Distressed Homeowners Defense against ForclosureMortgage troubles? I can help ...http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com5Why You Should Own a Central New Jersey Home Instead of Renthttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/2002761/2011/11/26/Why-You-Should-Own-a-Central-New-Jersey-Home-Instead-of-Rent.aspx<p> There was a time in the not-so-distant past that renting a <strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/" target="_blank" title="Central New Jersey real estate">Central New Jersey home</a></strong> made more sense than owning one.&nbsp; When prices skyrocketed, it made many homes unaffordable for buyers.&nbsp; Now, rents are going up, home prices are going down and interest rates remain at incredibly low levels.&nbsp; <strong>Here are the top&nbsp;four reasons I believe you should own instead of rent:</strong></p> <p> <strong>Reason #1 - Equity.&nbsp;</strong> The simple fact is that <strong>you can&#39;t have equity in a property you don&#39;t own</strong>.&nbsp; When you rent, you&#39;re paying someone else&#39;s mortgage and, therefore, increasing their equity with every payment.&nbsp; <strong>The further down you pay the principal on your <a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" target="_blank" title="New Jersey horse properties for sale">Central New Jersey home</a>, the more equity you build up.</strong>&nbsp; Even with the extreme ebb and flow the real estate market has seen in recent years, owning property continues to be a profitable business over the long run.</p> <p> <strong>Reason #2 - Budgeting.</strong>&nbsp; With a lease agreement on a rental property, your payment remains the same only for the length of the lease (typically, 6-12 months).&nbsp; After that, there will inevitably be an increase in payment.&nbsp; <strong>When you purchase your Central New Jersey home with a 30-year fixed rate loan, your monthly mortgage payment remains the same throughout the entire life of the loan.</strong>&nbsp; This can be an incredible help when you are creating a household budget or a&nbsp;long-term financial plan.</p> <p> <strong>Reason #3 - Community Involvement.</strong>&nbsp; Homeowners tend to put more of an investment in their community at large when they own their homes.&nbsp; Renters typically see their communities as a temporary stop while homeowners know they&#39;ll be staying there for a while.&nbsp; This will generally also <strong>helps make children feel a bit more stable</strong>.</p> <p> <strong>Reason #4 - Bargains Galore!</strong>&nbsp; Prices have come down considerably in the past couple of years.&nbsp; In many places, they are beginning to go back up.&nbsp; The loose lending practices that&nbsp;helped many homeowners get into homes they couldn&#39;t afford in the&nbsp;past are gone.&nbsp; That&#39;s a good thing, though.&nbsp; <strong>You can still score a great deal on a <a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" target="_blank" title="Central New Jersey homes for sale">Central New Jersey home</a> as&nbsp;long as you have decent credit and a downpayment.</strong></p> <p> <strong>Many&nbsp;US citizens&nbsp;still believe that homeownership is a huge part of the American dream.&nbsp;</strong> It remains a good investment over the long run.&nbsp; Prices are great, inventory is available and low interest rates make homeownership more affordable than renting most of the time.&nbsp; If you&#39;re interested in buying a Central New Jersey home, <strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/contact-ellen-manzi/" target="_blank" title="Contact Ellen Manzi">contact me</a></strong> today!</p> <p> <strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" title="Ellen Manzi is a CDPE who can help you find alternatives to foreclosure in the New Jersey area"><span data-mce-style="color: #2191ba;" style="COLOR: #2191ba">Ellen Manzi, your Central New Jersey&nbsp;Certified Distressed Property Expert</span></a></strong></p> <p> <em>Originally postd on my New Jersey Horse Property blog here: <a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/26/owning-a-central-new-jersey-home/" target="_blank">http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/26/owning-a-central-new-jersey-home/</a>.</em></p>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:16:12 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/2002761/2011/11/26/Why-You-Should-Own-a-Central-New-Jersey-Home-Instead-of-Rent.aspxFHA Secure Helps Homeowners Avoid Foreclosurehttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1999023/2011/11/18/FHA-Secure-Helps-Homeowners-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx<p> <strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" title="I am certified to help homeowners find options to avoid foreclosure">Central New Jersey homeowners</a> with good credit who are struggling to pay their monthly mortgage payment </strong>due to a rise in their adjustable mortgage rate may have help.&nbsp; <strong>FHA Secure helps homeowners avoid foreclosure by refinancing.&nbsp;</strong> Even if you have missed as many as three payments over the last year, you may still be eligible.&nbsp; Your home mortgage loan&nbsp;doesn&#39;t even have to be through the FHA either.</p> <p> <strong>To qualify for the FHA Secure program, you must:</strong></p> <ul> <li> live in the home that is being refinanced as your primary residence,</li> <li> live in a single-family, multi-family (up to four units) or manufactured home,</li> <li> meet FHA underwriting guidelines for the new loan,</li> <li> meet the current loan-to-value limits (<strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" title="Contact me now">your real estate professional can help</a></strong> you determine what that is),</li> <li> have fallen behind because of the ARM reset,</li> <li> have a&nbsp;good credit score to qualify&nbsp;for a regular home loan,</li> <li> show a debt to income ratio of less than 41%,</li> <li> show a consistently positive payment history for any and&nbsp;all other debts currently owed&nbsp;and</li> <li> provide&nbsp;proof that you have a steady income that will allow you to pay the new loan amount.</li> </ul> <p> If you are<strong> current on your New Jersey mortgage payments </strong>but are in jeopardy of falling behind due to the ARM increase,<strong> you may qualify for the FHA Secure program whether you have a&nbsp;fixed or adjustable rate mortgage.&nbsp;</strong> However, homeowners who are <strong>delinquent on their payments</strong> can only apply for the FHA Secure program if they <strong>have an adjustable rate mortgage loan</strong>.</p> <p> Please keep in mind that these are only meant&nbsp;as a guideline.&nbsp; They are in no way a guarantee that you will qualify for the program.&nbsp; <strong>FHA Secure can help homeowners avoid foreclosure by giving them a way to refinance their loan to a more manageable&nbsp;rate.</strong>&nbsp; For more information on this and other options you may have as a Central New Jersey homeowner, please <strong><a data-mce-="" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" title="Contact me">feel free to contact me</a></strong> at any time.</p> <p> <strong><a href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" title="Ellen Manzi is a CDPE who can help you find alternatives to foreclosure in the New Jersey area"><font color="#2191ba">Ellen Manzi, your Central New Jersey&nbsp;Certified Distressed Property Expert</font></a></strong></p> <p> <em>Originally posted on my Central and South New Jersey real estate blog here: <a data-mce-="" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/18/fha-secure/" target="_blank">http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/18/fha-secure/</a>.</em></p>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:17:21 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1999023/2011/11/18/FHA-Secure-Helps-Homeowners-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspxNJ 3rd highest in Loan Delinquencyhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1993563/2011/11/16/NJ-3rd-highest-in-Loan-Delinquency.aspx<h1>National Mortgage Loan Delinquency Rate Increases; CDPEs needed now more than ever</h1> <div class="meta"> <div class="date-cat-author left">November 14th, 2011 in CDPE by <a title="Visit cdpe&rsquo;s website" rel="external" href="http://www.cdpe.com/"><font color="#243f58">cdpe</font></a></div> <div class="clear">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div class="postcontent-inner right"> <div class="left video"> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="clear">&nbsp;</div> <p>From 2009 until now, the national mortgage delinquency rate trended downward. However, according to a <a title="TransUnion Press Release" target="_blank" href="http://newsroom.transunion.com/press-releases/transunion-national-mortgage-loan-delinquencies-i-0818667"><font color="#243f58">TransUnion press release</font></a>, the national mortgage delinquency rate increased between the second and third quarters, rising from 5.82 percent to 5.88 percent. Every state save 10 experienced an increase, with Florida, Nevada, Arizona and New Jersey experiencing the highest rates.</p> <p>TransUnion ascribes the increase to the tumultuous economic climate. Continued high-rates of unemployment and a caustic stock market hurt homeowners&rsquo; financial stability and leave many unable to pay their mortgages.</p> <p>This increase in the national mortgage delinquency rate shows that Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPEs) are needed now more than ever.</p> <p>CDPEs have the resources, systems, and knowledge to help homeowners in distress exit with dignity.</p> </div> <p>Respectfully,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ellen Manzi</p>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:03:51 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1993563/2011/11/16/NJ-3rd-highest-in-Loan-Delinquency.aspxExplaining the Homes Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program (HAFA)http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1987512/2011/11/11/Explaining-the-Homes-Affordable-Foreclosure-Alternative-Program-HAFA.aspx<p>A few weeks ago, <strong>I discussed the <a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/21/home-affordable-modification-program/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/21/home-affordable-modification-program/" title="Home Affordable Modification Program">Home Affordable Modification Program</a> (HAMP) as a possible alternative for <a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" title="Central New Jersey real estate for sale">Central New Jersey homeowners</a> facing the possibility of foreclosure</strong>.&nbsp; The <strong>Homes Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program (HAFA)</strong>&nbsp;was rolled out by the Obama administration in 2009 to help homeowners who were unable to modify their home loans through HAMP.&nbsp; If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment, the HAFA program could be a viable option for you.</p> <p><strong>To be eligible for HAFA, you must meet the following criteria:</strong></p> <ul> <li>You purchased your <strong><a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/" title="Central New Jersey real estate">Central New Jersey home</a></strong> and closed escrow on or before January 1, 2009.</li> <li>Your first mortgage cannot exceed $729,750.</li> <li>You can <strong>provide proof of a financial hardship</strong> which makes paying your mortgage difficult.</li> <li>The home being considered for the HAFA program is <strong>your primary residence</strong>.</li> <li>You've lived on the property in question for at least 12 months and you haven't bought another property in the last 12 months.</li> <li>Your loan is <strong>financed through or backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac</strong> funds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The criteria listed above is meant&nbsp;as a general guideline only.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Just because you meet these requirements doesn't guarantee that you will be approved through the HAFA program.&nbsp; All HAFA applicants will be assessed on an individual basis.&nbsp; <strong>As a <a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" title="Short Sale Specialist">Certified Distressed Property Expert</a>, however, I can&nbsp;help you fill out your application and provide useful information on what you will need to complete the HAFA process.</strong></p> <p><strong>If you are having a hard time making your monthly mortgage payment, are worried about losing your home to foreclosure and don't want to walk away from your financial responsbility</strong>, the Homes Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) program may be just what you need.&nbsp; <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" title="Contact me now">Contact me today</a></strong> so that we can discuss this and other possible alternatives.&nbsp; Losing your home is&nbsp;NOT your only option.</p> <p><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" title="Ellen Manzi is a CDPE who can help you find alternatives to foreclosure in the New Jersey area">Ellen Manzi, your Central New Jersey&nbsp;Certified Distressed Property Expert</a></strong></p> <p><em>Originally posted on my Central and South New Jersey real estate blog here: <a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/11/explaining-hafa-as-a-foreclosure-alternative/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/11/explaining-hafa-as-a-foreclosure-alternative/">http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/11/explaining-hafa-as-a-foreclosure-alternative/</a>.</em></p>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:49:27 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1987512/2011/11/11/Explaining-the-Homes-Affordable-Foreclosure-Alternative-Program-HAFA.aspxChange the course!http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1983033/2011/11/08/Change-the-course.aspxForeclosure fears foster true grief Reports of foreclosures by the millions have been in the news so much over the past few years that to some, it might seem like the new normal. But as a real estate professional who is in the trenches with financially stressed homeowners every day, it never for a second feels to me like business-as-usual. The prospect of losing ones home is right up there among the major sources of grief, and often, it goes hand in hand with other tragic setbacks such as the loss of a job, a divorce, death of a loved one, mounting medical bills or skyrocketing mortgage payments. Unfortunately, the first stage of grief is denial, and that’s even more the case when the threat of foreclosure is looming. No one wants to talk about or admit financial troubles—even when millions of others have founds themselves in a similar spot. It’s completely understandable, but for homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, decisive action is often the most critical step toward ensuring the best possible solution. As a real estate professional who has sought out the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I help homeowners to deal with every aspect of the grief and uncertainty that accompanies a mortgage which is no longer manageable. In the process, I help them to get on a path of financial solvency. If you or someone you care about would like to change the course of a life that’s facing foreclosure, I get it and I can help. Contact me today at Ellen.Manzi@prudentialnewjersey.com , mrsrealtor@aol.com or 732-239-5199Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:06:00 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1983033/2011/11/08/Change-the-course.aspxFour Foreclosure Alternativeshttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1982046/2011/11/07/Four-Foreclosure-Alternatives.aspx<p><strong>Nobody purchases a <a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/premiere-properties/" title="Monmouth County homes for sale">Monmouth County home</a> with the idea that they may be foreclosed upon sometime in the future.&nbsp;</strong> Unfortunately, many homeowners today find themselves facing foreclosure due to circumstances that are sometimes out of their control.&nbsp; What many homeowners don't understand, however, is that <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/FAQ.aspx" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/FAQ.aspx" title="Answers to some frequently asked questions">foreclosure is the LAST option, not the ONLY option</a>.&nbsp; Here are four foreclosure alternatives you may want to consider:</strong></p> <p><strong>Traditional Sale</strong> - Just because you are struggling to make your monthly mortgage payment doesn't mean you can't try to sell your home in a traditional real estate sale.&nbsp; <strong>If you have some equity in your Monmouth County home,&nbsp;a traditional sale&nbsp;is definitely an option to consider.</strong>&nbsp; By selling your home outright, you avoid foreclosure and may actually be able to walk away with a little money in your pocket to purchase something that is more affordable for your household budget.&nbsp; You need to work with a real estate professional, preferrably a <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" title="I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert trained to help homeowners avoid losing their home to foreclosure">Certified Distressed Property Expert</a></strong>, who understands the foreclosure process in the tri-state area.</p> <p><strong>Short Sale</strong> - <strong>As I discussed in <a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/28/what-is-a-short-sale/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/28/what-is-a-short-sale/" title="What is a Short Sale?">my blog post last week</a>, a short sale&nbsp;happens when the bank agrees to allow the homeowner to sell the home for less than&nbsp;the balance of the mortgage loan.&nbsp;</strong> Negotiating the&nbsp;reduced price with the bank takes a skilled, knowledgeable real estate agent who is trained specifically for such things.&nbsp; When&nbsp;you are able to sell your home via a short sale,&nbsp;your credit score&nbsp;takes less of a hit than a foreclosure and&nbsp;you are able to purchase a home in&nbsp;much quicker timeframe&nbsp;(2-3 years) than a foreclosure (5-7 years).</p> <p><strong>Refinance/Modification</strong> - Homeowners who are struggling with their monthly payments but have not yet fallen behind and&nbsp;have at least a &quot;good&quot; credit ratingmay want to <strong>consider refinancing or modifying their home loans</strong>.&nbsp; Interest rates have fallen to their lowest levels in years.&nbsp; Even lowering your loan's interest rate by 1/2 a percentage point can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.&nbsp; For example, if you refinanced your $250,000 home loan at 4.4% and your original loan was purchased at 5.75%, you can save more than $200 per month.&nbsp; <strong>There are several government programs in effect at this time&nbsp;specifically to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.</strong>&nbsp; I spoke about the <strong><a data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/21/home-affordable-modification-program/" target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/21/home-affordable-modification-program/" title="Home Affordable Modification Program">Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP)</a></strong> just a couple of weeks ago.&nbsp; But that is not the only program out there that you may qualify for.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Rental</strong> - Another option <strong>New Jersey homeowners may want to consider is to move out of their home, move into a home that is more fitting to their budget and rent out the home they currently own</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp; This works especially well with homeowners who have a monthly mortgage payment that is comparable to rent paid in the area.&nbsp; The rent would then cover the homeowner's mortgage costs while they live in a more affordable property until they are able to either sell the home or are in a better financial position so that they can move back into the home.</p> <p><strong>There are positives and negatives with any of these four <a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Resources.aspx" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Resources.aspx" title="Resources for homeowners facing foreclosure">foreclosure alternatives</a> I've discussed above.</strong>&nbsp; If one of these options doesn't work for your situation, <strong>there may be something else that can be done</strong>.&nbsp; The most important thing to keep in mind is that you don't always have to lose your Central New Jersey home to foreclosure.&nbsp; There are options.&nbsp; <strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" title="Contact me">Contact me today</a></strong> to discuss exactly what your options are.</p> <p><strong><a data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" title="Ellen Manzi is a CDPE who can help you find alternatives to foreclosure in the New Jersey area">Ellen Manzi, your Certified Distressed Property Expert</a></strong></p> <p><em>Originally posted on my New Jersey Horse Property Homes blog here:&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/07/four-foreclosure-alternatives/">http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/11/07/four-foreclosure-alternatives/</a>.</em></p>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:50:28 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1982046/2011/11/07/Four-Foreclosure-Alternatives.aspxWhat is a Short Sale?http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1946217/2011/10/28/What-is-a-Short-Sale.aspx<p><img height="130" align="left" width="200" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-286" style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black;" title="What is a Short Sale?" src="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/for-sale.jpg" alt="What is a Short Sale?" /></p> <p>Are you a <strong><a title="Ellen Manzi is a short sale expert in New Jersey" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/">Central or Southern New Jersey homeowner</a></strong> who has fallen on hard times and are finding it increasingly difficult to make your monthly mortgage payment?&nbsp; <strong>You don't have to lose your home to foreclosure.</strong>&nbsp; One option that may be available to you is <strong>selling your home in a short sale</strong>.</p> <p><strong>In a short sale, the homeowner and their lender (usually with the&nbsp;help of a&nbsp;<a title="Contact me to find out more about short sales" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx">real estate agent</a>)&nbsp;work out an agreement to sell the home in question for less than what is owed on the house.</strong>&nbsp; The homeowner typically has to prove a financial hardship to the lender in order to open up negotiations.&nbsp; That's why <strong>an agent who specializes in distressed properties is an asset</strong>.&nbsp; A &quot;hardship&quot; can be a job loss, a divorce or death of a spouse, a forced relocation due to a job change, too much debt load&nbsp;or an increase in your mortgage payment that&nbsp;makes it too difficult for you to maintain.&nbsp; <strong>Your <a title="I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com">Certified Distressed Properties Expert</a> can help you with this.</strong></p> <p><strong>While a short sale has a negative impact on your credit, it is much less than a foreclosure.</strong>&nbsp; At the close of a short sale, the loan is reported to the credit bureaus as being paid in full but for less than agreed.&nbsp; This can lower your credit score by anywhere from 50-100 points and can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.&nbsp; However, if you keep your credit in good standing after the short sale, <strong>you can be eligible to purchase another Central or Southern Jersey home through Fannie Mae within two years</strong>.&nbsp; An FHA backed mortgage can be obtained within three years.</p> <p><strong>In a foreclosure situation, your credit score can fall by as many as 160 points,</strong> it also stays on your credit for seven years, you might be able to purchase another property within five years (with certain limitations) and <strong>you will have to disclose that your previous home was foreclosed on with any home loan application</strong>.&nbsp; If you answer &quot;yes&quot; to the foreclosure question, there is a good chance the mortgage company may decline your application.&nbsp; If you lie, you can face a criminal investigation for mortgage fraud.&nbsp; <strong>With a short sale, you can legally answer &quot;no&quot; because your home was sold, not foreclosed on.</strong></p> <p>The name &quot;short sale&quot; refers to selling your property &quot;short&quot; of what is owed on it.&nbsp; The&nbsp;short sale process itself&nbsp;can take a while to complete.&nbsp; <strong>Before you lose your Central or Southern New Jersey home in foreclosure, see if a short sale can be done.</strong>&nbsp; If this isn't an option that works for your situation, you may have other alternatives you can explore.&nbsp; <strong><a title="Contact me now" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Contact-Us.aspx">Contact me</a></strong> now to find out what will work best for you today.</p> <p><strong><a title="Ellen Manzi is a CDPE who can help you find alternatives to foreclosure in the New Jersey area" href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/"><span class="mceItemHidden">Ellen <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Manzi</span>, your Certified Distressed Property Expert</span></a></strong></p> <p><em>Originally posted on my Central and Southern New Jersey real estate blog here: <a href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/28/what-is-a-short-sale/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/28/what-is-a-short-sale/">http://horsepropertyhomes.com/2011/10/28/what-is-a-short-sale/</a>.</em></p>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:33:10 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1946217/2011/10/28/What-is-a-Short-Sale.aspxWhat is HARP??(Home Affordable Refinance Program)http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1946040/2011/10/28/What-is-HARP-Home-Affordable-Refinance-Program.aspx<p>Here&rsquo;s essentially what we&rsquo;ve had to say about the revamped government mortgage refinancing program:</p> <p>HARP 2.0, as the media has started to refer to it, has some merit, but it&rsquo;s scope is very limited and it will have little or no impact on foreclosures or the estimated 6.4 million homeowners nationwide who are behind on their mortgage payments. The new HARP just expands the net of those who were eligible for help under the original version.</p> <p>HARP was created in 2009 to help borrowers whose loans were backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the FHA, but did not have enough equity or negative equity to refinance. Under the original version of HARP, borrowers who were current on their payments and owed up to 125 percent of the current value of their homes could refinance their mortgage.</p> <p>The original HARP fell short of expectations. Over the past two and a half years, only 838,000 homeowners have benefited from the program. The new HARP has broadened the base with looser eligibility requirements.</p> <p>Borrowers with FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgages that were sold to Fannie or Freddie before May 31, 2009, will be able to refinance, no matter how far underwater they are. Banks will only have to verify that borrowers have made their last six payments, that they&rsquo;ve haven&rsquo;t missed more than one payment over the past year, and that they have a job or another source of regular income.</p> <p>Other key changes:</p> <ul> <li>Appraisals are no longer required if there is a reliable automated valuation model (AVM)&ndash;a significant hurdle in the previous plan.</li> <li>Risk-based fees have been eliminated for borrowers who refinance to 15-year mortgages.</li> <li>Existing mortgage insurance coverage can be transferred much easier than under the original HARP.</li> </ul> <p>While the new HARP won&rsquo;t help homeowners who are behind on their payments and at risk for foreclosure, it is a welcome relief for homeowners who have been caught in the Catch-22 of not being able to refinance because they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth, and at the same time, don&rsquo;t qualify for a short sale or a loan mod because they are current on their payments and still have income and assets.</p> <p>More money into the pockets of this segment will mean more dollars back into the economy, potentially heading off strategic defaults and keeping and stemming the tide of homes entering the foreclosure pipeline.</p> <p>Call me to with any questions about this program!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Im here to help,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Respectfully,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ellen Manzi</p>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:01:37 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1946040/2011/10/28/What-is-HARP-Home-Affordable-Refinance-Program.aspxDid you know that you do not pay any real estate commissions in a short sale?http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1939785/2011/10/21/Did-you-know-that-you-do-not-pay-any-real-estate-commissions-in-a-short-sale.aspx<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>If you are facing a difficult real esate situation, my professional <em><u>Short Sale</u></em> negotiating service is your best solution for sound guidance. I can help you to sell your home and get your lender to accept the proceeds of the sale as <em><u>full satisfaction</u></em> of the mortgage.&nbsp; I work with your lender to get your obligations to them satisfied, including waiving thier right to seek a deficiency judgement against you.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> I will not ask you for any payment, all of my fees are paid by the lender.&nbsp;I have been extremely successful at each short sale that&nbsp;I have worked on, with <em><u>almost 100% success rate</u></em>. I have a referral network of Attorneys and other professionals that are available to you at any time if you need them.<br /> <br /> Get the facts, and make the right decision. I can offer you sound advise and sensible solutions,&nbsp;I will do our best to prevent foreclosure, protect your credit and your interests, and start you on your way to getting your <em><u>Short Sale</u></em> approved and closed. Once you sign up with me,&nbsp;I will immediately begin the process with your mortgage lender and handle <em><u>everything</u></em> for you. No more stress, it's all taken care of. You don't even need to attend closing, if you choose not to!</strong></p> <p>I am here to help!!!</p>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:42:29 GMThttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/1939785/2011/10/21/Did-you-know-that-you-do-not-pay-any-real-estate-commissions-in-a-short-sale.aspx3 Reasons Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Thinkhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/3-Reasons-Your-Home-May-Be-Worth-More-Than-You-Think.aspx <h1>How much is your home worth? </h1> <p> Today's real estate market is very different than it was a year ago. Prices have increased rapidly over the past 6-8 months. If you or someone you know has a home in which they owed more on their mortgage than the property was worth, that may no longer be the case. Or perhaps you've just been waiting the market out for prices to increase. Well, that time has arrived.</p> <p> I have a report which explains in detail why prices have gone up and why your home might be worth more than you think! The report is entitled "3 Reasons Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think," and I believe you'll be surprised by when you download and read the report. Once you are done, contact me today for a free market analysis. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/3-Reasons-Your-Home-May-Be-Worth-More-Than-You-Think.aspxStrategic Defaults are NOT Strategichttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspx <h1>Walking Away Is NOT The Answer</h1> <p>You may have heard that a “strategic default” can be an appropriate and even beneficial reaction to an upside-down mortgage or impending foreclosure. While this idea is widespread, the truth is that default is never an easy road to choose, and rarely ever strategic.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the ramifications of a “strategic default” are rarely explained, leaving many homeowners stranded on an island of misinformation. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the myths and misrepresentations of strategic defaults. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get the facts today!</p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Strategic-Defaults-are-NOT-Strategic.aspxYour First Steps To Avoid Foreclosurehttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Your First Steps</h1> <p>In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.</p> <p>You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure. </p> <p>Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!</p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Your-First-Steps-To-Avoid-Foreclosure.aspxThe Truth About Mortgage Modificationshttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspx <h1>The Truth About Mortgage Modifications</h1> <p>The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.</p> <p>For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!</p> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.</p> <p>Ellen Manzi <br/> (732) 239-5199</p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Truth-About-Mortgage-Modifications.aspxShort Sale vs. Foreclosurehttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Short-Sale-vs-Foreclosure.aspx <h1>Foreclosure or Short Sale: Understand the Differences</h1> <p>Underwater on your mortgage? Facing foreclosure? Avoiding foreclosure through a short sale can have many benefits for your future financial stability. </p> <p>I created this site to help spread the word about the options to avoiding foreclosure, and a short sale has many benefits. A successful short sale can reduce the damage to one's future loan eligibility, credit rating, employment, security clearance and more. </p> <p>For a free report on the differences between short sales and foreclosure, fill out the form below and click "Send". If your situation is urgent, feel free to contact me immediately. I'm ready to help you take action and secure a more secure financial future. </p> <p>As a CDPE-designated agent, I've been trained to pursue foreclosure alternatives, and I'm here to help. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Short-Sale-vs-Foreclosure.aspxOn the Edge of Losing Your Home?http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/On-the-Edge-of-Losing-Your-Home.aspx <h1>On the Edge of Losing Your Home?</h1> <p>When you or someone you know is pushed to the edge of foreclosure, it is vital to know that you have options. </p> <p>It is my duty as a real estate professional to reach out to distressed homeowners. As a CDPE-designated agent, I have received extensive training to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. </p> <p>I created this site to provide a lifeline of information regarding alternatives. From short sales to loan modifications, I can provide information to help. </p> <p> <strong> For a free report on foreclosure alternatives, fill out the form below and click "Send."</strong> Take action today and avoid falling into foreclosure. I'm only a phone call or email away. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/On-the-Edge-of-Losing-Your-Home.aspxMortgage Crisis Easierhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Mortgage-Crisis-Easier.aspx <h1>Solving Your Mortgage Crisis Just Got Easier</h1> <p> If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, the strain of figuring out what to do can be overwhelming. </p> <p> Why do it alone when you can have a dedicated, extensively trained professional on your side at no cost to you? </p> <p> Both lenders and the federal government are putting new systems in place to help you avoid foreclosure. For access to free, detailed information explaining these programs, simply download the report below. </p> <p> On this website, you can find information regarding all of your options. When you call me to find out what you can do to take advantage of these options, I will show you how having straightforward solutions to your mortgage challenge can help you to breathe a little easier. </p> <p> For more specific information and to see if you qualify, please, call me today! The sooner you call the sooner you can breathe a sigh of relief! </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Mortgage-Crisis-Easier.aspxDon't Walk Away From Your Mortgagehttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Dont-Walk-Away-From-Your-Mortgage.aspx <h1>Stop Don't Walk Away From Your Mortgage</h1> <h2>At a Crossroads? </h2> <p> Walking away or "strategically defaulting" on your mortgage is not the answer. You will find that there is nothing strategic about foreclosure, especially when there are solutions to avoid it. </p> <p> You should know that you have options, and that you are not alone. More than 25% of American homeowners now owe more than what their homes are worth, and millions more are having a hard time paying their mortgages. </p> <p> I've developed a free, detailed report on foreclosure alternatives you can download below. Download it today and give yourself a green light for a solid financial future. </p> <p> The sooner you take this step, the more time you'll have to act and move toward a more promising tomorrow. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Dont-Walk-Away-From-Your-Mortgage.aspxMake Financial Stability Your Resolutionhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Make-Financial-Stability-Your-Resolution.aspx <h1>Foreclosure Stress Never Goes on Holiday</h1> <p>If a foreclosure is threatening your happy holiday, you should know you're not alone. Millions of Americans are in the same situation, and it is my goal to help ease the stress that comes with the threat of foreclosure for as many as I can reach. </p> <p>As a CDPE-designated agent, I help struggling homeowners navigate the various options they have to avoid foreclosure. One possible option is a mortgage modification, which makes monthly payments more affordable. </p> <p> For more information regarding this and other solutions, please download the free report located on this site. </p> </p> <p> If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact me throughout the holiday. I'm here to help. Make financial stability your resolution for the New Year! </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Make-Financial-Stability-Your-Resolution.aspxMortgage Relief Fraudhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Mortgage-Relief-Fraud.aspx <h1>Don't Be the Next Victim of Mortgage Relief Fraud! </h1> <p> It's a sad but true fact that homeowners in danger of losing their homes are extremely vulnerable to scams. With more and more people in this situation, it has become increasingly common for con artists to devise schemes that take advantage of this vulnerability. </p> <p> The problem is that the solutions that these fraudsters approach homeowners with almost always have a grain of truth to them. They can sound a lot like the actual solutions that really can help homeowners, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between what is fake and what is real. </p> <p> That is why it is important to have a trained professional on your side. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, or CDPE, I am uniquely trained to help you understand the difference between these scams and the real solutions that can actually help you protect your financial future. </p> <p> Download my free report, entitled, "Mortgage Fraud Alert!" on this page, and then contact me so I can answer any of your questions and help you navigate the process without becoming the next victim. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Mortgage-Relief-Fraud.aspxForeclosure Vs. Short Salehttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Foreclosure-Vs-Short-Sale.aspx <h1>Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale</h1> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have devoted my career to helping homeowners who face difficult situations, taking them from uncertainty to resolution. Lately I've found a lot of conflicting information going around, especially concerning short sales, which you should know about.</p> <p>A short sale occurs when a lender accepts the selling price of a home, even if it is less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. For particular homeowners, this can be the best option to foreclosure. Yet, I still hear people suggest that short sales are basically the same as foreclosure.</p> <p>This is absolutely wrong!</p> <p>You need to have the CORRECT information. That’s why I'm glad you're here. To help, I’ve prepared a free report—just for you—that compares the realities of foreclosures and short sales side-by-side. Simply provide your information below, and I'll send you this report.</p> <p>If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.</p> <p>Ellen Manzi<br/>(732) 239-5199</p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Foreclosure-Vs-Short-Sale.aspx7 Short Sale Mythshttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspx <h1>7 Short Sale Myths</h1> <p>There are millions of homeowners just like you who are looking for answers and don’t know what to do. You’re not alone and you’re in the right place.</p> <p>As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, there’s still an overwhelming amount of misinformation about the options available, especially short sales.</p> <p>To give you a better idea of the short sale option, and to set straight some of the myths you may have heard, I’ve prepared a free report just for you - please fill out the information below to receive your free report. This report will clarify the following myths:</p> <ul> <li>The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale</li> <li>You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale</li> <li>There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure</li> <li>Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment</li> <li>Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved</li> <li>Banks Are Waiting On A Bailout And Not Accepting Short Sales</li> <li>Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties</li> </ul> <p>These ideas are potentially harmful to homeowners seeking real solutions. I hope you’ll review this information for yourself or share it with a homeowner in need.</p> <p>In these times, we all need to know the truth to know how to get back on track.</p> <p>If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please give me a call.</p> <p>Ellen Manzi<br/>(732) 239-5199</p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Seven-Short-Sale-Myths.aspxChange the Course!http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Change-the-Course.aspx <h1>You <i>Can</i> Change the Course!</h1> <p> If you feel like shifting economic winds have not been in your favor lately, you are in good company. More than 6 million homeowners nationwide are in some stage of foreclosure. </p> <p> If this is the case with you or someone you care about, you are all too aware of the stress and uncertainty that accompanies notices of default, unwanted phone calls and offers of help that turn out to be no help at all. </p> <p> The fact is, the last thing your bank wants is to foreclose on your home. Banks are willing to negotiate, and you need someone on your side who is adept at negotiating with banks. </p> <p> As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the best solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "<b>Change the Course!</b> And Navigate Away from an Unmanageable Mortgage." </p> <p> Contact me today and let's get started! </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Change-the-Course.aspxCash for Short Saleshttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspx <h1>Cash for Short Sales</h1> <p>Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever! </p> <p>Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one. </p> <p>Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier and quicker through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA, which also gives the homeowner $3,000 for participating. </p> <p>With the free report provided here, you can learn all the benefits of completing a HAFA short sale. Simply fill out your information below for details on the program and how you would benefit. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Cash-for-Short-Sales.aspxFeeling Financially Squeezedhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Feeling-Financially-Squeezed.aspx <h1>Feeling Financially Squeezed?</h1> <h2>Escape the Grip of Forecloure </h2> <p>If you are struggling with the emotional stranglehold of foreclosure, I'm here to help. With my assistance, we can start the process of putting you back on the path to stability. </p> <p>As a CDPE, I have extensive training to serve the needs of homeowners in circumstances where they feel they have no options. The reality is that you have many. </p> <p> Because millions of Americans are struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments, lenders are more than ever encouraged to work with homeowners to find a solution that benefits all parties. </p> <p> To find out more about foreclosure alternatives that are available to you, click and download the free report I've created on this website. </p> <p> Call me today. The sooner we get started the more time we'll have to devise a strategy to help you breathe a little easier and restore hope for the future. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Feeling-Financially-Squeezed.aspxUnderstanding HAFAhttp://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Understanding-HAFA.aspx <h1>Understanding HAFA</h1> <p>New Help Has Arrived! </p> <p>The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options. </p> <p>Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA. </p> <p>With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability. </p> <p>Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow. </p> http://www.ellenmanzishortsales.com/Understanding-HAFA.aspx