Blog

I remember writing earlier this year that I had finally gotten to the point of only having very few Short Sales ...it wasn't but 30 days or so later...when out of nowhere...Came A Batch...not just 5 or 6...but over 10...WHAT? What had happened? Where are these coming from? And you know what? They are now Super Powered...what is that you say?

I mean ones that are so far advanced that they still blow me away...Now It seems Banks will wait for BK's to Discharge only to ask the Non-obligated Borrower if they would like to skip going to Foreclosure and participate in a Short Sale instead(WHAT???-YEP)...word to the wise...No matter what I have found that sending everything to the BK Depts. also helps in the Short Sale...

I am also getting the properties with Home Assistance tacked on or Emergency Funds that helped them stay in the house prior to...tracking folks down on these is a bit timely...for us it was almost all done through NC Housing or HUD for the emergency funds...

Those are just a few...Just when you thought we could sit back...Life smacks ya with opportunity(Regular agents still don't want to do Short Sales...so they toss these files over to The Short Sale Agents "known for getting our hands dirty"-so to say)...

Better watch what you say out loud...Just when you say "I wouldn't mind a few short sales again..."...a lot of folks will hear you...and then it will be a bunch; all at once...Just like the old days... 

My fellow Short Sale Superstars how many times can you shake your head? 5 and even 10 Short Sales(COMPLETED) Doesn't make you an Expert... agents are playing with someones biggest investment...and biggest loss; agents should know what you are doing when they take on a short sale, PERIOD...So again I hear the tale of a listing lost to a Very Good Agent...who sucked at short sales....by the time the potential client realized it...it was too late to re-list and get it sold....UUGGHHH

So the story goes of a great couple needing to complete a short sale with 1 lien(we all know how rare and what a dream it is to just have 1 lien)with Wells Fargo...mind you the agent originally taking the listing was well known in that area...BUT, that agent also knew my team...it was not long after taking the listing that the essential hardships of having a short sale starting popping up, paperwork, participation requests, title searches, etc., etc...so we know...that is truly when the Agents that aren't in the trenches with this stuff every day start to flounder...which happened here...

Where the client needs HELP and someone who can maneuver ins/outs of a short sale, can knock down doors and get this transaction done...A Short Sale Superstar...you know by now if you are one or not...I am not knocking anyone, we all have strengths in our job abilities...I say stick with those, Maybe you can wing showing luxury homes if your just a "newbie"...maybe you can get that listing even if you have never listed in that neighborhood before...BUT DON'T TAKE A SHORT SALE LISTING IF YOU TRULY HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT DOING THEM....

I'm happy to pay a referral, I'm happy to help be brought in on the deal...I am happy to help them, BUT THEY NEED YOUR EXPERTISE AND HELP, DIRECTION, KNOWLEDGE REGARDING POTENTIALLY LOSING THEIR HOME...

If you don't have that, move over...But do it before they call me and realize...IT WAS TOO LATE!

As the year comes to a close you may be wondering what the foreclosure and short sale market looks like in San Mateo Clara County. In a word, things are pretty quiet. The numbers of sales are down. Here is what it looks like:

Closed sales from June 1,2012 to Dec 26, 2012:  

Bank owned: 259

Short Sales: 509

Compared to the first 6 months of 2012:

Bank owned: 387

Short sales: 462

Current Active Sales:

Bank Owned:  17

Short Sales: 22

Current Pending Sales:

Bank Owned: 44

Short Sales: 310

As you can see there has been a large drop off in REO sales with a slight increase in short sales.

I expect a decrease in both short sales and foreclosures as San Mateo County home values increase, loan modifications increase, and the Homeoner's Bill of Rights takes effect in 2013. As prices increase fewer homeowners are underwater, and the need for short sales and foreclosures decrease. Also, the tax exemption of the debt forgiveness on short sales and foreclosures expires at the end of 2012. This will be a big incentive for homeowners to try to hold on until they are no longer underwater.

If you have any questions about San Mateo County Short Sales or Foreclosures please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

D.R.E. 01191194

650-619-9285

Number of Foreclosures Showing Signs of Decreasing

The number of foreclosures in July 2012 is 10% lower than the amount from July 2011. Finally, it looks like the real estate market is making solid improvement. In fact, July 2012 is the 22nd month, in a row, to show a decline in foreclosure activity when compared to the same period from the previous year.

Overall, there is a 20%+ decrease in the annual number of homes being taken over by banks. The trends are taking place in at least 38 states as well as Washington, D.C.

As a whole, the nation is seeing that one home out of 686 homes is either in foreclosure or on the verge of repossession.

In comparison, Wisconsin shows one home out of 701 is facing foreclosure. Coupled with the news from last month that housing prices are on a steady rise; it does seem that the real estate market is getting back on the right track.

What does this mean for Buyers and Sellers?

In order to see how this is a good thing for both buyers and sellers, we have to look at the big picture. Fewer homes facing foreclosure would indicate that people who were out of work, or working at below average wages for their skill set, are now finding better paying jobs. The better jobs obviously are resulting in more money, aiding these families to get current on their bills. This would indicate the overall job market is improving. A better job market means more potential buyers that can purchase a home. That is great news for people who are in a position to sell a home.

The same type of facts has an impact on people looking to buy a home. An improving job market is good for those people that were out of work, fresh out of college or working at a job that was enough to pay the bills while they searched for a better option. More employment translates to more income, leading to more savings and an improved ability to pay for a mortgage.

What remains to be seen is the impact these improvements will have on the lending industry. One of the main problems that led to the real estate crash is the loose requirements that were in place allowing almost anybody access to a home mortgage. It is doubtful that mortgage lenders will return to those kinds of practices. However, it is a good assumption that lending rules will ease a bit in the coming months to help borrowers take advantage of the unprecedented rates that we have experienced for the last 3 years.

“Walking away from my property” is a phrase often used by struggling homeowners who are considering allowing their homes to fall into foreclosure. However, the phrase does not accurately depict what negative effects a foreclosure actually has on a borrower’s situation yet many believe that it is as simple as letting your home fall into foreclosure and walking away. That is certainly an understatement and I will tell you why.

Think about the basic situation. You borrowed money from X (lender one) and Y (lender two assuming you have 2 liens) and later you tell both X & Y you are unable to repay your debt. So you “walk away” from the situation. Would X & Y just accept the loss and wave their hands while you leave the situation? No. Here is what they will do.

Recourse & Non Recourse State
There are different foreclosure laws in every state. This determines what the lender can legally do in the event a borrower doesn’t pay the owed amount. In a recourse state, both X & Y are able to pursue you for the remaining balance even after your home is foreclosed on. In a non-recourse state, X is not able to pursue you legally BUT Y can and probably will come after you for the remaining balance. In other words, if you have a second mortgage (2nd lienholder) on your property, they can still get their money back.

Credit Reporting
If you “walk away” from your home and debt owed to X & Y, don’t you think they will tell A,B,C, and all other future lenders of what you did? However you handle your debt owed now will put on your credit report for future lenders to see. You will have either a “foreclosure” stamped on your report which means you really did just walk away from a bad situation or you can have a “paid for less than original amount” aka a short sale on your report which shows to A,B,C that you put effort in settling your remaining debt with X & Y rather than walking away from them.

What you decide to do now will be put on paper either way. If you “walk away,” it may be easier now but harder later in various ways such as not being able to obtain another mortgage and/or a possible lawsuit.

Keep in mind that lenders WANT you to do a short sale. You may be wondering, “well I can’t afford to do a short sale…” This is a myth my friends. If you work with the right short sale agent, you shouldn’t be paying a penny. In fact, lenders typically pay YOU for doing a short sale and it can be up to $30,000 if you do.

In this 2012 year with all of the laws and lender practices now supporting homeowners who take the time to short sell their home, simply walking away from your home will make a strong statement to all who take a look at your credit report (future lenders, bosses, apartments for rent and etc.)

If you live in Washington state, our short sale experts will show you how you can settle with your lenders and walk away with little to no liability. Connect with us HERE and we will contact you within 24-48 hours.

Hope this helps

Peter

It's time for the short sale/vs REO round-up for the first half of 2012. Today I will do the entire county, and then will break down the numbers by city.

So, in Santa Clara County from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

1783 closed short sales

1099 closed bank owned home

Total sales during this time period were 8201

Total % Short Sales: 21.7

Total % REO Sales: 13.4%

Total Percentage Santa Clara County Distressed Properties: 35.1%

This is still a significant number in terms of percentages and at this percentage they are bound to have an effect on the overall market.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in San Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Portola Valley from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

0 closed short sales

1 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 32

Total % Short Sales: 0%

Total % REO Sales: 3.2%

Total Percentage  Portola Valley Distressed Properties: 3.2%

Obviously Portola Valley is not a hotbed of distressed property activity. The one foreclosure was on a small house on Aliso in Ladera which sold for $1,075,000, a great price for that neighborhood. It is however a fabulous place to look for a home if you want a large lot, an incredible community feel, and plenty of local services as well as recreational activities.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in San Mateo County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

Marcy Moyer Keller Williams Realty Palo Alto, Ca. Specialist in Short Sales and Trust and Probate Sales

In Sunnyvale from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

58 closed short sales

32 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 447

Total % Short Sales: 12.9%

Total % REO Sales: 7.1%

Total Percentage  Sunnyvale Distressed Properties: 20%

20% of all Redwood City sales being distressed is enough to still have some effect on the overall market. However, as inventory is still so low unless these homes are truly physically distressed, which is more common with bank owned homes at this level, it probably will not have a long lived effect. It is interesting to see there are almost twice as many short sales as bank owned sales.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in San Mateo Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

Homeowners with second mortgages have a higher risk of a delayed short sale or foreclosure. Why? The 2^nd lienholders have trouble (rightly so) allowing tens of thousands of dollars to be forgiven and often times, their denial of the short sale offer results in more loss on their interest(s) than if they cooperated. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics Inc. in West Chester, Pennsylvania, says, “Subordinate liens have become the biggest hurdle to resolving the foreclosure crisis more quickly.” How do our agents resolve the 2^nd mortgage issue? By Persistence and Communication.

First, what are some local governments doing to eradicate the subordinate lienholders issue? A recent bill proposed by Rep. Jerry McNerney (Cali’s 11^th congressional District) called the “Fast Help For Homeowners Act” aims to expedite short sales by requiring second mortgage lenders to review and make a decision on a short sale agreement within 45 days. If the lender does not respond within the time frame, the short sale is deemed “approved” by the second mortgage lender on the 46^th day. McNerney ultimately wants this bill to provide relief to homeowners throughout the country.

I commend rep Mcnerney for putting effort in publicizing the issue and proposing ways to get 2^nd lienholders to comply. Do I believe more laws and regulations will improve the situation? Not necessarily. Will it actually produce positive results for the short sellers? From a historical perspective, one can easily be skeptical but we all can hope for the best.

To set the scene (reiteration of my last post) of a typical short sale with primary and subordinate lienholders, picture a room of five famished people waiting for food and suddenly throwing one pie right in the middle. Most likely, a fight will break out for the pie and it will probably end up getting ruined resulting in a loss for everyone (AKA foreclosure). This is what typically happens in a short sale transaction and 2^nd lienholders are usually the biggest contributors to this demise.

What uncooperative 2^nd lienholders do not understand is IF they allow the property to fall into foreclosure, they will get nothing from the transaction. Yes, they are able to pursue the borrower for the remaining balance post auction but they would have to pursue via lawsuit which will add on more costs, time, and a headache. The homeowner will probably end up filing for bankruptcy anyway.

Now, one indispensable element to a successful short sale transaction is COMMUNICATION. Our previous post The Secrets Of A Pro Negotiator, emphasizes the importance of communicating with all parties of the transactions well, one of which is the 2^nd lienholder. The job of a professional short sale agent or 3^rd party negotiator is to communicate the simple notion, “Here is the whole pie. You can either have a piece of the pie or nothing at all. We think you should take the piece we offer you.” Although many no’s will be spoken from the 2^nd lienholder, through months of persistence and explaining the present circumstances, they will eventually understand that accepting the offer will be the better financial choice than the alternative.

What do you think is the solution for subordinate lienholders?

Peter

In Santa Clara from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

97 closed short sales

47 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 491

Total % Short Sales: 19.8%

Total % REO Sales: 9.6%

Total Percentage  Santa Clara Distressed Properties: 29.4%

29.4% of all Santa Clara sales being distressed is enough to have an effect on the overall market. However, as inventory is still so low, unless these homes are truly physically distressed, which is more common with bank owned homes at this level, most homes will not sell for much less than fair market value. There are twice as many short sales as foreclosures in this time period which is what we are seeing in many other cities. 

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Mountain View from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

16 closed short sales

22 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 349

Total % Short Sales: 4.58%

Total % REO Sales: 6 %

Total Percentage  Mountain View Distressed Properties: 10.58%

10.58% of all Mountain View sales being distressed is not enough to have a major effect on the overall market. Additionally, as inventory is still so low unless these homes are truly physically distressed, which is more common with bank owned homes at this level, it probably will not have much effect at all. Ther are so many employed people looking for homes near Google, Apple, and other high tech companies, that homes are getting multiple offers, selling at appreciating prices, and are almost always in high demand. It is interesting to see there are more foreclosures than short sales which we have not seen in other cities. 

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Los Altos Hills from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

1 closed short sales

0 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 45

Total % Short Sales: 2.2%

Total % REO Sales: 0%

Total Percentage  Los Altos Hills Distressed Properties: 2.2%

The low number of distressed property sales in Los Altos Hills is consistant with the other high prices neighborhoods in Silicon Valley. These areas are showing strong sales, good appreciation, and plenty of buyers with enough cash and income to purchase. Compared to the same time period in 2011 there were 2 closed short sales and 5 foreclosures with 52 sales for a total of 13.5% sales being distressed. 2012 is definatley different.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Menlo Park from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

9 closed short sales

9 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 227

Total % Short Sales: 4%

Total % REO Sales: 4%

Total Percentage  Menlo Park Distressed Properties: 8%

8% of all Menlo Park sales being distressed is not enough to have any effect on the overall market. This is evidenced by the appreciation and high activity level of the market.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in San Mateo Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Woodside  from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

3 closed short sales

4 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 51

Total % Short Sales: 5.8%

Total % REO Sales: 7.8%

Total Percentage  Woodside Distressed Properties: 13.6%

These numbers do not tell the whole story. 3 of the 4 foreslosures and 2 of the 3 short sales were in the Skyline area which is always a harder sell than closer to town, so given that information again, there are almost no distressed property sales in Woodside. There are currently 47 active listings in Woodside, about the same number as in Palo Alto, but without the incredible competition for homes like in the Palo Alto market. Maybe it is worth giving Woodside a look if you are having trouble finding what you want in Palo Alto.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in San Mateo County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

In Palo Alto from Jan 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012 there were:

1 closed short sales

3 closed bank owned homes

Total sales during this time period were 284

Total % Short Sales: .3%

Total % REO Sales: .9%

Total Percentage  Palo Alto Distressed Properties: 1.2%

1.2% of all Palo Alto sales being distressed properties is not enough to even comment on. The price of homes have in Palo Alto is now up to pre 2008 prices in the $2,500,000 price range and the homes over $2,500,000 usually do not have loans that are a very high percentage of their value so anyone who is having financial problems can generally sell and be made whole. So if you are looking for a bargain, look outside of Palo Alto.

If you have any questions about short sales or foreclosures in Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

DRE  01191194

Marcy Moyer Keller Williams Realty Palo Alto, Ca. Specialist in Short Sales and Trust and Probate Sales

It's the beginning of the year so time for the round-up of last year's distressed property sales in the Cambrian Neighborhood of San Jose. So here's what happened:

Single family and condo townhomes :

Total sales:  656

Short Sales: 130

REO:            89

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales: 33.45

Compare to 2010

Total sales:   750

Short Sales:   114

REO:            104

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales:  29%

My conclusion:

The percentage of distressed properties in Cambrian is higher in 2011 over 2010. Also a 34% distressed property sale percentage is absolutely probably not enough to affect values. What is interesting is the the number of short sales in 2011 went up as the number of REOs went down from 2010 as banks have been more wiiling to approve short sales. This is being seen all over the bay area.

If you have any questions about short sales or bank owned homes please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E.  01191194

It's the beginning of the year so time for the round-up of last year's distressed property sales in Milpitas. So here's what happened:

Single family and condo townhomes :

Total sales:  513

Short Sales: 150

REO:            112

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales: 51.1%

Compare to 2010

Total sales:   535

Short Sales:   131

REO:            140

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales:  50.1%

My conclusion:

The percentage of distressed properties in Milpitas is virtually the same  between 2011 and 2010. Also a 50% distressed property sale percentage is absolutely large enough to affect values. What is interesting is the the number of short sales in 2011 went up as the number of REOs went down from 2010 as banks have been more wiiling to approve short sales.

If you have any questions about short sales or bank owned homes please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E.  01191194

It's the beginning of the year so time for the round-up of last year's distressed property sales in Los Altos Hills. So here's what happened:

Single family and condo townhomes :

Total sales:  97

Short Sales: 4

REO:            6

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales: 10.3%

Compare to 2010

Total sales:   81

Short Sales:   5

REO:            1

Distressed sales as a percentage of total sales:  7.4%

My conclusion:

The percentage of distressed properties in Los Altos is higher  2011 over 2010. 7-10% distressed property sale percentage is just beginning to affect values but I think there are other reason Los Altos Hills values are decreasing that are more important than short sales and foreclosures. The area is just not as popular these days as Atherton and Palo Alto are for the high end buyer.

If you have any questions about short sales or bank owned homes please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E.  01191194