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What To Tell A Client About An Upside Down House

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

Upside Down HouseClients finding themselves OWING more on their house than it is worth are in a painful predicament for sure these days and UNLESS they are playing the game of STRATEGIC default walking away from their homes with jingle mail giving the keys back to the lender with foreclosure, they have just a few options.

Stick it out, till they can sell, even at a loss.

Short sale, negotiating to sell for less than amount owed, but market value.

Rent the property to move on and sell later

Loan modification, to assist with now perhaps lower interest rates to at least get some cost savings in the monthly payment but still sticking it out till the local market recovers.

The key thing with short sales, foreclosures, sticking it out, filing bankruptcy etc. you need to decide if it is time to MOVE ON with your life with relocation necessary for a job, a marital change, a lifestyle change, etc. Check with your financial advisor to see what makes sense in your own individual case. Life is too short to stick it out and be miserable if that is not working for you.

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Gary - I like the way you have listed options.  But more importantly, I like your sentence, "Life is too short to stick it out and be miserable if that is not working for you."  These decisions need to be made by those involved.  Hopefully, with the all the choices available to make the best choice for them.

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*¨`*  ·♫..•::║--HAPPY NEW YEAR- ║ ::*¨`*•♫.•
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Jan 04, 2011 05:22 AM
Bill Pohl
Tetra Homes, Inc. - Loveland, OH

Gary - We see this problem every day. The economic landscape is getting tougher out there and options are few and far between. We take over houses from people that are upside down that just want to move on with their life.

Jan 04, 2011 05:30 AM
Christine Hooks
Pino Agency - Pennsville, NJ
Celebrating 25 Years in Real Estate!

OK, where did you find that picture?  It says it all.

Jan 04, 2011 05:31 AM
Carol Lee
Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA
Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes

Gary- love the picture!  And you are right, life is short, sometime it is best to cut your losses and move on. The other professional to consult regarding different options may be an attorney! But I know you know that!

Jan 04, 2011 09:37 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Gary...so many people get the wrong info when being upside down in their house.

Jan 04, 2011 10:18 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Gary

Granted, that is a really hard thing to tell a seller, butr it is better knowing they have an agent that Nwill level with them AND GET THEM TO A CLOSING RATHER THAN HOPE.nICE POST

Jan 04, 2011 01:31 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Gary

Granted, that is a really hard thing to tell a seller, butr it is better knowing they have an agent that Nwill level with them AND GET THEM TO A CLOSING RATHER THAN HOPE.nICE POST

Jan 04, 2011 01:31 PM
'The Diamond Group' 'A Cut Above The Rest'
The Diamond Group @ Keller Williams - Lubbock, TX
Lubbock Texas Real Estate

Gary, sometimes when life deals you challenges you have to make decisions and move on.  I give myself the same advice as I give my clients and your post brings it home

Jan 04, 2011 02:30 PM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Unfortunately, it happens. Sadly many homeowners dont know their options. Hopefully they will meet a knowledgeable professional like yourself that will provide the options you listed above. The goal should be what makes the most sense and is best for homeowner.

Jan 04, 2011 06:09 PM
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

Gary, hmmm, marital change.  Getting rid of the old ball and chain. Just kidding, have a Happy New Year in 2011

Jan 05, 2011 02:47 AM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Adjust and evaluate each necessary change, assuredly without that nothing will happen! 

Jan 05, 2011 06:44 AM
Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Great post and I love the picture too!   It is so hard for clients to Mentally move on when they are upside down...until they do it is hard to discuss options with them!    But when they are there it is much easier to help them out of a difficult situation! 

Jan 05, 2011 01:48 PM