Jeffrey Tung's Real Estate Blog

Our government has said they would spend another $3 billion to help homeowners keep their home if they lost their job or have a medical condition that reduces their ability to work. Eligible homeowners could receive a no-interest loan up to $50,000 for as long as 24 months and stay in the home.  This program is to prevent further home foreclosures, but will it help and make a difference? According to RealtyTrac, foreclosures have increased 8% to $1.65 million in the first 6 months of this year with the current programs, so will this help or are we digging a bigger hole in the money pit for the next generation to cover? I hope it does help and get us out of this mess. However, it’s going to take some time to see if the extra money spent will make a difference, but at least, the government is trying to help people keep their homes.

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Having a hard time keeping your payments up? If you’re like millions of people facing the thought of loosing their home, here are some options from Fannie Mae, that may help your situation. A little knowledge goes a long way.  You may be surprised to know that there is a way for you to keep your home.

Are you having problems with your payments? Need some help to keep your payments manageable? Then you might want to contact your lender/bank and let them know that you’re having financial difficulties. They will be able to help you keep your home if you fall into their criteria. This loan modification process can be a long one and can be stressful, however here are some tips that can help you through the process in a timely manner.

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• Loan Mod Backlogs Continue Despite Servicers’ Pledges to Improve  propublica.org)

According to Realty Trac, “A total of 340,740 California properties received a foreclosure filing in the first half of 2010, the nation’s highest total but down 15 percent from the previous six months and down nearly 13 percent from the first six months of 2009.”

It is encouraging to know that the foreclosures are on a decline, however is the real estate market going to survive the next wave of REOs? I think it will as long as the interest rates stay at today’s levels, unemployment declines, and the demand for housing remains strong.

The San Francisco market is a great example. Although the hardest hit areas in San Francisco, are in the lower and medium priced homes, the home sales have increased and spurred on the sales of the more expensive areas of the city. It is expected to continue for the rest of the 2010.

I believe San Francisco and San Mateo counties’ prices have stabilized in most areas and may stay at this level until something happens with the projected increase of interest rates and foreclosures, defaulting homeowners and unemployment. Based on a study by Homegain, it is not surprising to see that homeowners and agents have different views about the market place.

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FHA loans have been around for a long time, however, it is more popular these days then ever before. Borrowers can qualify for a loan with as little as 3.5% of the sales price.  Here are some things to know about these types of  loans. With the way the economy is today, these programs can help you.

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With all the talk about more foreclosures and short sales coming in record numbers, you might have thought about buying a home instead of renting. There are a few things to consider when you do make the purchase. Although home ownership offers a lot of benefits, (i.e. tax shelter, appreciation, etc.), it may not be a good time for you now.  

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Are you planning to repair the fixer upper you just bought? Have you had that overwhelming feeling when you shop for kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, tile, etc.? Well, there are a lot of things to consider. You can spend more money then what you can get in return.

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Do you think that the governmental programs from the president are helping the economy to get better? Well, it seems like it has based on a study by Realty Trac. February’s forclosures have declined by 2% from the previous month but still 6% above the level reported in February 2009. This means one in every 418 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in February.

I think we are heading in the right direction but I think it is still too soon to say that we are out of the woods.

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