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7 Tips for a Successful Short Sale in Delaware!

by Katina Geralis

A recent article by Inman News predicts that short sales will be more numerous this year, due to streamlined rules and a recovering economy. This means lenders will be busy and organized short sale applications will have the best chance of success.

If you are a Wilmington or Newark homeowner who lacks equity and needs to sell, these short sale tips will help you get started! Also, please see my prior blog posts on September 6 and January 24 for more information!

1. Ask your mortgage lender about their short sale requirements. They will send you the paperwork to get started. Please remember that it isn’t enough to be underwater in home value; you must also have a qualifying hardship.

2. Your mortgage lender may ask for copies of your recent bank statements, paycheck stubs, tax returns and a list of your household expenses. Be cooperative and send in the requested documentation asap.

3. If you have other liens against the property, from a second mortgage, or an unpaid debt or tax obligation, let your mortgage lender know. 

4.  If the ownership of the home had any changes since your original purchase, as the result of a divorce or other situation, declare this up front. Lien and title issues can be time-consuming to resolve.

5. Work with a Certified Distressed Property Expert who has the professional experience to help you!

6. Share information about your home’s condition with me. Honestly is the best policy. Also, if you have made repairs or upgrades that should be considered, share that too!

7. Stay in contact so the process keeps moving. I will do everything possible to help you, and I will follow up with your lender regarding the short sale process. But there may be times when your lender needs additional documentation from you, or needs to ask you a question. Make sure your lender has your current phone number and mailing address, and pay attention to everything they send to you.

Short sales can be a good solution to a difficult problem. As your professional Wilmington and Newark, DE real estate agent, I understand that selling your home can be an emotional 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 choices.

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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Delaware Short Sales Benefit From Debt Relief Extension

by Katina Geralis

There was good news for Delaware homeowners in the recent budget deal passed by Congress. While debates still continue over other fiscal policies, the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 has been extended! I'll explain why it matters to Delaware short sellers and homeowners alike!

Say for example you do a short sale, and the bank has a loss of $40,000. If your lender forgives this debt, you're off the hook, right?

Not in the view of the IRS. They consider forgiven debt as "income" because you received the benefit of the money without paying it back. Imagine having to pay income tax on $40,000 when you've already been through a hardship! This is exactly why the Mortgage Debt Relief Act is so important, as it keeps the IRS at bay.

The MDRA is also important to Delaware home owners! It makes short sales an attractive alternative to foreclosure - and short sales do not impact the market as harshly. When a bank sells a foreclosed home, the price can be discounted up to 30%. The discounted sale becomes a part of the market comparisons used by property appraisers. Homes located near foreclosures witness a steep drop in value as a result. Even if you are not planning to sell your home immediately, it can take years for your home value to recover.

Short sales are the better alternative because they list for current market value and are not discounted as sharply, if at all. They also keep homeowners engaged in a solution, which prevents home abandonment and neighborhood blight!

If you are a homeowner in Wilmington or Newark who is struggling with mortgage payments, or you want to sell your home but you have negative equity - let me help! I have extensive experience in short sales and foreclosures, and I can guide you through the options that are available. I also have tips on avoiding foreclosure on my website.

Need more information about buying a Wilmington or Newark home? As your experienced real estate professional I'm here to help you! I can also refer you to FREE home buying seminars! Take a look at the upcoming schedule, and register for the date you prefer!

Contact me for neighborhood price trends, recent sales, and expert guidance in our fast-changing real estate market!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty

Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook
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Delaware Sees Sharp Reduction in Foreclosure Filings in 2012

by Katina Geralis

One year ago, the State of Delaware had one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. This prompted our State lawmakers to create the Automatic Residential Foreclosure Mediation Program, which became effective as of January 19, 2012.

In December 2011, Delaware foreclosure filings affected 1 out of every 485 homes, according to data by RealtyTrac.

New Castle County had the highest rate of filings. Foreclosures in the State were also swift, averaging only 106 days to process. The average sale price of a foreclosed home was $121,100.

As of November 2012, Delaware foreclosure filings affected 1 out of every 1,166 homes, according to RealtyTrac. Kent County took over the top spot for the highest rates of foreclosure.

While our foreclosure process remains efficient, the timeline can now range up to 6 months. Meanwhile, the average sale price of a foreclose home has improved to $162,140.

Who gets the credit for the improvement? We all do! There are six things that have helped make a difference for distressed homeowners in Delaware:

  • Delaware's mandatory mediation program
  • Improvements in the regional economy
  • Improvements in the short sale process
  • Federal involvement with large banks to promote alternatives to foreclosure
  • Improvements in Delaware home values
  • Slowing rate of new defaults

It's important to note that it took a combination of the above to bring us to the improvement we have today. We must also acknowledge that foreclosure remains a concern in Delaware, and we will be dealing with distressed properties for the foreseeable future.

If you are a homeowner in Wilmington or Newark who is struggling with mortgage payments, or you want to sell your home but you have negative equity - let me help! I have extensive experience in short sales and foreclosures, and I can guide you through the options that are available. I also have tips on avoiding foreclosure on my website.

Have a few questions, or just want to talk about your situation? Contact me today! I will be happy to help you.

Katina Geralis

Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

 

 

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