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The Foreclosure Tsunami Continues...

By
Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty

Even as the Obama administration is expecting to expand its mortgage aid program, the nation is on track to experience record-setting amounts of foreclosures and bank-owned properties in the second quarter of 2009.

 The first quarter of 2009 set a new record with 803,489 foreclosure filings, and it is predicted we may have a first-ever quarter with more than one million foreclosure filings.

Although it has yet to be announced, the new initiatives are expected to include ways that allow borrowers to avoid foreclosure by selling their properties as a "short sale" (whereas the home is sold for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, but is considered "paid off" by the lender), or giving them back to lenders (deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure in which the borrower gives the property back to the lender to satisfy delinquent loan to avoid foreclosure).

It seems we are turning to pre-moratorium percentages, with a rather large initial increase in the second quarter as properties that have been in the moratorium flood through.  More than one million foreclosure filings in the second quarter of 2009 are expected.

After a10% decrease in foreclosures for January, foreclosure activity across the nation increased 6% in February. The so-called "Sand States"...California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona...top the lists of foreclosure rates.

In the next three months, we can expect to see more than one million foreclosures hit as the foreclosure moratorium is lifted.

To be continued...

 

Posted by

Sarah Maus
Realtor, GRI, CDPE, REOS, TRC
321-228-3448

 

 

Comments(5)

Hugo Torres
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Monrovia, CA

Good break down of the percentages and numbers. My question would be...and many buyers and sellers out on the market at the moment, what does this all mean for the market?

We try to keep our ear to the ground and what we are hearing is that, though there will be an influx of more foreclosed homes into CA (the 'sand state' I work in), the major lenders will trickle them in so as not to create a decrease of value implosion.

What is your take? What do your stats telling you? and as a REALTOR, how are you preparing your clients for this second quarter?

May 14, 2009 08:12 AM
Steve Edmonds
WE Home Inspections, Inc. - Serving Oviedo & Central FL - Oviedo, FL

I've noticed many people are foregoing inspections on as-is foreclosures.  Have you noticed this trend? 

logoSteve Edmonds

May 15, 2009 04:13 PM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

I read that article from the National Center for shortsales...Somehow, though I find it hard to believe. There is something else going on behind the scenes, that only time will show for sure...

May 18, 2009 03:38 AM
Regina P. Brown
MBA Broker Consultants - Carlsbad, CA
M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Sarah, you're right, the next 1-2 years hold a tidal wave of short sales and foreclosures.  The good news is that it will help keep home prices low for first-time buyers to get in.

May 29, 2009 08:13 AM
Brian Griffis
Realty Choice - Springfield, MO

Steve, the reason I have noticed people foregoing inspections is that they want to close faster or guarantee a sale.  You know how often an inspection can kill a deal. 

Jul 08, 2009 03:16 AM