Millennials In the Market 2

Millennials part 2

Right now millennials are the biggest group of home buyers in the country, but they have some serious competition the baby boomers.  The real estate market has become a generational war zone and baby boomers aren’t fighting fair, at least according to the millennials their not.  With Baby boomers retiring in great numbers most are looking to down size from larger more suburban homes to small homes closer to or in the city.  They are looking for convince and amenities within walking distance.  Now that the economy is head upward millennials are now making enough to move out of mom and dads basement or trade in the four roommates they have for none and buy their own home.  Great news except guess what they are looking for?  You guessed it smaller homes near or in the city with in walking distance of most amenities.    

Millennials being the socially connected, environmentally conscious group they are want to buy existing homes.  They love the history, location or architectural detail and they are usually close to downtown.  Guess who else loves all those things?  You guessed it baby boomers.  Baby boomers love history and being that most of them are retiring they are looking for something with a few projects they can work on to fill their days.

Why is any of this unfair you ask.  Well it comes down to two things that baby boomers have that millennial don’t experience and money.  Baby boomer Know how to negotiate to get what they want and being that according to NAR survey, only 3 percent of agents are under 30,and 81 percent were older than 45 Baby boomers are able to relate to and work with their agents a lot better.  Millennials who do business very differently now don’t really have the tools to negotiate.  And of course there is the money issue.  “Boomers will pay a premium if you can give them exactly what they want,” said Matt Robinson, principal at MRP Realty.  “Something closer to what was in their house, and that pushes up the price; they’re happy to pay for it.”  Many millennials are not well suited to compete being that most of them entered the market in the middle of the recession and during the lackluster recovery few have had time to build any real wealth.

This War of generations is driving up prices on not only starter homes and condos but rental prices too.  It is also cause a shortage of properties which is starting to concern most real estate agents.  Real estate agents have to start learning how to better work with millennials in order to stop the War but that’s a subject for another blog.

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

10030 Cole Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MALU97

3bdrm home in the Heart of Yelm! Open kitchen w/eating bar & nice pantry. Ceiling fans. Gas furnace & hot water. Recessed lighting. Spacious Master Bedroom w/large walk-in closet & separate bath w/dual vanities & soaker tub. All rooms have walk-in closets! Utility rm on upper level. Fully fenced yard w/patio, dog run & garden shed. Close to schools, shopping, golf course & miles of walking/biking trails. Easy access to JBLM.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 1,555

Price: $155,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2428870 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 718407

10430 Carter St SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/UJZWS4

Opportunity knocks! 4bdrm home in the Heart of Yelm in need of some TLC! Split-level entry. Living room w/gas fireplace & TV insert. Kitchen w/eating bar - appliances stay! Slider off Dining rm to upper deck. Master bedroom with walk-in closet & separate bath. Bonus rm. Ceiling fans. Utility rm. Large fully fenced back yard with patio. Over-sized 2 car garage. Walking distance to schools, golf course, shopping and miles of hiking trails. Easy commute to JBLM.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 2,324

Price: $215,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2405584 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 711021

201 3rd Ave NE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/JSTAPL

What a find! Located in the Heart of Yelm, only walking distance from shopping, theater, parks & more. Custom floor plan! Soaring ceilings w/lots of windows making home light & bright. Freshly painted. New carpet. New counters. Move-in ready! Kitchen w/corner window, island, stainless steel appliances. Family rm. Dining rm. Living rm w/bay windows. 4th bdrm could be used as downstairs den! Lovely home! Fully fenced corner lot w/double-gate allowing easy backyard access. RV parking. Wow!

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 1,926

MLS #691800

22311 Aislinn Oir Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/ETMQD9

3bdrm home located in small gated community. Open living area! Galley kitchen w/granite slab counters, custom cabinets, gas stove, large pantry. Water filtration system. Two Master Suites on main floor, each w/private full bath. French doors. Ceiling fans. Recessed lighting. Instant hot water system. Large bonus & family rms upstairs w/roughed-in bthrm. Vaulted ceilings. Skylights. Unfinished solid concrete basement w/plumbing & electrical. Laundry rm w/tile. Private 5 acres awaiting you!

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.75

Square feet: 4,050

MLS #690019

22423 Autumnwood Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/97KFSE

Fabulous 3 bedroom Rambler located in gated community. Covered front entrance. Ceramic tile entry. Great kitchen space opens to dining area. All appliances included. Living room with vaulted ceiling and woodstove to warm home in the winter. 2 full baths. Laundry room. Slider to back deck for entertaining. 2 car attached garage. Clearwood amenities include community swimming pool, fishing, three lakes, boat launch, beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, sport courts & more! Quick commute JBLM.

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,302

MLS #687382

17535 Loop Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/PSLDZ7

Opportunity knocks! 3bdrm home in gated community! Fantastic floor plan - living rm, kitchen, dining rm, breakfast nook, family rm. All bedrooms have walk-in closets! 2car garage. Utility rm for your convenience. Covered front porch. Back deck. Outbuilding. Clearwood offers an abundance of private bonuses: community swimming pool, fishing, three lakes, boat launch, beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, sport courts & much much more! Quick commute to town & JBLM east gate. Dont miss out!

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 1,592

MLS #685995

14475 Lockwood Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MAEPWV

Location! Location! 3bdrm hme on corner lot! Open kitchen. Island counter w/eating bar & pendant lighting. Laminate flrs w/hand scraped finish. Living Rm. Dining Rm. Recessed lighting. White trim package. Master Bdrm w/walk-in closet, vaulted ceiling & private bth. Tile counters w/tile backsplash. Laundry rm. Over-sized 2car garage. Nice neighborhood in West side of Yelm. Front patio overlooks one of communitys common areas, some of which include playground, picnic pavilion & basketball court.

Home information

Bathrooms: 2.25

Square feet: 1,484

MLS #685611

Is My Home Ready To Sell?

Giving Your Home the One-the Market Makeover

You work with a Certified Residential Specialist because they are best able to sell your home quickly and profitably.  But remember:  Your relationship with your Certified Residential Specialist is a partnership.  While they market your property and screen potential buyers, it’s up to you to give your home a simple, inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way toward a speedy sale.

With that in mind, here are some helpful hints gathered from Certified Residential Specialists across the country.

Before the Showings Begin

Hint: First Impressions are Lasting Impressions

The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior, so:

-        Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting.

-        Paint or replace your front door if it’s faded or worn.

-        Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside features showing sign of wear.

Hint: Beauty is More than Skin Deep

Buyers often see the surface condition of your home as a sign of what’s underneath, so:

-        Keep windows and floors clean.

-        Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall.

-        Repair worn woodwork.

-        Repaint Scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color.

-        Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary.

-        Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws.

-        Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.

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

Say Yes to CRS

Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task.  But the right REALTOR can make the process easier – and more profitable.

            A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive marketplace.

            To earn the CRS designation, REALTORS must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements – including high-volume sales – and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology.  They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and abide by its Code of Ethics.

            Work with a REALTOR who belongs in the top 3 percent in the nation.  Contact a CRS today.

It's Your Move

The days of bribing friends and family to help you move are probably long gone.  But getting help isn’t necessarily any easier – finding a good, reliable moving company that can get the job done right takes careful research.  Before you hire any moving company, do a little legwork to make sure it’s legit, in your price range and offers the services you need.  USA.gov, Relocation.com and ApartmentGuide.com offer the following tips.

First, find out some details about the company.  Does it have an operating license?  Check with your local state authority or the Department of Transportation, depending on whether it’s an in-state or interstate move.  Does the company carry insurance, and what are the limits?

Also investigate the company’s track record.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and ask the company for references you can contact.  Repeat customers who do business with the company can be some of the best referrals.

Get estimates from several companies to compare rates, and only consider those estimates that fall within the appropriate range.  Also, find out exactly what’s included in the quote (packing materials such as tape and extra boxes aren’t always included).  Low quotes could ultimately mean paying more money after the move, since some companies don’t itemize what others include in the estimate.

Be prepared for questions moving companies will ask you.  What is your time frame?  How far will you be moving?  If you rent, do you have renter’s insurance, and what does it cover?  Will you need moving insurance or packaging services?  Where will the moving truck park?  Are there stairs or elevators?  By preparing yourself ahead of time, you can make that stressful move go a lot smoother.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475 

Tips for Sellers: Pre-Showing Checklist

Thanks to CW Title for this handy Pre-Showing Checklist!

Selling a home can a stressful time.  There is packing, moving and many other things to keep in mind.  Below are a few tips that can make things easier on you and your family.

All over house:

• Empty the garbage in each room
• Dust and vacuum
• Open blinds to make rooms brighter
• Turn on lights, even during the day

Bedrooms:            

• Straighten up closets
• Beds are nicely made            
• Dirty clothes in closed hamper
• Toys picked up and put away in children’s rooms

Bathrooms: 

• Put away everything that isn’t essential such as hand soap, towels, etc.
• Drawers and cabinets are cleaned and uncluttered
• Clean the shower and tub
• Fold towels neatly
• Put the toilet lid down

Kitchen:

• Dishes should be in dishwasher or put away, don’t leave anything in the sink
• De-clutter the countertops… put away toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.
• Clean and organize the refrigerator
• Cabinets and pantry are tidy
• Stove, stovetop and microwave clean of food stains
• Take out garbage and recycle

Living Room:

• Straighten pillows and cushions on the couch and chairs
• Turn answering machine volume to low so they don’t hear people leaving you messages
• Dust television screen

Office:

• Tidy up
• Dust computer monitor

Hallway Closets/Storage Areas:

• Double check that they are neat and orderly (towels nicely folded, etc.)

Pets:

• Clean kitty litter
• Fresh water in bowls, or put away until they leave
• Fresh food in bowls, or put away until they leave
• Clean the fish tank if needed
• Clean cages for birds, hamsters, etc.

Yard:

• Mow lawn, rake leaves during autumn
• Sweep walkway and doorstep
• Turn on outside lights if evening time
• Pick up after pets and put away outdoor toys and tools

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

Your Home - Custom Scents

There is a strong connection between smells and human emotions. Given that home-buying can be an emotional process, you’ll want your home to look and smell good when you’re getting it ready for a showing.  Make sure your home passes the smell test by following these tips from HGTV.

If there are any foul odors in your home, don’t just cover them up by baking cookies – try to identify the source and focus on eliminating the odors.  Old carpets are often the biggest culprit.  If you don’t have the time or budget to replace old rugs with new carpet or hardwood floors, wash the carpet with mild detergent soap and water solution, then go over it with a damp towel to neutralize the odor.  And be sure to circulate the fresh air by keeping windows on opposite walls open.

After you’ve rid your home of bad scents, or if you just want to fill it with more pleasant smells, consider boiling fruit peels, spices or herbs in water.  Rather than throwing away lemon or orange peels, boil water and let the peels sit for a few minutes, adding water every half-hour or so.  You can also mix the peels with other soothing scents. Using oils such as sandalwood, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus can be therapeutic and inviting.

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

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

Universal Appeal

As more homeowners choose to live in their homes longer as they age, many of them are improving their space with universal design features to help them live more comfortably.  Before making any improvements, the National Aging in Place Council outlines the most common universal designs modifications.

Are the entryways accessible?  Adding a ramp or constructing no-step entries can help those confined to a wheelchair or who have trouble climbing stairs.  Open floor plans and wider hallways make everyone feel less cramped and allow people to move around easily.  Wider doorways provide easier access to other parts of the home and enable people to move larger items in and out of the house.

To improve safety in bathrooms, install grab bars and elevated toilets.  Make sure there’s enough turnaround space for someone in a wheelchair, and consider lowering the bathroom sink and adding a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads.  A non-slip floor and shower surface will help everyone stay on their feet.  In the master bedroom, consider reconfiguring an existing walk-in closet or building a new one with storage at different heights.

In the kitchen, lower cooking surfaces and countertops built at varying heights will appeal to home cooks to have difficulty bending over or have height limitations.  Wall ovens and microwaves should be mounted at reachable heights, and storage and shelf space should be abundant and accessible.

Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights will aid those with poor vision and make the home more personable and safe.  Installing rocker switches and door lever handles can aid people with poor hand strengths as well as those carrying groceries into the house.

A universally-designed home provides smart solutions for everyday living that everyone can enjoy.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Are you living under the cloud of an UNMANAGEABLE MORTGAGE?

It’s a sign of the times!

Most of us grew up thinking that if we planned well and played by the rules, we’d never have to stand by as our financial lives unraveled. 

But upheaval on Wall Street, unacceptable rates of unemployment and plummeting real estate values have taken their toll.  Since 2007, 7.9 million homeowners have lost their homes to foreclosure. Current estimates are that one in four homeowners owe more on their mortgages than they could get from the sale of their home. Millions more homes will be lost to foreclosure before this real estate crisis runs its course.

The sad fact is that foreclosure is not an isolated event. For months leading up to the loss of a home, financially strapped homeowners live under a cloud of uncertainty.  And then for many years afterwards, the blow to credit gets in the way of buying another home or buying anything on credit. Foreclosure even complicates employment prospects.

The impact of foreclosure is huge and the sad fact is that it’s often avoidable.

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

Among the most important facts to keep in mind: the sooner help is sought, the better the options.

These are tough times, but more help is available than ever before. If you or someone you care about is ready to navigate away from the dark cloud of an unmanageable mortgage and realize that hope and blue skies are within reach, contact me today and let’s get started.

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