Homeowners in Wilmington and Newark, DE who have negative equity and a personal hardship are about to get more help. Starting November 1, 2012, short sales will get easier for mortgages involving Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. 

The best news for Wilmington and Newark home sellers is that you no longer have to be behind in your mortgage to be considered for a short sale! If you have a personal hardship, you can qualify for a short sale before you are in risk of foreclosure.

For the purpose of a short sale, here are the recognized hardship categories. Bear in mind that having one of these doesn't give you a clean sweep, but gives you a case to apply for a short sale:

  • Divorce
  • Death of borrower or co-borrower
  • Business failure
  • Disability
  • Job loss
  • Natural disaster
  • Excessive financial obligations
  • Job relocation 50 miles away or more
  • Military with Change of Station orders

There are a few more changes taking effect that will speed up the short sale process. Namely:

  • Mortgage services will be authorized to directly approve qualifying short sales
  • Second-lien holders will be given financial incentive to allow the short sale
  • Home sellers in risk of foreclosure will have a streamlined process with reduced paperwork

One caveat: home sellers who have sufficient financial assets will be asked to make a contribution to the short sale. In return, no deficiency judgment will be filed for the difference between the sale proceeds and the outstanding loan balance.

Short sales will become more feasible and a bit quicker under the new guidelines. This is terrific news for the Wilmington and Newark real estate markets, as short sales use current market value in the transaction, unlike post-foreclosure sales that can be deeply discounted. Short sales preserve neighborhood home values and prevent the blight that can follow abandoned homes.

This doesn't mean that short sales are the right decision for everyone. As your professional Wilmington and Newark, DE real estate agent, I understand that selling your home can be a difficult decision, especially when your life has been disrupted by other events. This is why I provide professional guidance with compassion, so that you can make the best decisions.

If you owe more on your home than what it is worth, my experience in short sales and foreclosures can help you! It's never too early to talk to me, so please contact me today with any questions you may have!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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