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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Have you been thinking about when it may be the best time to purchase a property? Well, here’s 5 reasons why you might want to make that big step now. Don’t forget, real estate has cycles. We are now in a buyer’s cycle and it’s the best time to take advantage of the market place. Remember, not too long ago, the last seller’s market? Do you remember when prices went through the roof and properties were selling like hot cakes? Does multiple offers to buy a home and  bidding over the asking price sound familiar? Well, it’s better now. If you can get into a property today, you’ll be able to ride the wave of the next seller’s market.

So how are you going to get the money to take advantage of the opportunity? Unless you have lots of cash to make that purchase, you should see your banker or loan agent to see how much you can borrow. If you need to scrape up some money for a down payment, here’s 7 ways that may help. Good Luck!

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Beware!! There are predators out there and they will take advantage of people in time of need. It is unfortunate, but be aware. When looking for help, just be careful when you make a commitment.  There are scams out there.

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Are you going to make the June 30th deadline? Hopefully you will since it’s been a stressful process. If you don’t make it, then let’s hope that Congress votes to extend the deadline 3 more months.  The Senate has approved the extension because of the enormous back log of sales and now it time for Congress to consider the extension.

According to Vicki Cox Golder, president of the National Association of Realtors, said the extension was a matter of fairness.

“These are not buyers who just entered into the market. These are buyers who previously met all the qualifications for the tax credit, but find themselves at the mercy of a work-flow jam with the lenders or other delays and might not be able to complete the purchase of their homes.”

I think it’s the right thing to do, especally since it’s not the buyer’s fault for not meeting the deadline.

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President Obama has announced that he has a program design to help homeowners that have been unemployed and other struggling borrowers. This is a program that can help stabilize home prices. The White House is also considering a program that would suspend mortgage payments for a unemployed homeowners for 3 months and give them 3 opportunities to extend the payment difference for up to 1 year.

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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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In efforts to help everybody who needs help, HUD has updated their list of counselors.  This will help you find answers to help you with your financial problems.  This is a free service and should be your step in trying to get help from your government.

If you need guidance or more information about your options, HUD may have answers for your situation.

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