foreclosure avoidance: Is Your Mortgage Killing You (literally)? - 09/15/11 12:15 PM
Check this out:
"New research by Janet Currie of Princeton University and Erdal Tekin of Georgia State University shows a direct correlation between foreclosure rates and the health of residents in Arizona, California, Florida and New Jersey. The economists concluded in a paper published this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research that an increase of 100 foreclosures corresponded to a 7.2% rise in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for hypertension, and an 8.1% increase for diabetes, among people aged 20 to 49."
The article also states that "areas in the top fifth of foreclosure activity have more than double … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Renewed Trust for Tough Times - 09/08/11 02:26 PM
Does it feel like trust is one of the major casualties of the economic meltdown of 2008 – followed by the “Great Recession,” the “Jobless Recovery” and now the threat of a “Double-dip Recession?”
Weren’t we assured that home values were destined to go up and up and up?
There have been lots of promises that help is on the way—and lots of warnings of scams and schemes that have only served to confuse the matter. So where’s a homeowner who’s underwater or over-leveraged to turn?
Here’s the bottom line: the choices that homeowners make when they feel they are at … (1 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Handling the Stress of an Unaffordable Mortgage Payment - 08/11/11 12:24 PM
Whenever I research the latest foreclosure and distressed property statistics, the sheer number of Americans facing the stress of losing their homes amazes me. It is my goal to help as many homeowners I can either stay in their homes or relieve the burden of their mortgages. Knowing that there are so many that need my help is a driving force for me to continue doing what I do.
In fact, I just released another report that I’ve made available on my web site: http://www.sanjoseshortsales.com/. It explains the CDPE designation and lists 10 options that homeowners can take advantage of to … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Foreclosure Myths Revealed - 06/30/11 01:47 PM
Assistance is often available to help homeowners in default on their mortgages keep their home, however many fail to take advantage of what is available because of misinformation. Too often when a troubled homeowner finally does contact their lender it is too late.
Some homeowners believe, incorrectly, that contacting their lender early in the process will draw attention to their situation and result in a quicker foreclosure. In reality, contacting the lender or servicer is an important first step, and the sooner, the better. Contacting the lender provides the homeowner with an opportunity to explain their situation and the steps necessary … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Freddie Mac videos bust myths about foreclosure. - 05/09/11 08:11 PM

Freddie Mac, one of the government sponsored entities (GSE's) with a hand in the U.S. mortgage market, has produced an excellent five video series answering key myths regarding foreclosure. The videos are short (90 to 120 seconds) and packed with straight-up answers. These are must-watch videos for any homeowner in trouble with their mortgage.
Below are the topics and links to each video.
Myth 1: If my house is foreclosed, I can never buy a house again -- the foreclosure will stay on my record forever. Myth 2: I should stop paying my mortgage so I can get assistance with … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: “Strategic defaults” aren’t. - 03/18/11 11:04 AM
In a recent study, the Chicago Booth/Kellogg School Financial Trust Index found that a full 36% of Americans would consider "strategic default"-another term for walking away from your mortgage-if they were underwater (owed more on their home than what it was worth).
Now that more than one in four American homeowners is "underwater," I feel that it's important for the community to know the truth about strategic default.
The truth is the foreclosure process carries with it credit issues, current and future employment challenges, issues with security clearance and possible debt collections.
That's why it is vital to explain the three … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Get help in San Jose for your personal mortgage crisis! - 02/21/11 06:11 PM
I am pleased to announce the Help For Homeowners Community Event happening February 24 from 11am to 7:30pm at the San Jose Convention Center in downtown San Jose.
If you are in mortgage trouble then this is a must-attend event. This is a critical opportunity to talk face-to-face with representatives from all the major mortgage lenders or a HUD-certified housing counselor about your situation. If you are having difficulty getting a mortgage modification or want to pursue one, this event is for you. If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage obligation and don't know what to do, this event is for you.
Maybe you aren't in trouble, … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Solving Your Mortgage Crisis Just Got Easier - 02/14/11 12:33 PM
5 Steps for a Successful Short Sale
Lenders and the federal government, prompted by the sheer volume of loan modification and short sale requests, have overhauled their systems and programs, making the foreclosure avoidance process much easier than in the past.
If you are considering short selling your home to avoid the financial and emotional fallout of foreclosure, you should be aware of the five steps you should take to increase your chances of a successful transaction.
First, do you qualify?
You must:
Have a verifiable hardship, like unemployment, medical bills, or relocation Must have a monthly income shortfall Be insolvent … (0 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Fannie Mae Shows the Way Home - 01/20/11 08:12 PM
Fannie Mae, the government sponsored enterprise owning most mortgage loans in the U.S., has launched a new interactive, multi-media tool called WaysHome to help homeowners understand the options to avoiding foreclosure, and to motivate them to take actually seek help in 2011 rather than let bad consequences happen by default.  This new resource is part of Fannie Mae's "Know Your Options" initiative, and can be found on the program web site at www.KnowYourOptions.com.
The web site provides interactive information on all the options for trying to stay in your home and all the options for leaving the property without triggering a foreclosure.  The WaysHome video goes a step … (1 comments)

foreclosure avoidance: Lenders Primed for Short Sales in 2011 - 01/17/11 12:05 PM
Short sales are a terrific option for homeowners struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments.  In fact, lenders' losses due to foreclosure are projected to increase at record rates in 2011, giving them more reason to pursue short sales.  Lenders are projected to incur losses as severe as 85 percent in foreclosure!  Meaning, after deducting the expense of the foreclosure process on a $100,000 loan, they may only get back $15,000!
It's common sense that lenders will be looking toward the short sale solution.  Even though they are accepting less than is owed on the property, they lose far less than in a … (1 comments)

 
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Jeff Spoelstra

San Jose, CA

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Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Address: 5985 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA, 95120

Office Phone: (408) 256-4330

Cell Phone: (408) 838-5820

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Working the real estate world in San Jose, California.


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