What are “The Code of Ethics” for REALTORS?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Code of Ethics:

What Does it Mean for Consumers?

 

How does the Code of Ethics affect everyday real estate practices? 

If a REALTOR® represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR® to:

1. Be honest with all parties in the transaction – not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.
For example, if REALTORS® represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can’t be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS® can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.

2. Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times. 
A REALTOR® makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.

3. Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller.
If a REALTOR® believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR® is obligated to investigate. REALTORS®should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR® to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR® cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR®should end the business relationship with that seller. 

4. Be truthful in all communications with the public.
When REALTORS® distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals’ work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR® was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR®’s experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.

As a REALTOR I live by this code in every day of my career and my life. Our morals and ethics are all we have to assure we provide the education and services our buyers and sellers deserve. If you would like the full version of the “Code of Ethics” please visit http://www.realtor.org/realtororg.nsf/files/R_COE-Pledge-of-Performance.pdf/$FILE/R_COE-Pledge-of-Performance.pdf

 

“Until Next Time”

Florida Housing Market Bouncing Back….

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Florida Housing Market Bouncing Back….

Florida’s real estate market is entering 2012 on an upward trend, according to three leading U.S. economists. Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo says, “Our sate is in a mini-recovery” and “sales are trending up, listing inventories have fallen, the supply of lender-related properties has stabalized, and we are seeing multiple offers on home in some local markets.”

In Fact…

Dr. Tuccillo says homes in Florida may be undervalued. “That may sound like a drastic statement,” he said. ” But a buyer who plans to own the home for 5-7 years can get some great bargains today.” Interesting statistic from South Florida I heard yesterday said at one point Miami had 9 years worth of inventory, now with decreased number of homes on the market and high buyer activity has dropped that number to less than one year. The South Florida economy is growing  based on relationships with Latin America and the Carribbean. Dr. Lawrence Yun says, “Don’t be surprised to see a gain in home prices in the Miami and Naples markets in the next 18 months.””From there, the recovery is likely to roll northward to Central Florida and then North Florida.”International buyers are driving the market in South Florida and other areas of the state.”

What about Ocala….

We are seeing positive signs locally including a drop in unemployment and reduced housing inventory. Banks are slowly releasing foreclosed/REO homes on the market and this is creating a negotiating competition between buyers. Many of the more inexpensive homes are only on the market for 1-2 weeks. We are still facing challenges getting buyers qualified for financing, however with the USDA loan programs and FHA there is great opportunity. Another key factor is the high price for rentals and availability. In todays market you can buy a home for the same or lower than you can rent. The benefits of buying to renting can create tax benefits, provide stability because there is no landlord who can ever raise your rent or sell the home without your approval.

If you are interested in receiving a monthly “Market Trend Report” please call, text, or email me anytime.

“Until Next Time”

Mortgage Applications Soar / December 2011

Posted by Duke Rountree on

12.8 % Increase in Mortgage Applications

There is large jump for 2 reasons. The first is consumers are taking advantage of historically low interest rates hovering in the 4% range. Second is the affordability of residential homes in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Salt Spring, Fort McCoy, Sparr, Anthony, Citra and several other areas.  Mortgage application can be a future gauge of home buying reported by Mortgage Bankers Association report for the week ending Dec. 2. Applications jumped 8. % from a week earlier while refinance soared to 15.3 %.

The reports  states 85.5 % were for fixed-rate 30 year loans.

“Coming out of the Thanksgiving holiday, applications increased significantly as mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels in about two months,” Michael Fratantoni, MBA vice president of research and economics, said in a statement. “In particular, refinance applications increased sharply, with some lenders seeing refinance volume double. Despite this surge, aggregate refinance activity is still below levels reported two weeks ago. Some lenders indicated they are beginning to see an increase in HARP loans, but that increase is still a small portion of the move this week.”

Source: “Mortgage Applications Jump 12.8% as Refinancing Volume Soars,” HousingWire (Dec. 7, 2011)

“Until Next Time”

Ocala, Florida Area Local Market Report 2011 – 3rd Quarter

Posted by Duke Rountree on

TODAYS MARKET…. Median Price and Existing home Sales

All real estate is local and every market is unique. Remember that when you hear reports from the major new networks. We are seeing some positive signs in the Ocala / Marion County Market with the Median Home Price now at $80,900 with 1-year Appreciation at -1.6% and a 3 year Appreciation of a whooping -40.1%. This relatively recent correction in local home prices wiped out most of the equity gained over the last 7 years. State Existing Home Sales(2011 Q3 vs 2010 Q3) is at +10.6% for Florida and Nationally 17%.

FORECLOSURE info by type…

The market share of Foreclosures by type is 88.3% are Prime Loans, 5.1% are Sub-Prime Loans and 6.6% are Alt-A Loans. There has been a decline of both 60 and 90 day delinquency rates over the most recent 6-month period suggests a decline in local foreclosure rates in the near future.

AFFORDABILITY….

Based on Ratio of Local Mortgage Servicing Cost to Income, Ocala has typically been more affordable than most markets. For example the Monthly Mortgage Payment to Income for Ocala is 6.6% compared to 15.5% in the United States for 2010 and 5.7% locally for 2011 and 13.9% nationally with the historical average at 11.3% locally and 22% nationally. The price to income ratio has fallen as well and is below the historical average.

So what does this all mean?

Well it could mean we are close to reaching the bottom of the housing value slide. But it will take a strong economy and more local jobs for the housing market to continue gaining traction. There is less inventory on the market with an increase in buyer activity, compared to the same time last year. We are a long way from seeing appreciation in our homes but hopefully close to reaching the bottom and no more depreciation of value.

“Until Next Time”

Thinking About Buying A Foreclosure, Short Sale or Auction Property?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Before Buying a Foreclosure, Short Sale, or Auction Property: 3 Things to Think About

There can be great bargains in buying a foreclosure, short sale, or auction property but buyers need to proceed with caution. Many of these types of homes can be purchased at 20-40% less than traditional reseller prices, however consider these tips before proceeding;

#1 First consider buying an REO(Real Estate Owned) bank owned property before considering a short sale or auction property. WHY? Because short sale can be lengthy to negotiate and auction properties often require an all cash purchase. REO/ bank owned properties do not have an emotional connection but simply want to recoup as much money as possible.

#2 HAVE AN INSPECTION DONE! Did you notice this is in caps w/ exclamation point. In my opinion you should have an inspection done on any home purchase. Over 12 years of experience and thousands of homes viewed has proven to me even new construction can have issues and buyers need to protect their largest investment and make sure the home is operational & most importantly safe.

#3 Don’t expect appreciation right away. I caution buyers who buy properties at big discounts from thinking they will see appreciation right away. We are still in a depressed market and probably not going to see appreciation in the near future. Finding a good REALTOR to educate you about the local market and trends .

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post and I hope you will sign up for future post.

“Until Next Time”

 

 

5 Homebuying Myths / Survey Results

Posted by Duke Rountree on
Survey: 5 homebuying myths

SEATTLE – Oct. 31, 2011 – Overall, today’s homebuyers tend to be fairly knowledgeable about the real estate market, but there are still a few points of confusion in the process, especially for buyers just entering the market. Here are the five main areas of confusion found in a survey by Zillow:

• Appreciation: About 42 percent of homebuyers believe home values will appreciate by 7 percent a year. Reality: Historically, home values in a normal market appreciate by 2 to 5 percent in a year.

• Appraisals: 56 percent of the buyers said the purpose of the appraisal was to determine if a home was in good condition. Reality: That’s the purpose of a home inspection; an appraisal estimates fair market value.

• Homeowner’s insurance: 37 percent of homebuyers think that buying homeowner’s insurance is optional. Reality: Lenders require homebuyers to purchase homeowner’s insurance if they carry a mortgage.

• Ownership: 47 percent of homebuyers said a prospective buyer owns a home after the purchase contract is signed by the seller – when the two parties reach agreement. Reality: The purchase and sales agreement is the beginning of the closing phase, but it can be a long process until they finally take ownership.

• Mortgage insurance: 41 percent of buyers think they must purchase private mortgage insurance, regardless of the amount of their downpayment. Reality: Buyers only need to purchase PMI if their downpayment is less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price.

Source: Zillow Inc.

© Copyright 2011 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

HELP for Struggling Home Owners?

Posted by Duke Rountree on

The HARP(Home Affordable Refinance Program) simply has not worked in helping many homeowners and President Obama is expected on Monday to announce “new policies” to help struggling homeowners, including a move that would allow borrowers to refinance their mortgage at current lower rates no matter how much their home values have dropped.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also expected to end a cap that excluded home owners from HARP who had mortgages that were higher than 125% of the homes value. This cap left many homeowners with little option because they simply do not have enough equity in their properties. The plan is expected to eliminate ” appraisals and extensive underwriting for most borrowers” whpo are up to date on their mortgages and want to refinance at lower rates.

Obama is also expected to announce a reduction in Fannie and Freddie loan fees. Lenders could start refinancing as soon as December 1st, however some may have to wait until early next year due to their loan-to-value limit.

Housing experts believe that allowing underwater home owners to refinance at current lower rates could be a savings of hundreds of dollars from their monthly mortgage bills and possibly help avoid foreclosure and free up household cash, helping spur economic growth.

Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/10/24/obama-expected-unveil-housing-aid REALTORS.org article October 25,2011

Ocala/Marion County Events October 17-23, 2011

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Who Says This is SLOW-CALA? Look at all the fun stuff to do this week alone!

Holiday Assistance Sign Up

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:00a to 3:00p
at The Salvation Army, Ocala, FL

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance Monday-Friday, October 3-21, 2011, from 10am – 3pm. For additional information and locations, call our office or visit our website.

http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_ocala.nsf

Pumpkin Patch

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:00a to 7:00p

Ocklawaha United Methodist Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch, selling Pumpkins and baked goods. Proceeds this year will go to help feed the less fortunate in the community.

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169730189770824

Terrific Three’s Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:15a

A variety of picture book stories, flannel boards, action songs, and finger plays followed by an activity. Program is limited to 25 children and their caregivers.

Every Child Ready to Read: Baby and Toddler Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 10:30a
at Freedom Public Library, Ocala, FL

Stories, music, art, and creative play for children ages 0-2 years and their grownups.

Baby Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 11:00a
at Dunnellon Public Library, Dunnellon, FL

Songs, rhymes, books, and more for babies and their caregivers

Family Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 11:00a
at Forest Public Library, Ocklawaha, FL

A variety of stories, action rhymes, music and art for all ages.

Fabulous 4’s and 5’s Storytime

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 1:15p

A variety of stories, finger plays, flannel boards, music, and rhythm activities followed by an activity. Child and caregiver attend.

Networking with Nonprofits in Ocala

Today, Tuesday, Oct 18 5:30p
at Harry’s of Ocala, Ocala, FL

We will head to the great city of Ocala to provide a networking
opportunity for nonprofit professionals to mix, meet, and mingle!

See you there!!

Sun Digital Electronics Recycling & Charity Food Drive For Brothers Keeper of Ocala, FL

Wednesday, Oct 19 7:30a to 1:30p

Sun Digital is hosting an electronics recycling charity food drive in Downtown Ocala. To benefit Brothers Keeper, a social outreach ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, providing the needy & homeless with emergency assistance & daily soup kitchen. Sun Digital has helped to keep over 2. read more

Faux Glazing Class

Wednesday, Oct 19 9:00a to 5:00p
at Decorative Designs, Ocala, FL

As a student of this class, you will create sample boards using the Modern Masters Professional Line of Glazing Creams and Colors. The boards that you create are yours to keep. All products and tools are provided for your use during the class.

http://www.decorativedesignsocala.com/

Science Exploration

Wednesday, Oct 19 4:00p
at Dunnellon Public Library, Dunnellon, FL

Discover science through experiments at your library. Registration rquired. For children and teens.

Sean’s Sensory Corner by Autism 4 Parents

Wednesday, Oct 19 6:30p to 8:00p
at Autism 4 Parents, Inc, Ocala, FL

Autism & Sensory intergration Meeting for September.
Parents, Families & Community Welcomed!Directed by Laurel Baxla OT. Sept. 21st (Wed.) at 6:30 pm. Location at 425 SW 14th St. Off of 301/441 – 3 blocks north of 17th Street

http://www.autism4parents.org/

SHINE Medicare Counseling

Thursday, Oct 20 10:00a to 12:00p
at Elder Options, Gainesville, FL

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHINE counselors provide information and guidance on topics that include Medicare/Medicaid, long-term care insurance, supplemental insurance, prescription drug assistance and Medicare fraud. read more

http://floridashine.org/

Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening

Thursday, Oct 20 12:00p to 5:00p
at Winn Dixie Pharmacy, Ocala, FL

Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screenings offered from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm October 20 at Winn-Dixie Pharmacy, 4417 NW Blitchton Rd., Ocala, FL., For more information call Cholestcheck: 800-713-3301 (No-Appointments)

Art at The Manor

Thursday, Oct 20 1:00p to 4:00p
at The Cherished Bride Manor, Ocala, FL

Jolene Ford teaches Oil & Acrylic Painting on Thursdays from 1-4pm. Great for Art Class for Beginners or advanced painting in Ocala! $15 class fee, start anytime, and bring your supplies. Call Alexa at 352-390-6801 for more details.

http://www.thecherishedbride.com/

Carnival

Thursday, Oct 20 5:00p to 11:00p

Blessed Trinity Carnival will be held Oct. 20 through Oct. 23, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 5 SE 17th Ave., Ocala. Armbands available for purchase at $20 in advance or $30 at the carnival. (622-5808 or www.btcarnival.com)

Wayne’s World Nightmare on Pine Street

Thursday, Oct 20 8:00p to 11:00p

Wayne’s World of Paintball’s annual Haunted trail to raise funds for Toys for Tots. 2 1/2 acres of Haunted Attractions. $7 per victim. Across from Ocala Drive-In.

http://www.waynes-world.com/wwopen.html

Grace School Annual Golf Tournment

Friday, Oct 21 8:00a to 2:00p
at Country Club of Ocala, Ocala, FL

Grace School Annual Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Ocala.
$100.00 per player
Registration 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
Includes lunch and drawing for gifts.pAwards for longest drive, straighest drive, longest putt, closest to pin, overll low score, handicap low score and $10,000 hole-in-one. read more

 

Coupon Exchange with The Clippin Chix

Friday, Oct 21 10:00a to 11:00a
at The Cherished Bride Manor, Ocala, FL

Join us on FREEBIE FRIDAYS for a fun and informative Coupon Club in Ocala.. Bring coupons to exchange & 4 month or newer for our Donation program to the Troops.. Free Coffee & light refreshments, & make new friends. New to couponing? Then pick up tips for success or how to organize!

Corn Maze

Friday, Oct 21 4:00p

Timberline Farm corn Maze Festival will be held from 4 p.m. to dusk Friday, Sept. 30 and 10 a.m. to dusk Saturday and Sundays, Sept. 30 through Oct. 31 at 3200 SE 115th St., Belleview. $6-$8. Music, train rides, pony rides, games and more. (454-4113 or www.timberlinefarm.net)

http://www.timberlinefarm.net

Coon Hollo Corn Maze

Friday, Oct 21 4:00p to 9:00p
at Coon Hollo Farms, Micanopy, FL

Coon Hollo is the perfect fall family activity! Come enjoy our 5 acre interactive crop maze, hayride to feed cows, farm train rides, tire swings, corn cribs and much more! New this year is our one of a kind “Pasture Putt-Putt” golf course and watch the goats climb up the “Goat Treehouse”, all this is included in admission price! read

 

 

http://coonhollocornmaze.com/

Keys toTransferring Wealth and Abundance Through Understanding the Principles and Psychology of the Energy of Money

 

Friday, Oct 21 6:00p

 

at Grace Fellowship Church, Ocala, FL

 

1st Workshop Series of Wealth Transfer
* Prospering through Divine order.
* Success what is it any way?
* Finding the Keys to the kingdom Principles.
* Understanding your money belief systems.
* Taking a closer look at your money roots.
* Understanding your personal blockages to receiving and keeping money. read more

 

 

Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p

Scheduled Walks Friday and Saturday at 8 PM other days and times by reservation tours available 7 nights a week just call to reserve, no extra charge for private tours. Address listed is our ticket office and also meeting place at Doc of Rock Downtown SquareCatherine Wendell Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours Owner has lived and worked in Ocala Historic District for over thirteen years Eleven of those years were at the Seven Sisters Bed and Breakfast which has been famously acclaimed haunted by Sci-Fi channel’s TAPS Ghost Hunters show

http://www.ocalaghostwalks.com/

Macabaret 9

Friday, Oct 21 7:00p
at Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala, FL

http://www.ocalacivictheatre.com/season.html

Fall Fun Nights

Friday, Oct 21 7:30p to 9:30p
at Uncle Donald’s Farm, Lady Lake, FL

Fall Fun Nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 14 through Oct. 29 at Uncle Donald’s Farm, 2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake. $9. (753-2882 or visit www.uncleddonaldsfarm.com)

18 & Up Haunted House – Scaring Ocala Back to Life

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p to Saturday, Oct 22 2:00a

We are bringing your childhood fears to life.
The Fear Fest Haunt is 18 & Up for intensity and graphic scenes. It is not recommended for people with heart conditions, who are pregnant, or suffer from intense claustrophobia or anxiety.
There will be toned down days for persons under 18 that will be scheduled throughout the month. read

Fright Nights

 

Friday, Oct 21 8:00p to 11:00p

 

 

Creature Features, Haunted Mansion, Psycho Panther Prowl, Terror Island and “Gator Man” River Cruise at Ft King Waterway are just a few of the frightly features. More details are added.

http://www.silversprings.com/2011_october/fright.html

McIntosh 1890’s Festival

Saturday, Oct 22 8:00a to 5:00p
at Van Ness Park, McIntosh, FL

Annual arts, crafts and antiques festival features 280 vendors from all over the country, all day free family friendly entertainment and a pleasant Victorian setting.

http://www.friendsofmcintosh.org/

JEEPTOBERFEST

Saturday, Oct 22 8:00a to 4:00p
at Market of Marion Belleview, Belleview, FL

Jeeptoberfest, the 14th Annual Fall Jeep Show and Swap meet held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Market of Marion, 12888 SE Highway 441, Belleview.
Registration is $15 prior to Oct. 15 and $20 at the gate. Spectator admission is $5, 12 and under are free. read

http://www.ocalajeepclub.com/

RATS AND RODS

Saturday, Oct 22 9:00a
at Don Gartlis Musuem, Ocala, FL

Rats and Rods with Big Daddy at 9 a.m. Oct. 22, at Don Garlits Museum, 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala. (362-4124 or www.garlits.com)

http://www.garlits.com/

Car Wash & Center Supply Drive

Saturday, Oct 22 9:00a to 1:00p
at Southern Self Storage, Ocala, FL

The PACE Center for Girls and Southern Self Storage are holding a car wash and center supply drive on saturday Oct. 22, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm. It will be held at Southern Self Storage-3407 NE 36th Ave. There will be hot dogs, chips, soda and water for sale. Some of the supplies needed for the PACE center are: toilet paper, paper towels, plastic cutlery, paper plates, paper/plastic cups, liquid hand soap and hand sanitizer. read

Ocala Arts Festival

 

Saturday, Oct 22 10:00a

 

 

A fun weekend of fine art in an artist friendly environment.
23,000 attendees expected.
** Estimated start time — Please confirm **

Hearse rides on the square

Saturday, Oct 22 6:00p to 9:00p

come to Doc of Rock’s Halloween party and bob for apple’s and more Halloween fun while Ocala Ghost Walks & Historical Tours offer $5 hearse ride’s around the square and up historic and haunted Fort King. offered from 6-9 PM. We know you are dying to ride in the hearse come join us!

Dogtober Fest

Sunday, Oct 23 12:00p to 3:00p
at Millennium Dog Park, Ocala, FL

Halloween Howls & Pals Costume Contests.Vendors, raffles, 50/50 drawing. Bring your chair. Kids welcome and dogs must be leashed. Call 732-8655 for information

Phantoms In The Forest

Sunday, Oct 23 7:00p
at Silver River State Park, Ocala, FL

Enjoy a Halloween celebration with spooky storytelling in the Cracker Village. This annual event is presented by Friends of Silver River State Park. Professional storytellers offer a family friendly evening of spooky tales (starting out with not so spooky stories for our younger guests.) Even the spookiest tales also offer some knee slapping hilarity for a great evening belly-laugh. read more

What is a Short Sale & Some Things You Should Know

Posted by Duke Rountree on

What is a Short Sale & Some Things You Should Know

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a transaction where the net proceeds from the sale of a property are not enough to cover the sellers mortgage obligation and closing costs, such as property taxes, transfer taxes, and real estate commissions.

ONLY Real Hardships Get the HELP!

Purchasing or refinancing your house during the housing boom is not a legitimate hardship. Banks actually review and analyze short sale sellers hardships and most center of the economy. In short the banks are going to verify the short sale is in their best interest, not the sellers. What are acceptable hardships? medical issues, divorce, disability, significant loss of income, death, unemployment, and relocation.

Laws Are Local(State)

Foreclosure laws vary from state to state and it is important to remember there are currently no short sale laws on the books. Federal guidelines are in place, however the bank does not have to do anything they do not want too. If you decide to move forward in selling your home as a short sale there are a few things to keep in mind.

1) If the bank approves the short sale will there be a deficiency amount owed for the difference between your mortgage amount and sales price, minus fees?

2) Will the bank accept a “Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure”? With a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the property owner gives the property to the lender voluntarily in exchange for the lender canceling the loan. The lender may or may not agree to forgive any deficiency balance that results from the sale of the property.

3) Potential Tax liabilities- Under federal law, a creditor is required to file a 1099C whenever it forgives a loan balance greater than $600.00 which could create a tax liability  for you. However the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 provides tax relief for some loans forgiven in 2007 through 2012.

Lastly, please seek the advice and consult with an attorney, and possibly accountant, experienced in bankruptcy law to understand all of your options.

“Until Next Time”

Delays in Foreclosures Reach New Records!

Posted by Duke Rountree on

Delays in Foreclosures Reach New Records! Home owners are living in their homes, mortgage & rent free, on average for 20 months or 599 days which is a new record according to data collected by Lender Processing Services, LLP.

There are approximately 1.9 million homes loans that are 90 or more days late, but not yet in foreclosure and 42% of those home owners have not made a payment in more than one year, with average delinquency of 397 days.

Why so long? Well there are judicial states and non-judicial states and the time frame to complete the foreclosure process varies greatly. Florida is non-judicial state and could possible clear inventories within 32 months, compared to a judicial state, like Las Vegas, that would require up to 111months. OUCH!! Yes that is correct, 111 MONTHS to work through inventories that are more than 90 days late.

In my opinion we will be working through these issue for many years to come, maybe upwards of 5-10 years and who really knows. I do know if we do not start creating jobs and help small business owners, it will take even longer because there are not enough qualified people to purchase new or existing homes.

“Until Next Time”