Maria McGuire, CDPE

Overpricing Your Home Turns Off Buyers!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:10:37 GMT

Overpricing Doesn’t Give Maneuvering Room, Instead It Turns Buyers Off!

Contrary to seller’s expectations that buyers will simply bid less than what they’re asking, most buyers won’t make an offer on a home priced too high for the market. Instead, buyers prefer to wait until the price is reduced and test their options elsewhere in the mean time.

But there are other reasons that sellers don’t receive offers on overpriced homes. For example, buyers may not want to upset or offend the seller by offering a substantially lower price than the one being asked. Also, there’s the fact that buyers tend to know the market better than sellers do, since they’ve been looking at comparable homes and the prices on them.

Sellers who over price their homes will usually alienate themselves from buyers and real estate agents, who will choose to search for more realistic asking prices. Agents also dislike showing overpriced homes because the buyer will rarely make an offer.

The best solution for the seller is to lower the price right away, while buyers and agents still remember the place. If sellers wait too long before changing the asking price, they are risking the chance that their best buyer has moved on to other prospects and forgotten all about the high-price listing.

The Facts Of Real Estate Life!

(What Every Home Seller Should Know)

· An appropriate listing price will immediately and consistently attract attention and generate activity.

· A home that is priced realistically and marketed effectively will always sell, even in a declining market!

· Your house cannot sell for a penny more than the best offer obtainable from the best buyer available in the current market.

· The only way to determine the true value of a house is to thoroughly test the market and aggressively challenge the competition.

· Testing a bigger market and a better market with greater skill yields a better price.

Homebuyers and sellers can obtain additional resources at myshortsalehelpdesk.com and mariamcguire.com. Maria McGuire is a licensed Real Estate Broker serving southeastern Michigan and the MetroDetroit area since 1989.

Purchasing A Foreclosed Home

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:30:12 GMT

Purchasing a Foreclosed Home

The Good News…

Today’s market presents an incredible opportunity for homebuyers. Prices and interest rates are at an all time low!

The Challenging News, You Will Overcome Many Obstacles…

· Prior to submitting your offer it is imperative you’re preapproved for your loan, your employment, credit and funds to close will be verified. Sellers may also require you obtain an additional preapproval letter from their designated lender. Your offer WILL NOT be submitted without a preapproval letter. In the event you’re paying cash for the property, the Seller will require a bank statement verifying you have the cash funds to close.

· Prior to executing your purchase agreement, the current property taxes should be verified. Frequently the property taxes were escalated from homestead to non-homestead taxes upon a non-owner occupant taking possession of the property, resulting in a significant increase in taxes.

If the property is listed for less than 30 days it will usually sell within 3% of the asking price, providing the property is not in severe disrepair. Properties are currently listed at wholesale prices. In most cases, don’t expect to receive further discounts. In fact you may encounter a multiple offer situation with other buyers competing for the same property, resulting in a property that sells above asking price. In other words, the asking price may be the opening bid price much like an auction. You must Be Prepared To Loose The Property!

· You may receive a verbal acceptance of your offer, however until you receive written acceptance of all documents by the seller, your offer may be declined and another offer accepted. In most cases your offer is also contingent upon approval by a 3^rd party approval.

· Expect to receive several pages of bank forms that you'll be required to sign after the seller accepts your offer. The bank addendums PROTECT THE BANK’S BEST INTEREST! You'll be purchasing your property AS-IS WHERE-IS WITH ALL FAULTS. Therefore it is strongly recommended you obtain a property inspection by a qualified home inspector and have an attorney review the documents to protect your interests.

· Most homes will be winterized and utilities turned off when you view the listing. You will be REQUIRED to place all utilities in your name to complete your home inspection. The Seller must pay delinquent water bills before the municipality will turn the water on. Your lender will also require all utilities to be in working order at the time the appraisal is completed. You may also be required to pay for dewinterizing the property in the amount of $150-$350 to complete your home inspection. Be prepared to encounter broken pipes even though the home was winterized.

· KNOW YOUR LENDER! The bank addendums will have strict deadlines for your closing date. In the event any deadline is not met, the Seller may grant an extension of your contract however you may be required to pay extension fees ranging from $100 to $250 per day. The seller will require your certified earnest money deposit (usually in the amount of $1,000 or more) be held by the listing agent. In the event the terms of the contract are not met, your deposit may be forfeited.

· Appraising your property may also present a challenge. Even though you, the seller and appraiser may agree on the property’s value, your lender’s underwriting committee may disagree causing delays.

Even Better News…

Now that you’re prepared for some of the difficulties we’ll need to overcome, be assured an experienced Realtor will the overcome the challenges of today’s market. The process may become stressful at times, but after your closing you’ll be delighted you made the commitment to purchase your investment!

Maria McGuire is a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) helping financially distressed homeowners in Southeastern Michigan. 586-996-4059

New Construction Purchase

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:58:10 GMT

Recently our clients had the pleasure of completing a “final walk-thru” on the home they just built. During our final inspection in the company of the Builder’s representative, standards of workmanship and materials were scrutinized. After careful review of the finishing touches, the clients were ready to close and accept possession.

Prior to closing final electrical, plumbing, heating, and building inspections are completed of the interior and exterior elements and the local building department issues a certificate of occupancy. Typically the new homeowner receives a one-year Builder’s Warranty after closing.

Upon selling John & Fran’s previous home, we began the mission of reviewing available options; buy a previously owned home or build. Over the past several years’ resale home values have plummeted, resulting in a decline in new home starts. When comparing the cost per square foot, it is currently cheaper to purchase a resale home than build. Nevertheless a homeowner may opt to build though more costly, rather than sacrifice their vision.

It was just over 7 months ago their dream home was nothing more than an imagination and a blueprint. The demanding task of choosing selections such as location, style, layout, brick, upgrades, cabinets, fixtures, flooring, patterns and colors can be challenging at times. However if you’re able to conquer the obstacles, the outcome can be very rewarding as you enjoy your finished product with pride and admiration.

Another Successful Citimortgage Short Sale!

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:48:52 GMT

We’re a week away from closing yet another successful short sale with Citimortgage. Medical problems created a financial hardship, leaving our homeowner searching for solutions. Desiring to avoid foreclosure, we pursued a short sale. Our homeowner owed a mortgage balance in excess of $74,000.00, however the current market value was $25,000.00. .

Our homeowner was not delinquent on their mortgage payments and we were able successfully negotiate a short sale, with the lender granting a full release and reconveyance of their loan without a deficiency judgment! This means our client is able to walk away from their home free and clear, not owing a penny of the mortgage balance or worrying about a collection company hassling them for the balance. Even better news, they may be able to purchase a new home in as little as 2-3 years!

The entire process took 41 days from the time we requested the short sale approval to obtaining the approval in writing from the homeowner’s lender.

Financially distressed homeowners can visit: www.myshortsalehelpdesk.com for additional answers and solutions.

Thank-you for taking the time to read my blog,

Maria McGuire

Maria McGuire is the Broker/Owner of Re/Max Advisors and a Certified Distressed Property Expert specializing Southeastern Michigan Short Sales.

Testing...

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:54:35 GMT

Testing...Everyone have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

-Maria

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:29 GMT

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

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

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

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

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

Maria McGuire
586-996-4059

Options and Solutions

Thank you for visiting this site and taking the first step toward finding answers. I appreciate what it has taken for you to come here, and commend your efforts to get the facts about your situation. The current real estate environment can be frustrating, with misinformation and conflicting plans for how to proceed.

As a real estate agent, what I often see in troubled homeowners is a belief that they are alone with their challenges. Regrettably, over 70% of homeowners in foreclosure proceed without ANY visible assistance. This is not acceptable for the communities I serve.

That's why I've developed this site: to ensure you get the valuable resources that can reduce your financial strain and change your life for the better. As a CDPE I know the options for homeowners in foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgages, and I can send you a report detailing this information, prepared just for you.

Simply enter your information below and click "Send." I hope that you will review this information carefully, so that your next steps are the right steps toward a real solution.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get back on track to a solid, stable future.

Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale

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

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

This is absolutely wrong!

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

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

Maria McGuire 586-996-4059

7 Short Sale Myths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maria McGuire
586-996-4059

Short Sale & Deed-In-Lieu

Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress.

To help you understand more about these two options, I’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below.

I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is my priority.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Your First Steps To Avoid Foreclosure

Your First Steps

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

Strategic Defaults are NOT Strategic

Walking Away Is NOT The Answer

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

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

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

Avoiding Mortgage Modification Fraud

I Am An Agent Against Mortgage Fraud!

The last thing struggling homeowners need is to be victimized by fraud. Sadly, some people are preying on those who need help the most. Today, the real estate industry is the newest, biggest target for predatory schemes. In fact, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that mortgage fraud cases are 400 percent higher than they were five years ago.

With nearly 1 in 6 homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, understand that you are not alone. Knowing your legitimate foreclosure-avoidance options is the best way to fight this terrible trend.

The report on this site will tell you how to avoid mortgage fraud schemes, as well as what solutions are available to you. Enter your information below and get the facts now!

Understanding HAFA

New Help Has Arrived!

The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA.

With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow.

Government Program Surveys

Are You Eligible?

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

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

Find out now if you are eligible!

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

Cash for Short Sales

Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever!

Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier and quicker through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA, which also gives the homeowner $3,000 for participating.

With the free report provided here, you can learn all the benefits of completing a HAFA short sale. Simply fill out your information below for details on the program and how you would benefit.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions.

A Dignified Solution

You Deserve a Dignified Solution

The economy today has been especially hard on homeowners. I meet people every day who thought they made a responsible decision on their mortgage loan, only to be hit with the unexpected.

The first and best move to make in this position is to educate yourself on what your options are based on your financial situation. Avoiding foreclosure is always something worth pursuing if you can, and there really are dignified alternatives available.

To get my free report on all the options and benefits of avoiding foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, please contact me right away.

I'm here to help.

Credit Score Issues

Don't Let Your Credit Score Drop Unnecessarily

Avoiding foreclosure now could make or break your attempts to get a loan in the near future and determine whether you can get affordable interest rates.

That's why I've made this site available for anyone in our community struggling with mortgage payments. Foreclosure alternatives like short sales and deeds-in-lieu allow homeowners to avoid many of the damaging effects of foreclosure. In addition, short sales may have less of an impact on credit scores than foreclosure.

To get all the information on how these options affect your credit score, fill out the form below and click "Send". If you need immediate assistance, contact me right away.

I'm here to assist you.

Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy

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

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

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

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

I'm here to assist you.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure

Foreclosure or Short Sale: Understand the Differences

Underwater on your mortgage? Facing foreclosure? Avoiding foreclosure through a short sale can have many benefits for your future financial stability.

I created this site to help spread the word about the options to avoiding foreclosure, and a short sale has many benefits. A successful short sale can reduce the damage to one's future loan eligibility, credit rating, employment, security clearance and more.

For a free report on the differences between short sales and foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If your situation is urgent, feel free to contact me immediately. I'm ready to help you take action and secure a more secure financial future.

As a CDPE-designated agent, I've been trained to pursue foreclosure alternatives, and I'm here to help.