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Texas Real Estate Expert Advice, Expert advice and information on issues such as foreclosure, bankruptcy, investing etc. Free articles and reports provided by your friends at www.texashomebuy.com

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Tue, 06 Nov 2007
What is the Catch?

We're sure by now your probably thinking. What's the catch? Selling your home at a fair price quickly does sound a little too good to be true. And it may be. But we assure you there is no catch. And this is absolutely no scam. We will walk you through every step of the buying process and explain the entire process in easy to understand terms.

While it is no secret that we expect returns for our services, we do not get our compensation from low balling you on your house. We always offer a fair price. Yes. A fair price. Well how do we do it? We have creative ways to when we sell the house to an end buyer. This includes fixing up the property for maximum value, packaging the home with attractive financing, long term appreciation, etc

Bottom line is when it comes to convenience and a great price we can't be beat.  We not only want to buy your home but we will also help you transition into your new home. Including moving expenses, assisting with garage sale, cleaning, major/minor repairs. Not to mention we can close on your house within ten days! Give us a try today.

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Mon, 22 Oct 2007
Foreclosure
What is foreclosure?
Foreclosure is the legal means that your lender can use to repossess (take over) your home.
How can a foreclosure affect me?
A foreclosure can seriously affect your ability to apply for credit in the future.  Usually resulting in a twelve year mark on your record, a foreclosure beats out bankruptcy for causing the most damage on your credit.  It can take up to ten years before a lender will give you a decent interest rate.  If you are upside-down on your property (owe more than it's worth) the lender has the right to order a deficiency judgment for that amount (A deficiency is the difference between the amount owed on the mortgage and the fair market value or the foreclosure sale price, whichever is greater).
What are my options?
  1. DO NOT IGNORE THE LETTERS FROM THE LENDER. If you would like to remain in your home you should first call your lender and try to possibly work out a forbearance, mortgage modification, or a partial claim.
  2. Pre-foreclosure sale: You can avoid foreclosure by selling your property before the date it's taken over by the bank. In some cases you can get cash back from your property.
  3. Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy will momentarily halt the foreclosure process but will not release you from your obligation to repay your loan.
  4. Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: This is only recommended as a last resort. It's possible to voluntarily "give back" your home to the lender. While you still lose your home, you are no longer responsible for any possible deficiency judgments (A deficiency is the difference between the amount owed on the mortgage and the fair market value or the foreclosure sale price, whichever is greater)
How will this affect my credit?
Foreclosure and Deed in lieu of foreclosure: With both solutions your credit will be affected the same. Typically with either option you will take a hit of 250-280 points. Example: If your FICO credit score was 680, it can fall as low as 400.  This mark will usually remain on your credit for up to twelve years

Facing foreclosure and need to sell your house? Fill out our Confidential Seller's Form to get a fast quote on your house today.
You can also view our Free Foreclosure Report

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SCAMS
BEWARE!!!
There are many scams out there to look out for. It's sad but many so called "investors" will try to take advantage of peoples financial difficulty. Here are some often used scams to look out for.
Equity Skimming
A "buyer" approaches you offering to buy your home and possibly give you cash back following the sale. The "buyer" then may suggest that you should deed the property to him or her. The "buyer" will then rent out the property, to you or someone else, collecting payments but doesn't pay anything on the original mortgage loan. Consequently the lender forecloses on the loan. Signing over your deed to someone else doesn't relieve you of your loan obligation
Phony Counseling Agencies
Some groups calling themselves "counseling agencies" will charge you a fee for services you can easily do yourself. Such as negotiating with your lender for a new payment plan. Or finding an investor to buy your home in pre-foreclosure
Bait & Switch
The Contract "bait & switch" is basically a breach of trust between the buyer and seller. The buyer comes to a verbal agreement with the seller on the purchase of a home. The buyer then presents a contract as just a legal version of our verbal agreement. The seller signs without really reading into the contract. By the time the seller realizes that the contract has little resemblance to the initial verbal agreement. The seller is stuck with a bad deal or he/she has to spend the next year in court fighting a legal battle.

Tips to avoid a SCAM

  • Do not sign anything you don't fully understand
  • Get all "agreements" in writing
  • Check for any complaints on the prospective buyer.
    You can contact your state's Attorney General, the State Real Estate Commission, or the local District Attorney's Consumer Fraud Unit for this type of information.
  • Be willing to walk away

Need to find a Texas Home Buyer you can trust. Visit our website Here.
You can fill out our Confidential Seller's Form to get a fast quote on your house today.

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Debt Advice
Create realistic monthly budget
List all monthly bills and necessities and write them down. Make sure they are covered with your monthly income. Only allow additional money to be spent elsewhere. Create a realistic budget and stick to it!
Prioritize your debts
Pay off the smallest debt with the higher interest rates first. It may even pay off to eliminate an entire balance in one month then you will have more to contribute on higher/lower interest rate debt.
Cut down on expenses
Cut down on discretionary expenses including dining out, overusing cell phone, and unnecessary use of utilities (leaving light on when not in the room).
Evaluate living situation
Your housing cost shouldn't be no more than 33 percent of your household income. Shop around for lower insurance rates, consider refinancing your home, and look for more economical utility plans.
Contact creditors and try to work out repayment plans
Many creditors will work with you on the repayment of your loans. It's possible to lower monthly payments or skip months when needed.
Shop smart
Become a savvy shopper. When purchasing anything be on the lookout for deals, coupons, bargains. Many times you can find coupons for various things online.
Study success
Read as much as possible about getting and staying out of debt.

Lost your job and need to sell your house? Fill out our Confidential Seller's Form to get a fast quote on your house today.

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Bankruptcy
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a complete liquidation of all your assets and debts, with few exceptions. However all of your assets may be subject to liquidation and SALE! There are items that cannot be lost in a bankruptcy. Here is a list of those items recorded in 11 United State Code Section 522:
  • Real property, including co-op or mobile home, to $15,000 Disability
  • illness or unemployment benefits
  • Life insurance payments for person you depended on, needed for support,
  • Life insurance policy with loan value, in accrued dividends or interest, to $8000
  • Unmatured life insurance contract, except credit insurance policy
  • Alimony, child support needed for support
  • ERISA-qualified benefits needed for support
  • Animals, crops, clothing, appliances, books, furnishings, household goods, musical instruments to $400 per item, $8000 total
  • Health aids
  • Jewelry to $1000
  • Lost earnings payments
  • Motor vehicle to $2400
  • Personal injury recoveries to $15,000 (not to include pain & suffering or pecuniary loss). Wrongful death recoveries for person you depended on
  • Crime victims' compensation
  • Public assistance
  • Social Security
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Veterans' benefits Implements, books & tools of trade to $150
What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is like a forced 3 to 5 year settlement plan with creditors. Often called "reorganization". In most cases you will pay back 100% of your debt (especially secured debts like mortgages).
What debts will bankruptcy not discharge:
  • Child support & alimony
  • Student loans that became due less than 7 years ago
  • Federal and state income tax obligations less than 3 years old
  • Debts for restitution from criminal convictions and drunk driving
  • Debts the bankruptcy court decides where from intentional acts, fraud or wrongdoing (e.g. lying on your bank loan application).
How long will bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
Up to 10 years.

Facing bankruptcy and need to sell. See how we can assist you here

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Credit Repair
What information is on my credit report?  How does it get there?
Your credit report contains the history of nearly every loan, credit card, or credit extension you have ever had. It will show the type of loan, maximum amount allowed (most you can borrow from the account), payment history, and current amount due. It will also show information from public records such as judgments (child support, court claims), IRS liens, bankruptcy filing, and foreclosures. Your credit will also show every company that pulled your credit in the past two years (called an inquiry).

This information is usually reported by banks and credit card companies who report to credit bureaus. Some debts are reported by collection agencies (usually unpaid phone, cable, utility bills)
How long will information remain on my credit report?
Federal law requires that any negative remark be removed, upon request, after 7 years. If you don't ask it will remain forever
How do I get information removed from my credit report?
If you find any information on your credit report to be incorrect, misleading, or any negative remarks that have been on your report for an extended period of time. You can ask the credit bureau in writing to investigate the information. Under federal law the bureau must investigate and get back to you within 30 days. If the bureau doesn't report back the item must be removed.
What affects my credit?
Here are some things that can improve your score:
  • Few open credit lines with low balances
  • Installment loans that are paid on time
  • A history of living in the same address
  • Owning a home
Here are some things that can negatively affect your score:
  • Late payments
  • Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosure
  • Too many inquiries
  • High credit card balances
  • Too many revolving credit card accounts
Can I get a loan with bad credit?
Depends on the type of loan. Unsecure loans which are bank or credit card signature loans usually require good credit. However, secured loans such as mortgages and car loans are more flexible. Reason being is that secured loans contain collateral. If you default on the loan they will seize the car or house.

TIPS

  • Giving credit card companies an unlisted address can end up on your credit report
  • Try not to open too many accounts
  • Bring a copy of your credit report when shopping for a car loan
    • Dealers may run your credit multiple times leaving many inquiries
  • Do not pay off and cancel all credit cards
    • Companies view people with empty credit lines as suspicious.
  • Don't roll balances from card to card
    • Although this is a easy way to lower interest rates. Every time you apply for a new credit card your credit is pulled. Which in turn can lower your credit score.
  • Get a copy of your credit report
    • Mistakes often show up on peoples credit unexpectedly. It's a good idea to check your credit score at least once a year.

Having credit issues and need to sell your house? Fill out our Confidential Seller's Form to get a fast quote on your house today.

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Foreclosure Report

Dear Homeowner,

If you are headed towards foreclosure or already in foreclosure, then you need to know the rights and options available to you now. There are many methods in which you can save your house, equity, and credit before it's gone forever. Please take the time to read this article in it's entirety, so you can be informed on the options available to you.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, let the bank steal your home. First, it will ruin your credit. Foreclosures usually drop your credit score 250-280 points. Even if you don't have stellar credit now it's very possible to repair without a foreclosure on your record. Second, you'll get absolutely nothing for your home. The bank won't assist you with any expenses or pay you anything for stealing your home. Truth is, if you don't move out by the auction date they will have the county sheriff put you out!

Remember once you get behind on your mortgage payment the clock is ticking. The sooner you decide on a course of action the more cash you can pull out of your house, and the better chance you'll have from letting the bank steal your home. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to find the best available option for you.

Can I work out anything with the bank?

If you want to stay in your house this should be the first option you consider. Banks have several ways to modify your mortgage for temporary relief. It's possible to qualify for a voluntary forbearance, mortgage modification, or a partial claim.

Can I get a new mortgage?

It is possible to qualify for a new mortgage that will provide temporary debt relief. Just remember you'll have to borrow enough money to pay back your current lender, all back payments, late fees, and any other fees or judgments that may have occurred during your delinquency period

This is an option only if you can realistically commit to a larger mortgage obligation.

Should you sell your house now?

While facing foreclosure time is of the essence. It may not be a good idea to go through the uncertainty and long process of selling your home yourself or with a realtor. It typically takes 3-6 months for a house to sell conventionally. Keep in mind your racking up mortgage payments and late fees during that time.

  • We can buy your house quickly and easily. Closing in less than a week
  • We can purchase your home with little or no equity
  • We will handle all of the paperwork
  • We will buy your house "as is"
  • We will give you cash and other services FREE!

Remember, we are not real estate agents nor or we associated with any real estate agency. Therefore we don't charge any fees or commission. We have creative ways of selling your home on the back end so we are not looking to take all your equity like some investors. We aim to make selling your house a pleasant smooth experience, and hope that you will refer us to anyone else you know in the same situation. See our Website for details on how to earn cash through our referral program.

It's very important that you keep foreclosure off your record. Know that after a bank forecloses on your home you'll always have that hanging over your head, coloring the opinions of what others think of you. All mortgage applications ask have you EVER had a foreclosure. You'll have to say "yes" for the rest of your life unless you take action right now. The last thing you want to do is experience the frustration of trying to qualify for a loan, or even a fair insurance quote with severely damaged credit.

Should I file bankruptcy?

Most homeowners think filing bankruptcy will stop foreclosure. But it wont! It delays foreclosure while the back rent and late fees keep piling up. Know that the bank that lent you money is a secured creditor and one way or another they will get the money on their house. And as you probably know bankruptcy will damage your credit for up to 10 years.

Should I wait and do nothing?

Going through a foreclosure can be a difficult and emotional situation. Some people literally shut down and ignore letters and calls from the lender. No matter how long you wait the situation will not go away. It will only escalate until the county sheriff throws you out. Not taking action is probably the worst possible decision you can make.

Let us offer a fresh start and a brighter future!

With a foreclosure or bankruptcy on your record your options for the future are limited. Were offering you debt relief, stress relief, and help with a fresh start. We have many programs where we can assist you with moving, paying rent, and even credit repair. Remember the sooner you call the better.

Will you take the next step?

If you want more information, without risk, on how we can help with your current situation please call 1-800-448-5196 or visit our Website. Remember this is a free, no-obligation consultation. We'd be happy to speak to you.

You have absolutely nothing to lose. Even if your considering another option why not contact us and we'll get you a possible solution within 24-48hrs. We'll also provide you with free advice on any subject you may have questions with.

So call us. We'll explain everything in clear, easy to understand terms. You'll still have other options available if you find that we're not your best solution.

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