17 Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.

1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs.

2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. But don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. However, it's possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.

4. Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.

5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day. 

6. Remember, most movers won’t take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.

7. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.

8. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.

9. Don’t over-pack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

10. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.

11. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.

12. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

13. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy. 

14. Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don’t want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.

15. Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.

16. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.

17. Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

8 Super-Secret Hiding Places for Holiday Presents

After you’ve fought the crowds for the best bargains, you’ll face another dilemma: Where to hide all those presents?

Whether you’ve got a nosy spouse or a curious kid, you need a good hiding place to squirrel away those gifts until you find time to get them wrapped and under the tree. Here are some ideas:

1. Borrow a friend’s house.  Swap storage spaces with a trusted friend or neighbor, and you won’t spoil any surprises.  This is particularly useful if you’re buying someone a big present like a bicycle or a car – you might talk a neighbor into letting you borrow space in their garage until Christmas morning.

2. Pop the trunk.  This won’t work if you have an SUV or hatchback, but if you’ve got a car with a trunk that’s closed off from the backseat, it’s a primo place to hide gifts.  Small children will never get in there.

3. Make your office work for you.  If your office is a safe, secure place, squirrel some presents there.  This is only an option if you work out of your home though – home offices are prime targets for prying eyes.

4. Take stock of kitchen pots.  Got a huge stock pot?  Unless you’re planning to make a giant vat of soup anytime soon, the stock pot can hold a load of small gifts, and chances are your family will never think to look there.

5. Make use of your underwear drawer.  Small presents can easily fit there.  Your spouse probably won’t hesitate to look there, but your kids might stop short of rifling through your skivvies.  (We hope).

6. Crack the crawling space.  If you don’t mind a little dirt and some creepy-crawlies, the crawl space can hold some sizable presents.  Don’t store anything there for too long, though – unless your crawl space is insulated.  Moisture and temperature changes could damage items.  Plastic toys are okay to keep outside; electronics should be stored inside.

7. Rent a storage space.  If you’ve got a ton of presents to hide, you’ll need to look outside your house.  Some storage units offer one-month-minimum specials for as low as $25.  Check the storage units inyour area for deals.

8. Go for the cleaning supply closet.  Worst-case scenario: your kids might find presents there, but they’d also find the cleaning supplies, which means they might actually clean something.  Now that would be a Christmas miracle.

Where do you hide holiday presents?

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

6 Ways to Save Money on Gas

To ease the pain at the pump, follow these easy tips.

1. Don’t tailgate.  By keeping your distance from the car in front of you, you can take your foot off the gas pedal to slow down instead of slamming on your brakes.

Gas Savings: Driving aggressively lowers your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% around town. (Seattle Times, April 16, 2011)

2. Drive the speed limit.  Stay within the posted speed limits, and your vehicle will sip fuel instead of gulp it.

Gas Savings:  Speeding along at 75mph, as opposed to 65mph, can increase fuel consumption by 25%. (US Federal Trade Commission)

Close your windows when you’re on the highway.  While air conditioning reduces fuel efficiency, you’ll create more drag on your car with the windows open.  However, when you’re cruising around town, turn off the AC and run the fan instead.

3. Reduce weight.  Remove anything you don’t need from the car.  This includes ski racks in the summer, bike racks and golf clubs in the winter and luggage racks when you’re not travelling.

Gas Savings:  Extra junk in the trunk can reduce mileage by 2% or 8 cents/gallon, while sports racks can reduce mileage by 5%.  (Seattle Times, April 16,2011)

4. Keep tires properly inflated.  Look in your owner’s manual or on the side of the door to find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.  However, don’t over inflate them as you’ll reduce the tire grip and could cause an accident.

Gas Savings:  Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 3%.  (Seattle Times, April 16, 2011)

Keep your car in top shape: change the air filter, spark plugs and fluid as advised by your owner’s manual.  While the fuel savings of a new air filter is debatable, there’s no doubt that keeping your car in good condition will improve its performance.

5. Don’t idle!  Turn your car off if you won’t be moving for more than a minute.

Gas Savings:  Idling can cost up to half  gallon of gas an hour, especially if your car has a large engine.  (Investopedia, March 2, 2011)

6. Avoid rush hour and combine your trips.  By anticipating traffic conditions and combining trips, you’ll keep your engine warm and reduce fuel consumption.

Gas Savings: Improves fuel economy by 5-10%.  (US Federal Trade Commission)

Smart Ways to Reduce Fuel Costs

-        Carpool to work:  Form a carpool with neighbors or visit ERideShare.com or CarPoolConnect.com to find a carpool near you.

-        Bike or walk if possible:  Both options are good for your health and your wallet.

-        Take public transportation:  Many automobile insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who take public transportation to work.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

Your Home - Guest List

The holidays bring food, gifts, good times – and guests.  Hosting houseguests can be joyful and stressful, but you can minimize the hassle with thoughtful planning and preparation.  Consider these tips from Real Simple and Woman’s Day.

Get your house in order.  Cut out any unnecessary drama by discussing – and approving – houseguests (who, how many and for how long) with your spouse and the rest of your household well before anyone arrives on your doorstep.  Next, ensure you have adequate space for the number of guests you’ll have.  Sleeping arrangements will be different depending on your guests’ situations.  For example, young children may need to sleep in the same room as their parents, so you may want to provide a futon or air mattress.

Stock your kitchen.  Avoid the stress of creating daytime meals on the fly by stashing a few easily defrosted dishes that guests can help themselves to throughout the day, such as lasagna or baked mac ‘n’ cheese.  And be sure to set a specific dinner time so everyone can plan accordingly.  For breakfast, opt for small baskets of muffins or bagels with jellies and butter and keep a pot of hot coffee with ample supplies of cream and sugar so that guests can wake up and feed themselves at their own pace.

Don’t forget about it.  Help your guests settle in by stocking up on the often-forgotten necessities, such as toothbrushes, travel-sized toothpaste and shower products, disposable razors and make-up remover wipes.  Equip each bedroom with extra linens, and add a scented candle or two to make the rooms feel like a posh hotel.

Have fun!

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Your Home – Bathing Beauty

The bathroom. Big or small, it’s one of the rooms in your house that gets a lot of attention – from you, your family and friends, and potential buyers.  And as one of the most popular rooms in the house, it deserves an update every now and again.  Even if renovations aren’t in your plans, there are some easy ways to update it on a budget.  The key is to revamp focal points, such as mirrors or rugs, and then focus on unique additions.  Consider these tips from Apartment Therapy.

Start by replacing the mirror – a bathroom staple – with a more contemporary shape and style.  For big impact with minimal effort, reduce clutter on the bathroom counters by repurposing mason jars from the kitchen to hold makeup brushes and pencils, small combs or extra toothbrushes, and store makeup or other odds and ends in stylish mini baskets or ceramic pots.  To refresh the counter without replacing it, change out the fixtures and accessories like the soap dispenser and towel rack.

Pull together the entire bathroom with complementary or matching hues for bathroom essentials such as towels, washcloths and a shower curtain, or stencil an easy, colorful border around the mirror or ceiling for an added pop of color.

Treat your bathrooms like any other room in the house.  Use framed postcards, vacation photos or pressed photos to create inexpensive artwork to deck the walls.  Consider repurposing other household items to give the bathroom a welcoming vibe, such as wine racks for rolled up towels.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Short Sale Incentives

Get cash to sell the home you can’t afford

Since the beginning of the housing crisis, millions of homeowners have found themselves pinned in by their financial circumstances and chained to a mortgage on which they owe more than their home is worth. In the past, homeowners enduring these challenges had very few options, and most would be forced to lose their home to foreclosure.

Today, however, there are more options. The government and the banks have created a multitude of programs and foreclosure alternatives that can help people in these circumstances find a dignified solution for their problems without crippling their financial future. These options include loan modifications, refinancing, or short sales.

The most amazing development in today’s market, however, is one simple fact: Banks are now willing to give cash to homeowners to sell the home they can’t afford.

Please contact me today if you or someone you know could use my help and wants the latest information about current incentives available to distressed homeowners.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Staging Your Kitchen For Sale

An Inviting kitchen can set the scene to help buyers visualize living in your house. Additionally, the state of this room gives buyers a glimpse into the care of the rest of the home. Although many sellers choose to complete a basic remodel prior to listing, here are a few things you can do to present your kitchen in top form to potential buyers.

·       Do a thorough cleaning.

Aside from when the in-laws arrive for the holidays, this is the one time you really want your kitchen to shine. Wipe down and scour the baseboards, ceiling fans, walls, windows, cabinets and floors until they’re spotless… then scrub some more.

·       Polish chrome fixtures, hardware and stove knobs.

If these items are dated or too worn, consider replacing them. Otherwise, a rag and some polish will make these features shine like new.

·       Paint the walls.

A fresh coat of paint in a muted or neutral color can revitalize the entire look and feel of a room for much less than the cost of a remodel.

Remove all personal photos from the counter and refrigerator to help buyers imagine cooking, dining and entertaining in the space.

·       Keep surfaces clean and clutter free.

Store cleaning products and small appliances in the cabinets under the sink. Don’t leave your dishes in the sink, drying rack or even the dishwasher. When you put them away in the cabinets, make sure that plates are stacked by size and mugs are aligned.

·       Set the tone

Make the space look homey with a few cookbooks, arranged in size order, on the counter or bookshelves. To add a splash of color, place polished fruit in a large bowl or houseplants in colorful pots on the counter.

·       Maximize the space you have.

With the right combination of furniture and accessories, you can highlight the kitchen’s features while minimizing its limitations.

Brighten the kitchen by replacing dim light bulbs and removing heavy curtains. All of your hard work will go unnoticed if the prospective buyers can’t see.

Cynthia Schmier

Owner/Broker

RE/MAX Country

360-400-3475

www.Cynthia-Online.com

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Find Top Deals for Your Next Vacation

Summer is right around the corner; have you begun planning your summer vacation? Whether you’re planning a trip for the whole family or a romantic getaway for two, there are many ways to save on every part of your trip.

Social Couponing Websites

Social couponing websites like Groupon and LivingSocial now offer more than discounts for services at local businesses. In partnership with the leading travel website Expedia, Groupon Getaways offers significant discounts on packages to top travel destinations all over the world. Subscribers are sent a weekly email that features several of the travel deals that are vbeing offered for the week. Interested parties then have two weeks to purchase the deal. Similarly, LivingSocial Escapes also sends subscribers weekly emails outlining its latest travel deals. When you purchase a deal through LivingSocial Escapes, you can refer it to your friends; if three of them purchase the deal, you get yours for free.

3 Ways to Get a Deal through Social Couponing

1.      Scoop up deals before your trip. A few weeks before you leave, sign up to receive deals specific to the city or region you’re visiting.

2.      Read the fine print to find out when the deal expires, if there are blackout dates and the amount of taxes involved.

3.      Do you research. Call or go online to find out the regular cost of the hotel, restaurant or other amenities offered to make sure you’re getting a deal.

Membership Pays Off

AAA offers last minute deals that can save members up to 70% on their vacations. Through AAA Vacations, members can choose from deals on cruises and vacations to locations around the world. AAA’s Best Price Guarantee ensures that members receive a good deal – if a member finds a cheaper rate for the same exact itinerary within 24 hours of booking the trip, AAA will match the lower rate. Other cruise benefits include champagne upon arrival, priority boarding and pre-paid gratuities. Members can choose from guided or independent land vacations that often include amenities such as free hotel stays, free meals and travel insurance.

Members of Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club have access to exclusive deals on cruises and vacation packages to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, popular island locales and domestic destinations including Las Vegas and Disney World. The popular warehouse chains also offer discount deals on rental cars through the major rental car companies.

LivingSocial Escapes serves more than 10 million subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner

RE/MAX Country

360-400-3475

www.Cynthia-Online.com

10 DEADLY MISTAKES Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home

Protect yourself from these ten common pitfalls…

MISTAKE NO. 1

Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Making a connections with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs – before, during and after the sale.

MISTAKE NO. 2

Making an offer on a home without being pre-qualified.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Pre-qualification will make your life easier – take the time to talk with bank or mortgage representatives. Their specific questions with regard to income, debt and other factors will help you determine the price range that you can afford. It is one of the most important steps on the path to home ownership.

MISTAKE NO. 3

Not knowing the total costs involved.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Early n the buying process, ask your real estate agent or mortgage representative for an estimate of closing costs. Title insurance and lawyer fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as homeowner’s association fees and insurance mist also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.

MISTAKE NO. 4

Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the Internet.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Many homes listed in magazines or on the Internet have already been sold. Your best course of action is to contact a real estate agent. They have up-to-date information that is unavailable to the general public, and they are the best resource to help you find the home you want.

MISTAKE NO. 5

Thinking that there is only one perfect home out there.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New prospects arrive on the market daily, so be open to all possibilities. Ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis. This compares similar homes that have recently sold or are still for sale.

MISTAKE NO. 6

Not considering long-term needs.

Here’s how to avoid it:

It is important to think ahead. Will your home suit your needs 3-5 years from now? How about 5-10 years?

MISTAKE NO. 7

Not following through in due diligence.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Make a list of any concerns you have relating to issues such as crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Ask the important questions before you make an offer on a home. Be diligent so that you can have confidence in your purchase.

MISTAKE NO. 8

Not having a home inspection.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Trying to save money today can end up costing you tomorrow. A qualified home inspector will detect issues that many buyers can overlook.

MISTAKE NO. 9

Not examining insurance issues.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Purchase adequate insurance. Advice from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.

MISTAKE NO. 10

Not purchasing a home protection plan

Here’s how to avoid it:

This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year from the date of sale. It usually covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your agent to help you find the protection plan you need.

Tips for making the selection process easier:

Bring a camera to document each home that you visit. Start each tour with a shot of the address plaque so that you can easily identify each home later.

Take notes during each home visit. Record any notable features, architecture and design elements. List what changes you would make and what details really stand out. You will especially want to write down your first impressions of each home.

Pay attention to the home’s surroundings. Generally, avoid the most upgraded home on the block. Is it in a friendly neighborhood? Will parking be an issue? Is it a good area to walk your dog or have an outdoor pet altogether? Is it in a good school district?

Visit homes that you were interested in again a few days later at a different time of the day. You may notice some nuances you missed earlier.

Cynthia Schmier

RE/MAX Country

360-400-3475

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

5 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home

Putting your home on the market isn’t as simple as placing a FOR SALE sign in your yard. There are several steps to take prior to listing your home that will make the transaction smoother and quicker.

One. Hire a real estate agent.

It may be tempting to list your home on your own to avoid paying a sales commission, but selling your home is a full-time job itself. A real estate professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from your home’s sale. An agent will recommend the best listing price, market your home effectively and show your home to buyers. An agent also recognizes what buyers are looking for in a new home.

Two. Get your home inspected.

You are required to disclose any problems with your property to prospective buyers. Failure to do so will lead to further complications, even if you weren’t aware of the flaws ahead of time. Hire a professional inspector to identify and document any problems with your property. Also, make sure your home has a clean bill of health from termites.

Three. Make repairs ahead of time.

A long list of necessary repairs is a manor put-off for most buyers, who may decide to move on rather than deal with the headache of fixing up the home. Do as many repairs yourself as possible, then hire a contractor to complete the rest. If you decide to make major repairs beforehand, hire a reputable professional to provide cost estimates that you can show to any interested buyers to put their minds at ease.

Four. Showcase your home.

Curb appeal and first impressions are valuable assets when selling your home. Clear unnecessary items from your yard and maintain the landscape to welcome visitors. Keep the interior of your home clutter-free to maximize your home’s livable space.

Five. Price it right.

The original asking price of your home has a huge impact on the ultimate sales price. If you price it too high, buyers will look for better values and your home will remain on the market longer. The longer your home is on the market, the less desirable it becomes to buyers – even if you eventually lower your asking price – because most buyers will avoid a home that others are avoiding. Conversely, pricing your home too low may result in a quicker transaction but will yield you less money in the end.

Cynthia Schmier
360-400-3475
www.Cynthia-Online.com

Major Changes Announced for HAFA!

Major news in the short sale and housing industry! On Friday, March 9, the Obama Administration announced updates to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) program. Created in 2009, HAFA is a government-sponsored initiative assisting all Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) eligible homeowners in avoiding foreclosure through short sales and deed-in-lieus.
The HAFA updates will allow more distressed homeowners to seek assistance. Most importantly, the deadline for submitting for HAFA eligibility has been extended a full year, from December 31, 2012, to December 31, 2013.
Other major changes from March’s updates to the HAFA program include:

• The removal of occupancy requirements. Previously, HAFA required homeowners to have lived in the property within the last 12 months.

• $3,000 relocation incentives are now limited to properties occupied by an owner or tenant at the time of the short sale.

• Mortgage payments may now be allowed to exceed 31% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. This update will allow a homeowner to stay current on her mortgage and still qualify, minimizing the overall impact to her credit.

• Secondary lienholders may now receive up to a maximum of $8,500, up from $6,000 previously.

• And one of the most dramatic changes: The Credit Bureau Reporting will now be Account Status Code 13 (paid or closed account/zero balance) or 65 (account paid in full/a foreclosure was started), as applicable.

So now a homeowner can be current on their mortgage, qualify for HAFA, continue to make their payments, and execute a short sale with minimum impact on their credit!

Cynthia Schmier
cynthia@cynthia-online.com
(360) 400-3475

Is Your Mortgage Out of Balance with your Budget?

It can happen quickly.

An expensive car repair, an unexpected hospital visit, a missed week of work – just a few little things and the life you’ve worked so hard to build can feel like it’s tipping dangerously out of balance.

Once the scales turn against you, it can feel like it is impossible to ever tip them back in your favor again. When your financial problems reach the point where they threaten your home, it is difficult to manage the stress. Sometimes it is even difficult to force yourself to seek help.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to provide financially-challenged homeowners with options to foreclosure, ensure that they steer clear of scams, and help navigate them through the solution that best meets their needs.

Choose to face the challenge with a professional on your side.

I can help you realign the balance in your financial life and tip the scales back in your favor. Call or email me and schedule your free, confidential consultation. We can work together to make sure you end up ahead.

Cynthia Schmier

360-400-3475

cynthia@cynthia-online.com

What Is Your Plan?

Avoid Honest Mistakes – Beneficiary Designations Must be Up-to-Date

Retirement plans, annuity contracts and life insurance policies acquired through an employer or owned individually usually have specific named beneficiaries that supersede any instructions in a will. These assets convey directly to heirs, and are not subject to the time-consuming and potentially costly probate process.

A named beneficiary can be anyone you wish to inherit your assets – a relative, friend, trust, charity, university or another institution. You can also choose more than one primary beneficiary and specify the percentage of their assets that each will receive.

In addition, you may want to name secondary beneficiaries who would inherit only if something were to happen to the primary beneficiary before the benefit was actually paid.

Has your situation changed?

Financial institutions may be obligated to transfer your assets or pay insurance benefits to whomever you have named on the official designation forms, even if your situation has changed and there would seem to be an obvious mistake.

·       There have been unfortunate cases when an ex-spouse remained listed as a beneficiary, despite the fact that the account holder had long been remarried and fully intended for the current spouse to receive the funds.

·       Failing to add the latest-born child to the list of previously-named beneficiaries is another regrettable oversight. Also, grown children who previously named their parents frequently forget to make a change once they are married and have their own families.

Are your forms up-to-date?

It’s a good idea to check periodically and confirm that your intended beneficiaries are named correctly on all of your accounts and policies.

If you need to adjust your designations, you can often find the forms on your financial institution’s website, or simply call to request them. Make copies of all the beneficiary forms you have submitted and keep them with the rest of your estate planning documents.

Decisions concerning the naming of your beneficiaries should usually be made in light of your overall estate plan, so you may want to consult an estate-planning professional for advice. If you don’t already have someone you know and trust, feel free to contact your real estate agent who may be able to recommend a qualified individual who can help.

The Cynthia Schmier Team

(360) 894-1164

www.Cynthia-Online.com

Copyright: Buffini & Company. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Steer Clear of SCAMS!

During the toughest of times, there are always a few swindlers who emerge with shady schemes that serve to make a bad situation a lot worse. The current foreclosure crisis is certainly no exception.
Here are the Top Ten Warning Signs of a Mortgage Modification Scam:

1. “Pay us $1,000, and we’ll save your home.”
Some Legitimate housing counselors may charge small fees, but fees that amount to thousands of dollars are sign of potential fraud – especially if they are charged upfront.

2. “I guarantee I will save your home – trust me.”
Beware of guarantees. Unrealistic promises are a sign that the person making them has not considered your specific circumstances.

3. “Sign over your home, and we’ll let you stay in it.”
Be very suspicious if someone offers to pay your mortgage and rent your home back to you in exchange for transferring the title. Signing over the deed gives another person the power to evict you, raise your rent or sell the house.

4. “Stop paying your mortgage”
Do not trust anyone who tells you to stop making payments to your lender and servicer, even if that person says it will be done for you.

5. “If your lender calls, don’t talk to them.”
Your lender should be your first point of contact for negotiating a repayment plan, modification, or short sale.

6. “Your lender never had the legal authority to make a loan.”
Do not listen to anyone who claims that “secret laws” or “secret information” will be used to eliminate your debt and have your mortgage contract declared invalid.

7. “Sign this now; we’ll fill in the blanks later.”
Take the time to read and understand anything you sign. Never let anyone else fill out paperwork for you. Don’t let anyone pressure you into signing anything that you don’t agree with or understand.

8. “Call 1-800-Fed-Loan.”
Some companies trick borrowers into believing that they are affiliated with or are approved by the government or tell you that you must pay them high fees to qualify for government loan modification programs.

9. “File for bankruptcy and keep your home.”
Filing bankruptcy only temporarily stops foreclosure. If your mortgage payments are not made, the bankruptcy court will eventually allow your lender to foreclose on your home…

10. “Why haven’t you replied to our offer? Do you want to live on the streets?”
High-pressure tactics signal trouble.
Your best bet for making sure that scam artists don’t end up with your shirt as well as your house: Contact a Certified Distressed Property Expert. CDPE agents are tapped into scams as they emerge and committed to keeping clients connected to legitimate solutions.

Cynthia Schmier
RE/MAX Country
206 Yelm Ave W, Yelm, WA 98597
360-400-3475
ShortSalesYelm.com
Disclaimer: The above brokerage assumes no responsibility nor guarantees the accuracy of this information and is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional counsel regarding your rights as a homeowner.