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5 Most Helpful Foreclosure Resources
Over the past 3 years, I’ve posted many links to organizations and websites so you could track down answers and help. But I’ve never collected those resources in one place. These are the 5 sites you should visit to get help and stay current on what’s going on in Washington D.C. that might be able to help you.
Continue reading...Learning is The Key to Success
26. January 2010
I saw this video on the Tony Robbins web site and immediately thought you could use it as well. I know most people that come to this site do it for straight-forward, no-nonsense foreclosure advice. And that’s what I try to provide as often as I can....
Continue reading...30 Minute Hardship Letter Video Course
31. October 2009
I just finished making this almost half hour long video course. You can watch over my shoulder as I prepare, outline, and write a hardship letter and give you the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. I plan to sell this in the near future, but I need honest testimonials from people like you. So, for a short time, I’m going to put it out here for the world to see and leave feedback on. No sign ups or purchases required (right now)…all I ask is that you leave a comment as a response to this blog post.
Continue reading...Programs for Foreclosure Mediation
29. September 2009
Summary of 22 state/local programs that establish some type of foreclosure diversion program requiring lenders to engage in mediation, conciliation, or a settlement conference. Summaries include a general program description and lender and borrower obligations under the program.
Continue reading...Calling Your Servicer About Loan Mods – Is Success Possible?
8. September 2009
A video released by Freddie Mac says that it is…and that having your documents all lined up and ready to go will help make things easier for you and your servicer. I think you'll agree the video over simplifies a very complicated and convoluted process and makes it appear as if the problem is with homeowners not being prepared when they call their servicer. Com see if you agree...
Continue reading...Talking to Your Kids About Foreclosure
3. September 2009
I have five children, ranging from ages 2 years old to 16 years old. Every day they hear me on the phone with the mortgage company, talking to friends and family about our situation, discussing specifics with my husband, and generally see how exhausted I am from dealing with the ups, mostly downs, related to [...]
Continue reading...Dirty Tricks and How To Avoid Them
2. July 2009
As lenders try to minimize losses in today’s real estate climate, they’re trying to grab every income stream they can. For example, if you’re doing the right thing and trying to sell your home through a short sale, or pursuing a deed in lieu…or even if your home is foreclosed upon, they may still come after you for the debt you owe! Find out how to protect yourself in today's article.
Continue reading...My First Rant — The Foreclosure Industry
3. June 2009
After a few months of writing several times a week about foreclosure-related topics, I've decided it's time to rant a little bit and to ask for some help. You see, unlike most of the so-called bloggers and forums our there today, this one is truly here to help. That sounds more than a little egotistical as I write it. But if you've been looking for reliable, timely, well-researched foreclosure information that isn't aimed at trying to get you to sign up for something, I'll bet you agree with me. You'll also find out why the President and Congress are wrong to focus on keeping you in your home.
Continue reading...Interviewing a Professional Hardship Letter Writer
31. May 2009
Last week, I interviewed a professional hardship letter writer to get answers to homeowner-submitted questions. Becky DeGrossa has spent the last 2 years writing hardship letters for homeowners in all sorts of situations. Listen as we discuss what a legitimate hardship is, whether you have to be behind on your mortgage to get them to pay attention, using emotions to play on the heart strings of your servicer, what ABSOLUTELY MUST be in your hardship letter...and what not to put in it.
Continue reading...The 3 Steps Your Lender Must Take for a Home Affordable Modification
25. May 2009
Many people don't seem to realize that when their lenders elected to participate in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HMP), they also agreed to follow a very specific step-by-step process to get your monthly mortgage payments down to where your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is as close as possible to 31%, without going under 31%. So while you may have created your own strategy for reaching payments that you can afford, if it doesn't follow the above steps, it won't matter how ingenious your ideas were. Find out how to join us at 9 pm EST this Thursday (May 28th) for a conference call where Todd and Becky how to write a hardship letter as well by visiting this article on the site now.
Continue reading...Private No-Interest Loans for Homeowners
15. May 2009
This article has been removed from the site because the program it described is not open to the public and we have been unable to get a list of foundations that offer assistance direct to homeowners.
Continue reading...Beware the Scams
2. February 2009
Over the past two weeks, I've noticing a trend in the news: homeowners getting taken advantage of by scam artists. The bottom line is...if it seems to be too good to be true...it is.
Continue reading...Foreclosure Scams
10. January 2009
It's unfortunate to say the least, but there are people and companies around the country that see the rise in foreclosures as an opportunity to make a lot of money at the expense of vulnerable homeowners and families. People fall victim to these unscrupulous scammers every day. See how you can spot a scam artist and protect yourself...
Continue reading...Keeping Your Sanity
31. December 2008
If you've found yourself trying to remember the name of the last person you talked to at your bank or when you talked to them, our contact tracker will help. It's not fancy, but it's essential to your sanity...and it's free! Get your copy now!
Continue reading...Your Secret Weapon
16. December 2008
One of the most important things you can do to insure the success of your efforts has nothing to do with your knowledge, skills, or income. You have complete control over this secret weapon and can use it to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. So what is your secret weapon?
Continue reading...Single Biggest Hardship Letter Success Factor
15. December 2008
The single biggest factor in whether your lender can help you is usually whether your hardship condition is resolved. If it isn’t, it's unlikely your lender will be able to re-negotiate your loan. The reason is simple...they're legally not allowed to enter a new agreement with you if they know you're unable to meet the conditions of that agreement. What options do you have if you're in this situation?
Continue reading...Writer’s Block Keeping You from Writing a Hardship Letter?
16. October 2008
If you're in or nearing foreclosure, you need to write a hardship letter to explain your situation to your lender. You know that...everyone knows that. Are you stuck trying to decide what you should say or how you should say it? Do you know what your lender expects to see in the letter? If you're looking for info to help you break down your wall of writer's block...good luck finding it on the Internet. It's probably all there, but how do you know if it's correct or not. And do you have the time to devote to finding it and trying to figure out if it's true or not?
Continue reading...Feel Like Quitting?
8. October 2008
With all the gloom and doom in the news today, it can be tempting to give up on trying to negotiate with your lender. The process is difficult, but all you all have to do is persist. The difficulty has a way of weeding out the weak and those that do not have the financial ability to stay in their home. Not all homes can be saved, but if yours can, I hope this encourages you to keep trying.
Continue reading...See How Easily You Can Be Scammed
8. September 2008
In today's real estate environment, you have to be careful about who you trust. These ten steps will ensure you are not scammed by someone trying to 'help' you.
Continue reading...How to Write a Real Estate Hardship Letter
6. September 2008
Many of the sample letters we've seen on the internet have it all wrong! Keep these 5 tips in mind and you'll get your lender on your side trying to help you rather than rolling their eyes in frustration.
Continue reading...Sample Hardship Letter for Foreclosure
18. February 2008
As part of your hardship package, you will be required to submit a hardship letter. This is your opportunity to tell your story to the lender's negotiator. While you want to maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, you need to show your personal side and the struggles that put you in the financial situation you're in and put your home into foreclosure. Use this sample hardship letter to begin the process.
Continue reading...Discover How to Decide
12. December 2007
Many homeowners can negotiate their own workout agreement with their lender. It takes persistence and determination. There are pitfalls to be aware of too, though. Find out if you are in the group that has a high likelihood of success or if you could benefit from some extra guidance and hand-holding along the way.
Continue reading...
- Home Affordable Loan Modifications Begin--Foreclosure Moratorium Ends
- My First Rant -- The Foreclosure Industry
- Make Your Lender Reconsider Your Mod Eligibility
- Hope for Homeowners Equity Sharing
- Create Your Own Hope Rather Than Putting It In Your Servicer
- HAMP Switches Gears…Away from Mods to “Avoiding Foreclosure”
- The 3 Steps Your Lender Must Take for a Home Affordable Modification
- Called on the Carpet for Denied Loan Mods – Is Wells Fargo the First of Many?
- HomeSaver Forbearance from Fannie Mae
- Interviewing a Professional Hardship Letter Writer
- lisamarie: Everybody fight! If they 'lost' all this paper wor...
- lisamarie: If it doesn't work-it should. Bottom line is, thes...
- jim renfrew: yes i used them we had a three way conversion with...
- Todd Temaat: Unfortunately, you don't have much choice except t...
- Todd Temaat: Thanks for your comment. We have no connection to...
25. February 2010
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