Paul & Jerri's Blog

Lots of natural light and plenty of space in this beautiful home. Located near by-pass and convenient to downtown Athens. Large kitchen with breakfast room, open to formal dining and family room with a brick fireplace. Split bedroom plan with shared bathroom. Full unfinished basement stubbed for a full bath.

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Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Great house in a great location!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:36:13 -0700

Schedule a Showing/Request Info

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

Jerri Stracener

RE/MAX Associates Athens

706-296-4395

jerri@movingtoathens.com

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

213 Frederick Drive

Athens, GA

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Frederick Drive

$ Click for current price

3 BEDROOMS

2 BATHROOMS (2 full)

1400 Square Feet

Immaculate home in a great subdivision only 10 minutes to downtown Athens! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with fireplace, and a fabulous kitchen with laminate flooring, newer appliances and plenty of cabinet space. New interior paint, landscaping and the sellers are offering a 1-year home warranty.

L2L Property Websites AR

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

New listing in Oconee County

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:19:17 -0700

Schedule a Showing/Request Info

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

Jerri Stracener

RE/MAX Associates Athens

706-296-4395

jerri@movingtoathens.com

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

1160 Trailwood Drive

Watkinsville, GA

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Award Winning School District!

$ Click for current price

3 BEDROOMS

2 BATHROOMS (2 full)

2242 Square Feet

Oconee County High School was recently name one of the top 10 high schools in Georgia. This home features a great room with fireplace and a sunroom leading to deck and fenced in back yard. Large eat-in kitchen with island and stainless appliances. Large laundry room. New interior paint, new carpet in family room and sunroom,and a pool!. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property and can be purchased for as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage or HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing. Check HomePath.com Special Offers for more details or ask me. Fannie Mae is also offering a $1,200 incentive for selling agents whose buyers purchase and close on a HomePath property by October 31, 2011. Eligibility restrictions apply for both incentives.

L2L

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

7.53 acres horse farm with 6 stall barn & house!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:41:52 -0700

Schedule a Showing/Request Info

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

Jerri Stracener

RE/MAX Associates Athens

706-296-4395

jerri@movingtoathens.com

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

40 Lake Oglethorpe Drive

Arnoldsville, GA

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Bring the horses!

$ Click for current price

4 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS (3 full)

2800 Square Feet

7.53 acre horse farm with 6 stall barn. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling in dining room with fireplace, screened porch, 2 decks and 2 master bedroom suites. Across the road from Lake Oglethorpe and only 6 miles to downtown Athens. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property and can be purchased with as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing and HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing.

L2L

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Oconee County Short Sale - New listing!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:19:23 -0700

Oconee County Convenience and Beauty!

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Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

See Property Details

Call 706-296-4395 for more information
on this or any other property.

Visit Property Website

Beautiful 2 story home in established Oconee neighborhood. Hardwood floors in foyer/hall and formal dining room. Family room with fireplace and door to deck overlooking large level back yard. Kitchen with granite counter tops and plenty of cabinet space. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs plus bonus room off master bedroom could be used for work out room, office, storage, etc. 2475 sq. ft. Short sale subject to 3rd party approval.

Have questions? Ask me.

Listing data of Jerri Stracener Agent from MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed and is made available for personal and non-commercial use.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Country living

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:19:35 -0700

Schedule a Showing/Request Info

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

Jerri Stracener

RE/MAX Associates Athens

706-296-4395

jerri@movingtoathens.com

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

111 John Sharp Road

Colbert, GA

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smartphone
& take me
with you mobile.


	Click to see more photos

@@@* 2-1/2 acres and a home! @@@*

Bedrooms	:	3		List Price	:	$ Click for current price		LotSize	:	2.5 acres
Bathrooms	:	2 (2 Full)		Square Footage	:	1130		Year Built	:	2000

Great property with a nice home. Needs appliances and a little work but is in good condition. Large family room with hardwood floors open to kitchen and dining room. Must have pre-approval letter to submit offer. More information at www.hudhomestore.com. Owner occupied bidders only. Call Jerri at 706-296-4395 for details.

L2L

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Buy a house for only $29,000??? This is a great deal!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:33:24 -0700

Jerri Stracener

RE/MAX Associates Athens

706-296-4395

jerri@movingtoathens.com

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

925 Collins Bridge Road
Danielsville, GA	!!!@!@!Buy this home with $100 Down!@!@!!

$ Click for current price

see more photos >>

Bedrooms : 4

Bathrooms : 2(2full)

Sq Footage : 1500

LotSize : 1.29

Year Built : 1988

At this price, it's no surprise that it needs some work -- but this will be a great home! 4BR/2BA with screened porch, deck, lots of space. Nice lot. Utilities are off at this property --bring a flashlight. This property sold as is with all faults. No post-closing repairs or payments will be made for any reason. This property is elegible for 203K financing. Case #105-334638. Go to www.hometelosfirst.com to learn more about this home and how/who can bid.

L2L

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

FHA Financing with $100 down!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:24:53 -0800

---!! Buy this home for $100 down!!---

Schedule a Showing

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Oconee County Homes for Sale Homes for Sale

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth?

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

See Property Details

Call: 706-296-4395 for more information on this or any other property.

Visit Property Website

This home has it all! Family room with stone fireplace, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, plus a finished basement with bedroom, office, workout room, rec room and a built-in bar! Large fenced back yard... and it qualifies for special FHA financing with $100 down! Call for details as this home is sold as is with no repairs by seller. Case #105-397619 on HomeTelosFirst.com.

Have questions? Ask me.

Listing data of Jerri Stracener Agent from MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed and is made available for personal and non-commercial use.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Welcome Home Telos!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:25:44 -0800

HomeTelosFirst.com

On Monday, January 24, Home Telos representatives will be visiting RE/MAX Associates Athens.

Jim Clauser and I are proud to be Neighborhood Listing Brokers and look forward to the meeting. Thanks for visiting us!

Welcome Stuart and Trevor!

For more information on the HomeTelos property listings, call us.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Bank of America's proactive approach to short sales

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:00:30 -0800

Bank of America has just announced a new process for approving short sales. When the homeowner makes the decision to sell their home due to a hardship, documentation can be submitted to Bank of America right away and they will order an appraisal and set the list price for the home. They are committed to continually reviewing the list price with the listing agent to make adjustments if needed. Once an offer is submitted, the goal of Bank of America is to get final approval within 2 weeks! Wow! Of course, it may take longer if there are other parties involved but still...that's a tremendous improvement over previous experiences with Bank of America.

Since they have been using the computerized system (Equator), I am happy to work with Bank of America homeowners for short sales. The process has been very efficient but when they start the process before getting an offer, that will make it even better.

It is recommended that homeowners in this situation use an experienced short sale agent. With the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, I have help 18 families to avoid foreclose over the past few months. On today's seminar, I learned that Bank of America services approximately 25% of all mortgages. It's great to hear that they are making progress toward making this an easier journey for distressed property owners.

In the past I've had trouble with Wells Fargo short sales but just last week, I had the quickest closing of all short sales yet - and it was with Wells Fargo. And, the owner wasn't behind on his mortgage payments. He was however, facing a hardship because he moved to another state and bought a house, without selling this one first.

GMAC Mortgage has been very proactive on a listing I have for one of their mortgage holders. The negotiator sends an email every 2-3 weeks to see if I've had any showings/offers. She actually ordered a new appraisal after we had gone several weeks with no showings. As soon as the price was reduced, we got an offer. We are still waiting for final approval but it should be coming in the next week or two!

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Oconee County - new kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring, and much more!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:01:34 -0800

Oconee County with basement and fenced yard

Schedule a Showing

Athens area foreclosures

Athens Homes for Sale

Oconee County Homes for Sale

REMAX.com homes for sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

Athens GA Short Sales

What is your home worth

See Property Details

Call: 706-296-4395 for more information on this or any other property.

Visit Single Property Website

New kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, lightingand flooring. Appliances include Bosch dishwasher, 5 burner gas stove, stainless steel vent hood and refrigerator. Open floor plan with vaulted ceiling, deck, fenced yard and a full unfinished basement. New heat pump. Owner/agents.

I want to see this property.

Listing data of Broker from MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed and is made available for personal and non-commercial use.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Bank of America HAFA short sale

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:24:24 -0800

http://video.webexlivestream.com/events/webx001/35414/eFrame.jsp?mei=35414&cf=webx001&tp=

HAFA Short Sale described by Bank of America

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Ansonborough condominium - short sale

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:35:26 -0800

3BR/2.5BA condo in gated community. Hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances, 10' ceilings, 8' doors, lots of windows, balcony off master suite, and... attached 2 car garage with guest apartmentwith 1 bedroom, 1 bath, iving room and kitchen. Great buy! Short sale must be approved with sellers lender.

View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:

See Property Details

Search the MLS like a Realtor and never miss the newest listings or the latest price changes. Search using criteria used by Realtors and brokers with multiple photos, satellite images, FULL MLS Descriptions and more. Easier than the MLS. Search Athens and the surrounding areas.

Jerri Stracener, 100 Annsonborough Lane #401, Athens, GA , 706-296-4395

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

East Athens short sale - pre-approved price

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:40:08 -0800

Pre-approved Short Sale

Important Links

Athens, GA Homes for Sale

University of Georgia Homes for Sale

Oconee County Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

What is your home worth

Short Sale Homes For Sale

See Property Details

Call: 706-296-4395 for more information on this or any other property.

Visit Single Property Website

Short sale - must have final approved by seller's lender. Large fenced in back yard. 2BR/2BA plus bonus room. Great room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Dining room, kitchen with new countertops and flooring, new carpet, new tile floor in master bathroom, new interior paint, new heat/air system, fenced back yard, private deck. Garage finished as bonus room.

I want to see this property.

Listing data of Jerri Stracener Agent from MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed and is made available for personal and non-commercial use.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

New listing $108,000

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:39:57 -0800

North Athens - 15 minutes to downtown Athens

Important Links

Athens, GA Homes for Sale

University of Georgia Homes for Sale

Oconee County Homes for Sale

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Short Sale Solutions Explained.

What is your home worth

Short Sale Homes For Sale

See Property Details

Call: 706-296-4395 for more information on this or any other property.

Visit Single Property Website

3BR/2BA home features hardwood floors, sunken family room with fireplace, large eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinets, island and ceramic tile floor. Deck access from family room and master bedroom. 2 car garage. Property needs some repairs but qualifies for 203-K financing. Sold as is with all faults. No post-closing repairs to be made or paid for by seller. Priced at $108,000. See www.BidSelect.com for more information. Property #105-016123

I want to see this property.

Listing data of Jerri Stracener Agent from MLS is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed and is made available for personal and non-commercial use.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

New listing - $108,000 in north Athens!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:13:46 -0800

135 Blueberry Hills Ct. - This home is only 9 years old and features many upgrades - tray ceiling in master bedroom, vaulted ceilings in dining room and a bedroom, large closets, hardwood floors, large kitchen with cherry cabinets, ceramic tile floor and an island. visit our website at www.MovingToAthens.com and www.bidselect for offer instructions. This home is being sold as is and no post-closing repairs will be made. Tax value on this home is $168,000. List price is $108,000. Don't miss it!

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Foreclosures in Athens and surrounding counties

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:41:50 -0700

Here's a link to active foreclosure listings in the following areas:

Athens-Clarke County

Oconee County

Barrow County

Madison County

Oglethorpe County

Jackson County

This link is connected to the Athens Area MLS (Navica) and gives you information on all foreclosures in the area. If you are interested in short sales or other properties that are for sale, let us know. We can get you set up to receive new listings as they come back on the market.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Athens GA short sales

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 10:31:03 -0700

As a real estate agent in Athens, I have worked hard to be successful with closing short sales. When a homeowner contacts me to list their home as a short sale, this is usually their final option to avoid foreclosure.

Every bank has their own system for having short sales submitted and approval times vary. Bank of America and GMAC short sales are processed through equator.com. This makes the process faster and clearly defines the step that are needed.

I've recently listed and am processing 2 short sales for GMAC. One of the homes is in Watkinsville and the other in Madison,GA. I was able to set up one of the offers through equator.com. The other seller has an FHA loan.

With FHA financing, the process is different - the lender orders an appraisal and the list price is set by that appraisal. The offer must net the bank 88% of th list price in the first 30days. In the 2nd 30 days, it goes down to 86% then 84% in the 3rd 30 day period. On FHA loans, the guidelines allow the property to be marketed for 120 days. After that, the only option for the homeowner is to do the deed in lieu of foreclosure. That is a better option than foreclosure, but short sale is better if an offer is received.

I obtained the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation (CDPE) in the spring of 2009. Since then, approximately 30% of my sale have been from closed short sales in Athens, Watkinsville and Barrow County. I am currently working with 8 homeowners to get their homes sold and have offers submitted on 3 of them, waiting for bank approval to close.

If you, or someone you know is facing foreclosure, call me. I can help with loan modifications, short sales, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. If you have a short-term hardship, your lender may offer a forebearance period, allowing a reduced payment for a specified period of time.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Ocwen short sale closed!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:19:21 -0700

The owners moved out of the house 4 years ago but continued to make payments while trying to get the home sold. We had the listing for the past 15 months and had asked the sellers if they wanted to lower the price and list it as a short sale. They said they had been told by their bank that they wouldn't qualify. About 4 months ago, the seller called to say that they can no longer afford to make the payments so they were going to let the house go back to the bank. The loan was originally with Taylor, Bean and Whittaker but was being serviced by Cenlar.

I talked to them about a short sale and found out that they had been taking money out of their retirement account to make the mortgage for the past few years. I sent them the documents to sign and immediately lowered the price. Just as this was happening, the loan was sold to Ocwen. I didn't know how this would work since it seemed that Ocwen would not be happy that they bought a loan that immediately went to short sale status. Apparently, it happens all the time.

We had an offer within 2 weeks. After presenting the offer to the bank, they had the home appraised and came back with a counter offer that was about $15,000 higher than the first offer. That buyer decided to terminate the contract.

It took about 3 more weeks to get a new offer. This time, the buyer knew exactly how much the bank would accept and they were willing to pay it. We had approval on the offer within 3 weeks... and we closed yesterday!

This was a great deal for the seller(avoided foreclosure and can now continue saving for retirement) and the buyer (they bought the house for $55,000 less than the previous owner owed on the house).

When submitting an offer for approval to a lender, it is very important to have justification for the list price. You can't control what the offer will be but if you know what the bank will accept, it makes it easier to work it out. I believe that working with a real etate agent who has experience with short sales is the key to a successful short sale.

If you have questions about selling a home as a short sale... or if you're interested in buying a short sale, call Paul (706) 296-4394 or Jerri (706) 296-4395.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Another successful Bank of America short sale!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:28:33 -0700

The new system for uploading documents to a website for short sale approval has made it so much faster to get approval with Bank of America. They request a hardship letter, verification of financial situation, and a contract. It's a little more involved than that but compared to 4-5 months wait for approval in 2009, I have seen a major turnaround by Bank of America.

We listed a home in Winder for a short sale on May 17, received an offer on July 10 and closed yesterday - October 5. Less than 3 months from contract date to close is great! and 4-1/2 months from the time it was listed.

I am very happy to work with sellers to get approval for short sales with Bank of America. It can be difficult if you don't have an agent who is familiar with the process. I obtain the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation in 2009 and have been able to close approximately 80% of the properties I listed. I work with several banks but Bank of America is the most efficient these days. If you need help with a short sale, call me at 706-296-4395.

In 2010, I have close 12 short sales and assisted several buyers with purchasing foreclosures. On our website www.MovingToAthens.com you can view all current short sales and foreclosed properties that are available for sale.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

5 Bedroom, 3 baths plus game room - Short sales listed at $102,000!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:58:26 -0700

401 Gladiola Drive, Auburn, GA is listed for $102,000. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laminate hardwood and ceramic tile floors, large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room on the main level plus 2 additional bedrooms, 1 bath and a game room in the finished basement. It is short sale but the lender has already given us the approved price so we could have their final approval within 2 weeks. See more photos at www.MovingToAthens.com

Since this is a pre-approved short sale, the offer time is limited.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Can foreclosure affect employment?

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:49:27 -0700

Employees with security clearance positions, either military or civilian, may be at risk of losing their job if they have a foreclosure on their credit history.

In 2009, we listed a home for an owner who had purchased a home for her brother. When he couldn't pay the mortgage and she was unable to find another tenant, she could not afford to pay the mortgage.

She was working out of the state and held a security clearance position in the military. She called us when she was 2 months behind on her mortgage. I contacted the lender and discussed her options. He recommended a short sale. We listed the house at a price to attract a buyer quickly.

Working closely with the lender and seller, we were able to secure a buyer and get the offer approved. This not only saved the seller from foreclosure, it also allowed her to retain the security clearance and keep her job.

I have worked with homeowners employed in retail sales and the mortgage business and hear the same concerns - that a foreclosure will affect their ability to continue with their present job or may disqualify them from future employment.

In order to have a successful short sale, it is important to allow enough time to get all documents to the lender to get the process started and for marketing the home to find a buyer. Most lenders are willing to consider a short sale since it results in a higher sales price than foreclosure. This can be the best option for many situations when a homeowner is facing a hardship from unemployment, medical expenses, divorce, or other circumstances that make it impossible to pay the mortgage.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Veterans housing in Athens GA

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 12:23:17 -0700

Veterans are jumping on the "midnight train" to Athens, GA. They are taking advantage of their Post-9/11 GI bill education credits and coupling it with VA loan benefits.

There are a lot of benefits for veterans looking to attend college, but the GI Bill is arguably the most important. The Post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect in August of last year. It provides funds for military members' education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of cumulative service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals honorably discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

What Does the GI Bill Pay For?

The bill covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at institutions of higher learning and vocational/technical schools. Also provided are tutorial assistance, books and supplies costs, and a monthly living stipend through the Basic Allowance for Housing program. This housing stipend can average $1,200 a month, but can go as high as $2,800, depending on the veteran's pay grade and dependency status.

In addition, a veteran could be given a one-time relocation allowance-up to $500.

For schools with that have really high tuition rates and might not be covered by the bill, the "Yellow Ribbon" program could help reimburse the difference. The YRP is an agreement made between the VA and the school to share the expense of paying for a veteran student's tuition.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to their children or spouses.

VA Loan

Going to college can fell like the beginning of a new chapter in life-no matter what age one decided to start. So, why not make the move to Athens, GA with buying in mind? Leave the renter mentality behind and become a military homeowner by taking advantage of your VA loan eligibility.

Veterans receiving GI Bill housing stipends can use those funds to pay mortgage costs. Thankfully, the VA home loan affordable monthly rates when compared to conventional loan rates. They require no money down or private monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans can be guaranteed up to $417,000, depending on the location. Bad credit scores could actually help one to obtain lower rates. They're also multiple interest options. Veterans have a choice of either adjustable or a fixed rate plans.

A lending counselor can help a service member gather all the necessary documentation needed for a VA loan. The VA website provides a detailed list of what's required as well.

The service member must be able to prove that he or she served in the military for 90 days during wartime and 181 days during a time of peace. He or she must have been honorably discharged. Veterans, active duty personnel, reservists and National Guard members can qualify. Also, some surviving spouses might be eligible for the VA loan.

This post comes to you from James Kelley of VA Benefit Blog. A law school student at the University of Missouri, James Kelley works to educate the public on government financing options for home purchases. He is a co-founder of Military Basebook, a facebook application that helps connect military members based on where and when they served.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Pre-approved short sale listings = fast approval of contract

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:55:05 -0700

On FHA loans, there is a program to get a preapprved price that the investor has agreed to accept. Here are 3 homes that are under this program.

220 Jeremy Drive, Colbert, GA - approved to sell for $102,000! Owner paid $134,000 in 2008. Great house at at great price! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, great room with fireplace, large eat-in kitchen with lots of storage and countertop space. 2 car garage. Only 2 years old.

401 Gladiola Drive, Auburn, GA - approved to sell for $103,000. Owned paid $163,000 in 2007! 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths, office and game room! Pergo and ceramic tile floors on main level. Large eat-in kitchen, formal dining rom, great room with fireplace. Only 3 years old!

Less than 10 minutes to downtown Athens - great location! This one doesn't have the price set yet but will be in the high $90,000's to low $100,000's. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, fenced yard, deck, family room with fireplace and extra room could be 3rd bedroom. Beautiful Japanese Maple in front.

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

Bank of America short sales approved!

Paul & Jerri Stracener (RE/MAX Associates Athens) — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:33:48 -0700

Bank of America has been one of the most difficult banks to work with on short sales. Their representatives say it's because they have so many requests and that's probably true. However, I must say that my recent experience with Bank of America short sales has been great! I submitted offers on 2 properties about 6 weeks ago and received approval last week.

They are using a new process through equator.com where agent upload all required documents (financial statement, bank statements, tax returns, offer... and more). As each step is completed, the agent is notified and sent an e-mail as the next task is requested. It's not easy to get it right the first time (I finally called for support) but once the information is in, it really is a quick process.

Bank of America is the only bank using Equator right now but I'm sure others will sign up in the future. It certainly has made these two sales a lot easier for me.

The best part of the short sale approval for me is the appreciation I get from the distressed homeowner. Avoiding foreclosure is a big relief for someone facing a hardship and no longer able to pay the mortgage.

Short sales are great for buyers looking for a deal. You don't have the same competition you see when bidding on a foreclosure . Many times the home is in better condition because you are dealing with an owenr who does care about doing the right thing and has tried to maintain the home through the short sale process.

It's better for the banks to sell as a short sale -- they actually make more money this way. It's a win-win-win...

Jerri Stracener, CDPE

Certified Distressed Property Expert, ePRO, GRI, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Associates Athens

(706) 296-4395

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***---!! Buy this home for $100 down!!---***

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---!! Buy this home for $100 down!!---