, these investors are helping to rebuild communities that were devastated by the mortgage crisis.

This is an amazing time to invest in real estate. The interest rates are historically low. Georgia foreclosures are selling for drastically discounted rates. Plus, individuals are eager to find homes and take advantage of the current interest rates. With such favorable market conditions, now is definitely a great time to purchase real estate. Whether you are an investor, or looking for your first home, buying foreclosed properties are a good move. Some towns have grants available for investors who want to renovate foreclosed homes. If you are willing to do some work, you may be able to find these programs in some areas.

For motivated buyers, there are a variety of opportunities to profit from foreclosed real estate. One way to make money in this market is by quick resale. You may find a property that is in good condition. With a little paint and minor cleanup, this type of property is can be put on the market for resale almost immediately after you buy it. There are other properties that may need minor repairs. Some homes are severely damaged, and need complete renovation. These homes are usually the best bargain. That is, if you do not mind putting in the work or hiring contractors to fix them up.

You can also make money with rental properties. Basically, you would buy a foreclosed home, make minor repairs, then put it up for rent. If you charge the renter enough money, you will be able to pay any mortgage loan you may have on the house, plus pocket some money for yourself. It is a good idea to set aside some money for home repairs, in case anything breaks down while your renter is in the property.

Some investors purchase foreclosed properties and keep them for a while. After several years, the value of the home increases. The home can then be sold for a profit. The investor could also pull equity out of the home and pocket the cash, or use it for other real estate purchases.

If you are looking to purchase your first real estate property, you could benefit from a number of special programs for first time home buyers. There are programs that offer down payment help, as well as lower interest rates. For less than perfect credit, there are special financing programs as well.

Eventually, interest rates will increase and the booming real estate market will come to an end. With that in mind, the best time to buy Georgia foreclosures is now. If you do not take advantage of this current real estate market, you may miss out. - 31862

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Minnesota Repossessions Mansion Bankruptcy Homes

By Herbert Rango

In Minnesota Chapter 7 Bankruptcy laws, a debtor has more rights to protect their property than under Minnesota Foreclosures procedure. Assuming a foreclosure already exists on the home, the first step to take is to consult a lawyer and obtain some advice. Talking to a lawyer will give you many options instead of just allowing the foreclosure to happen. It will give you the opportunity to sort out all your financial matters and decide what route you want to take.

Before going forward for Chapter 7, the debtor has to be means tested under federal law. The test will require a debtor to declare their annual income. There are limitations: if you are single it is $47,592.00 and for couples it is $62,073.00. If there is more than one child then it is $6,900.00 per person. Once the order is filed, the bankruptcy trustee takes control of all assets. This will then be held on to until enough cash is raised to pay off any arrears.

One benefit of going for a Chapter 7 liquidation order is that if enough cash is raised, then all the outstanding debts will be paid, and the debtor can have a new start.

The Chapter 7 suit will give a debtor some leverage and prevent creditors from motioning a foreclosure. But the homeowner cannot stop forfeiture if a creditor wants it to happen.

Once the judge accepts the bankruptcy, the debtor can remain in the house. This will also prevent any unnecessary duress on the part of any creditors wanting their money.

This will force a debtor's creditors to stop any hasty action such as foreclosures on the home. But this in no way can stop a foreclosure if the creditors want it.

Under the state of Minnesota, debtors can go for exemptions under two separate laws. The first is through state exemptions and Federal supplementary law. The second, the Federal exemption rules only.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remove all unsecured debt, but in some instances it could result in the sale of bonded goods. During negotiations, debtors homestead, real estate, or anything that is their main home can be salvaged. This is only possible if the monthly payment plan is reduced to more affordable payments.

The debtor must change the initial terms and conditions in the homestead mortgage to feel in control again. This means finding all money for bringing any outstanding arrears currently up to date. Also, it means making more payments to stay on top of all the current payments as well.

A homestead owner can go for justice under a loan modification scheme. A process like this makes it necessary for the owner of the homestead to discuss changing the terms of the mortgage contract. If their debt situation is bad then the lender may be able to change them. The terms could extend to a longer term. This could be of a temporary nature and is negotiable depending on how big the arrears are. The term can be from two to five years or even more. - 31862

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Create A Rental Portfolio With Cheap Georgia Foreclosures

By Jack Bennington

If you are considering investing in real estate, Georgia foreclosures is worth checking out. Georgia is investor friendly, and there is an enormous amount of inexpensive properties on the market there. With so many properties available at cheap prices, Georgia is a great area for landlords. They can purchase these homes and rent them out to earn a good income.

Of all the areas affected by the mortgage crisis, Georgia is one of the top states most severely affected. Thus, there are thousands of foreclosed properties available for motivated investors. Whether you are purchasing your first property or adding to your portfolio, Georgia foreclosures are worth checking out.

The mortgage crisis has caused so many working adults in Georgia to lose their homes. Many of these individuals and families are now looking for rental properties in their local area. They may also be looking at neighborhoods nearby.

Before launching into the real estate market in Georgia, you should have some money on hand for your investments. If you have that, the steps to buying real estate may not be as tedious as you may think. There are so many properties available in Georgia. With a little legwork, you can find great deals. First, decide on the areas in Georgia that you want to target. Then take a look at different neighborhoods in those areas and see what homes are renting for.

Next, start looking for foreclosed properties in your selected area. You may find that some of the houses need to be fixed up. But these homes are usually the best deals. These properties may have outdated kitchens or bathroom floors. But if you have some money to invest in them, they are worth buying. If you do not want to invest in fixer uppers, you can find foreclosed houses that are in good shape. These homes are usually ready to be rented.

When you find a home you like, get in contact with the seller. If you can, schedule an appointment to take a look at the property. If you cannot physically view the property, find out all you can about the property by talking to the current owner. Ask about the plumbing. Find out the condition of the roof and the heating system. The condition of the major systems of the home are important.

If you have enough cash to purchase the property, you can put a contract on the house. The contract will include your offer price and terms for purchase of the property. There are sample contracts available online if you do not have one. If you need to finance the home, contact your bank or a mortgage lender to get a loan. Fixed rate mortgages are the best because your payments will be the same each month and they will never increase.

Once your financing has been secured, you are ready to go to settlement on your property. With deed in hand, you can put your rental property on the market and rent your home. This entire process starts with taking advantage of Georgia foreclosures, where extremely low priced properties are plentiful. - 31862

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Buying Foreclosure Homes : Why You Should Check Out REO Properties

By Carolyn Langlois

If you are looking for an affordable home, buying foreclosure homes presents a great opportunity. These homes are often for sale at huge discounts. But in this situation it is definitely a buyer beware situation as moving into a foreclosed home may present some unforeseen difficulties. That's why some buyers are opting to only look at buying REO properties. These properties are referred to as REO but are simply real estate owned property.

Buying and then taking possession of a foreclosed home can be challenging for a few reasons. Even if a home under foreclosure is being sold at auction, winning the bid is not the end of the story. Some states have redemption laws which give delinquent borrowers extra time to restore their mortgage to good standing. If the borrower is able to do this, your winning bid means nothing because the borrower retains possession.

It's important to realize that often people just do not want to accept that they have lost their home and they refuse to vacate the premises. When served with an eviction notice some will comply and leave; others will put up a fight. Even when they do decide to leave in most cases they will have a month or two to leave. And if they fight the eviction order, you may have to hire a lawyer to help adding significantly to your costs.

Finally, be sure that there are no liens on the property and that taxes are up to date before you purchase. This is crucial because in some states, buyers may be on the hook for these things.

You can probably see why buying foreclosures can be so risky. To avoid these pitfalls, buy REO properties instead. Repossessed homes are a secure investment because they are properties that have been repossessed by the original lender. You are dealing with a bank or a mortgage company rather than an emotional homeowner. Since banks have so many repossessed properties that they are trying to sell, you can often negotiate a really good deal.

Those in the know agree that buying an REO home is the best way to purchase a property that is in foreclosure. The reason is that when homes come back into the ownership of the lender, that institution has the legal power behind them to evict residents who are reluctant to cleave their homes. So when you are ready to purchase you won't be faced with the unpleasant and often difficult task of eviction. Once you buy you can rest assurre that you won't be facing any legal problems from the former owners because you didn't buy from them.

The best way to locate a REO property is directly through the bank or mortgage holder. Avoid properties that have been listed through a real estate agent. Those properties will be more expensive because the agent will get a percentage of the proceeds so it will be in his best interest to get the best price.

The first step should be to contact banks in the area you are looking to purchase in. If they have some REO properties available schedule an appointment to discuss and possibly view the property. Don't forget to check bank websites for listings that are available in other branches throughout the country.

You can save a lot of money by buying foreclosure homes or by buying REO properties. Just be sure to always do your due diligence whenever you are set to purchase property, be it foreclosures, REO property or even a home listed through an agent. Never sign any legal document without consulting an attorney who is a specialist in real estate law. - 31862

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Do You Need Help Saving Your Home from Foreclosure: Go to Your Lender

By Doc Schmyz

If your home is on the verge of foreclosure, you will do anything possible to save it. But the question is how to do it. One answer... ask your lender for help.



For most home owners, contacting the lender at the first sign of financial problems seems to be not so good of an idea. It may be because they are embarrassed to discuss money issues to others or they simply don't see the need to inform their lender right away of their present financial standing. But the truth is, asking for your lender's help will save you a lot of trouble and it could help you save your home.

Most people have the perception that lenders, think only of themselves and don't care about the borrowers. This leads to the common notion that lenders show no mercy to homeowners who have defaulted on payments and will foreclose at the first opportunity. The truth is lenders like owners will do everything they can to avoid home foreclosures. So again, the best way to save your home is to work with your lender to solve the problem.

Lenders usually send a Notice of Default, also known as a NOD, if you miss payments for 3 consecutive months. DO NOT wait until you get the Notice to take action. Call your lender as soon as possible. Inform them why you have defaulted on a payment and ask for an alternative payment schedule or temporary lower rates until your finances have returned to normal.

Make sure you talk to your lender, inform them the cause of your delay, and ask for payment alternatives. Don't wait before you make a move to save your home. Act fast, understand the gravity of the situation and do something. It is your obligation to pay your mortgage but when worst comes to worst, your lender will help you keep your home. - 31862

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The Process Of California Foreclosures Today

By Tom Penderson

If you have tried to purchase a house in California, you have encountered an instrument known as a deed of trust. This deed involves three parties; the borrower, the money lender, and the neutral third person who gets foreclosure rights if ever they arise. This is the basic tool used with regards to CA foreclosures.

In a deed of trust there is also a clause empowering the third party to get the rights to implement the collection of the entirety of the debt. This means that the third party has the authority given by the lender for him to sell your property in the event that you default on your debt payments and face foreclosure.

The foreclosure process begins when the property owner substantially defaults on the mortgage loan and a notice of default is recorded. The borrower is granted a 90-days redemption period to cure the default. The primary method involves a non-judicial foreclosure and does not involve court action. The process does not move forward for a minimum of 60 days. There's a 14-day period in which essential details of the property and the mortgage payment is recorded. The borrower must receive a 20-day notice prior to any foreclosure sale. The defaulter may prevent the sale by paying all arrears up to five days before the foreclosure sale. If the foreclosure sales occur, it must take place any business day between of 9AM and 5PM, at the property location and the trustee will auction the property to the highest bidder, including the lender. The borrower is permitted to postpone the sale for one day.

If what you have agreed upon was a non-judicial foreclosure, the trustee will need to fulfill certain requirements before they can sell the property. Contrary to how it sounds, this is actually a pretty fast and simple process. It is not necessary for the trustee to get a court order before they can ask you to vacate or any order from the court before they can sell the property. This kind of foreclosure happens if there was no power-of-sale clause in the deed of trust.

In California practices, a non-judicial foreclosure usually starts after the lender sends you a notice of default. This is simply a letter stating that you have not been able to pay your mortgage debts. It serves as the formal notice that the lender now eyes foreclosure as a possible way to recover what they have lent you.

A non-judicial foreclosure can happen from one week to a couple of months after you fail to pay the first payment on your mortgage. Once the process has started, you no longer have the right to try and halt the proceedings.

What you need to realize is that once legal action is brought against you, it becomes part of your legal record. It will also have a very big impact on your credit for years. During this time you may not be able to obtain another home loan. Also, other loans and credit lines will be affected.

So, as you can see, the foreclosure process in California is very strict. Your best bet would be to make all your mortgage payments on time each month. Lets face it - no one wants to have their home foreclosed. - 31862

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Some Truths About Foreclosed Properties

By Doc Schmyz

When you say the word FORECLOSURE, most people have two popular notions about foreclosed homes: that they are being sold at bargain prices and that they are only located in crime-ridden areas. The former is not always true while the latter is definitely not always the case.

The price of foreclosed properties can be 30% to 40% cheaper than their current market values but that doesn't necessarily apply to all. Most houses will likely be sold at about 5% less than their current value. This is because banks decide the listing price with respect to the condition of the property. Factors including the location and the type of neighborhood where the property is will also affect the listing price of the property. A common notion that a foreclosed home can be bought cheap, only requires a little fixing up, and can be sold at a hefty price is a big misinterpretation. Well, some properties may fit this idea, but this is no longer the norm for this type of real estate investment.



For foreclosed property buyers, this means one thing: in order to get the best deal, you really have to put in the time and legwork in finding the best property on sale. One thing you have to remember if you are considering this kind of investment is that banks will definitely not sell off the properties at cheap prices as they are being appraised first before they go into listings. They know the value of homes that they have foreclosed and they don't treat them as liabilities, but as assets.

What about those properties that sell at bargain prices? Most, if not all, require major repairs or have eviction issues, or both. Electric and plumbing issues are the most common across the country. Followed closely by wood rot and decay. These handyman specials can be a great deal IF you can do the work.

Foreclosed properties can be found everywhere and can come in any form, shape, size, and price. This is contrary to the popular belief that foreclosed homes can only be found in crime-ridden areas. Meaning, finding a country villa, log cabin, beachfront home, and prime property among many others are within your viable options. But you should never, ever expect that these properties are sold dirt cheap. As the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for." So, if you are eying a premier foreclosed property, just expect to pay the real cost or slightly lower than its current value because in the end, saving you from the trouble of repairs and dealing with the bad neighborhoods are really worth the extra bucks. - 31862

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Thinking On How California Foreclosures Grow Because Of Recession

By John Newbank

Understanding how California foreclosures are affected by the ongoing recession is necessary if one is going to understand how what happens in California can affect the rest of the country. This is especially so when the time comes to begin getting back into the real estate market out in the Golden State. And though it might not be time as yet, knowing what went on can help one avoid the same problem in the future.

For those still not aware, it's a fact that California, and the rest of the country to a slightly lesser extent, is undergoing a very steep recession. In fact, some would say this is the most severe recession since the Great Depression, and there would be few scholars around who'd be willing to dispute that assertion. The Golden State, at present, appears to be not so "Golden" to many, unfortunately.

It's important that people continue to believe that things can be done when it comes to the rate of California foreclosures, especially as they pertain not only to the foreclosures themselves at their affect on the broader economy. It's hard, though, to do so because, of the top 10 cities in terms of foreclosure rate, California can boast of having six of those. Some are in the north and some are in the south.

There are many different reasons for why the Golden State and its housing market has found itself in the doldrums, including that too many people were out there chasing properties that they thought they could make a quick buck off of, relatively speaking. In good times, there's nothing wrong with this, but when the recession kicks in it can hurt people caught on the short end of the market timing strategy.

It's the belief of most experts that California and its real estate markets will straighten out in the future, though it's true that the present is being hurt by the economy and the recession that it is experiencing. While most experts think the recession has ended in most of the country, they also believe that California may not see any relief until 2012 or later.

This means that there will be a continuing shortage of ready willing and able buyers of real estate around the country but most especially out in California, which is suffering from a number of structural budget defects that has led to more people leaving the state and are moving into it. This decline in population, of course, affects all manner of revenue collection in the Golden State.

When California begins experiencing a consistent out-migration, it's inevitable that the rate of CA foreclosures would rise, at least in the short term. It hurts right now because there's little belief that an army of buyers will be arriving to purchase the ocean of foreclosed and on-the-market properties at present. That's because many of these properties are now worth less than what is owed on them or what the market is commanding for them.

So then; it looks like California foreclosures and the recession out in California and in the rest of the country is forcing many to consider taking strong action to get control of a tough circumstance. Whether anything can happen in 2010, which is an election year, remains to be seen. More likely, action on the rate of California foreclosures stronger than what's already been taken will have to wait until January, 2011. - 31862

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Income Property Sales Activity And How Florida Foreclosures Affect Florida's Economy

By Jack Bennington

Florida real estate markets and the phenomenon of Florida foreclosures have lately come into sharp focus down in the Sunshine State. It has much to do with a lot of the speculation in land and properties that's been going on down in Florida for many years, to tell the truth. Unfortunately, speculation can always lead to an inevitable decline in property values, which it's done in Florida of late.

Why so many people believed that property values would continue to rise indefinitely is a mystery, and maybe it's because Florida real estate has been on a steady upward curve for quite a while until the last 18 or so months. Once the recession really began to kick in, though, Florida eventually started to follow the rest of the country in its real estate behavior.

The Sunshine State, though, was able to avoid much of the housing bubble burst and its effects for quite some time after California and places such as Las Vegas saw their own home values decline precipitously over the last couple of years. Maybe it was because Florida had no personal income tax and good employment figures that continued to attract new immigrants where other states saw drops in population.

This sort of population increase couldn't last for ever, of course, and it soon became the case that Florida saw out-migration (more people leaving than coming into the state) for the first time. California has been experiencing a small level of such out-migration for a decade or more. Unfortunately, fewer people means less taxes, which Florida is also finding out about.

It should come as no surprise, however, that even Florida would not be immune to the effects of such migration and recession forever. The steep recession finally, in fact, began to hit Florida beginning in late 2008. With unemployment up and property values down, those who bought into quite-frankly overpriced real estate are now seeing their homes worth much less than they paid for them.

Of course, this has seen people holding onto real estate now being forced to confront the fact that the real estate they're holding is worth less than they can hope to recoup in the near future. With a general increase in unemployment, many people are also now finding themselves with fewer options that will allow them to hold onto their property, which means foreclosures have also begun to increase.

It doesn't have to be that way, of course, because there are numerous programs, both at the state and federal level, aimed at putting a stop to the increasing number of FL foreclosures. It'll depend on how rationally the real estate markets are going to behave over the next year or so, of course, and on an equally-inevitable return to real estate as an ever-increasing investment vehicle. Whether that happens soon remains to be seen. - 31862

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What Should You Expect From The Steps Involved In An Arizona Foreclosure

By Henry Johns

Loosing a home due to non payment to the mortgage company is becoming extremely common due to the current economy. Often times after the first payment is missed the process to take back the property will begin. There are many steps in process of an Arizona foreclosure; however, being evicted from the property can happen quickly and unexpectedly for many.

There are two basic laws pertaining to a foreclosure. Judicial or non judicial. They have similar meanings but different processes. During a judicial process a lawsuit will be filed through the court in order to be awarded an order of foreclosure. If the property deed did not have a power of sale included this is the process most likely used. During this process, the home will immediately be placed in auction status following the court order.

If there is a clause pertaining to the power of sale the typical route will be one of a non judicial route. The clause is one that has been included in the deed authorizing the sale should a default occur in order to pay the balance owed. This is a consideration to research should you be considering the effort to prevent foreclosure.

The majority of homes are purchased with the signing of a promissory note. The document is intended to serve as the agreement on your part to repay any monies borrowed for the purpose of purchasing the property. The deed of trust is the document also signed to use the home as the loans collateral.

In simple terms this breaks down to being what is pertaining to the trustee. The trustee would be the lender or the lenders affiliate having the legal authority to sell the home. This gives the trustee all legal rights to sell property in default without a need to go to court.

The foreclosure process may include several months of various steps; however, if the current owner is not prepared it could occur quickly. There are several steps that are intended to give the owner notice of impending loss to the property. The lender will send a letter, call or both after the first missed payment. When they do not receive a response, a notice of default will be sent to the owner. Both of these forms of communication are recorded in your credit reports. After all efforts have been depleted the bank will have the lender or affiliates put the property up for sale through auction.

If the home has not been sold in auction, the bank takes possession and will the property will be classified as REO. Real estate owned is a department at banks for all properties they have possession of. The banks are losing money the longer they have possession of these properties are anxious to sell them.

An Arizona foreclosure will cause serious damage to your credit score. The report is used to determine the eligibility of borrowing money for the purchase of another home or getting a rental property. It is extremely to get credit of any kind with a bankruptcy or foreclosure on the credit record. In many cases, loss of property can be prevented so it is important that plenty of research be done regarding your options to prevent this appearing on credit reports. - 31862

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Learn What Occurs During Connecticut Foreclosure Proceedings

By Jack Bennington

Knowing how the Connecticut foreclosure process works is critical for successfully defending against a foreclosure. Banks will do everything in their power to get money or get the collateral, so knowing what to expect is important for avoiding being abused by a lender who may use underhanded tactics to snatch your home from you.

In Connecticut, you can be subject to one of three kinds of foreclosures. In a Foreclosure by Sale, the bank basically sells the house from under you. A Strict foreclosure involves the court giving the homeowner a certain amount of time to catch up the payments after which it will turn the home over to the bank. Judicial foreclosure is where a judge decides if the debt is valid and what happens to the home.

Foreclosure by the bank will start with a notice from the lender advising you that you have thirty days to bring your loan current before they will file paper with the court. If payment is not made within this time period, they go to the next step.

All lien holders, determined during a title search, will be notified that the bank has initiated proceedings to foreclose on the home. You will receive a court summons as well as any other financial institution who may have a financial claim on the home.

At this time you will receive a mediation certificate which must be returned within 15 days of receiving court summons. If you can answer yes to the questions on the survey then you are eligible for mediation. If you own a single family to four family property, it is required that you and the bank participate in the mediation program.

Even though you are working to renegotiate the terms of your agreement with the bank through mediation, the bank will continue to file motions on the case. They will submit a motion for default judgment for failure to appear, one for default judgment for failure to plead in case you or any other lien holder has not filed Answer papers within two days of being served court summons and a motion for summary judgment which requests a ruling on the issue of you owing money on the loan.

Luckily, the courts will delay making a decision in the case until after mediation ends. You and the bank have 60 days to come to a meeting of the minds about the house and you can always petition the court for more time if needed. The best chance you have of saving your home is through mediation with the bank so it is crucial that you participate.

The lender will stop foreclosure proceedings if you are able to successfully negotiate with each other during meditation. Otherwise, it will go to Judgment where the court will decide if to give the house to the lender or to order a sale of the home. The decision is mostly dependent on the home's value in relation to what is owed on the house note.

Up until the moment you are put out from your home, you can defend against a Connecticut foreclosure. If you want to keep you home then use all the resources available to you to win your campaign. - 31862

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The Rules Of California Foreclosures Today

By Jack Bennington

When you are purchasing a home in California or many other places, you find that it involves the use of a deed-of-trust. This involves three different participating parties, which are the borrower, lender, and a neutral third party that will receive the right to foreclosure if needed. The process of CA foreclosures is a complicated one but may or may not be a long drawn out process.

In a deed of trust there is also a clause empowering the third party to get the rights to implement the collection of the entirety of the debt. This means that the third party has the authority given by the lender for him to sell your property in the event that you default on your debt payments and face foreclosure.

When you default on your mortgage loan, the foreclosure process begins. There is a 20-day notice period in which the borrower must get a notice of pending foreclosure. During this process the lender will take over your home in an effort to recover the principal investment. Once your home has been either sold or in some cases repossessed by the lender you must then vacate the home.

When there is a non judicial foreclosure then the trustee actually will have to meet a variety of different requirements before they are allowed to sell your home. This type of foreclosure is actually a fairly quick process because the trustee of your loan does not need to obtain a court order to seize the property nor do they need to have a court ordered supervision when they go to sell their house. This type of process is generally used if you do not have a power-of-sale clause in your deed of trust contract.

Within the California area, the non judicial foreclosure will actually begin when the lender files a notice of default which is a letter that is sent to you notifying that you have failed to meet the minimum requirements of your mortgage. It will also be your formal notification that the lender of your mortgage plans on selling your home to recover there investment.

A non-judicial foreclosure can happen from one week to a couple of months after you fail to pay the first payment on your mortgage. Once the process has started, you no longer have the right to try and halt the proceedings.

The important thing for you to know is that the moment a legal action has been filed against you, even if it is on foreclosure, it stays in your legal records. Your credit evaluations will also take a hit for at least the next couple of years, meaning that it will be very difficult and expensive to get a home loan during this time. In fact, it might even be impossible. Any other loan and credit facilities that you have will also be impacted.

To avoid losing your property, which you certainly worked hard to earn, it is advisable to choose a mortgage program that will offer you low interest rates over a longer duration of time. Paying your mortgage on time is essential or else you too stand a risk of losing your home. - 31862

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