Monday, March 4, 2013

The One Thing that Matters in Real Estate

Experts say you should choose your one thing.. the one thing that drives you, the one thing that inspires you, the one reason you do what you do. I truly believe that in real estate the customer (client) is the only thing that matters. Being straight with them and brutally honest when necessary is the best way to insure I make what they want happen. Honesty is the only policy.

In my career that has spanned over thirty years I have learned many lessons. Based on those lessons I have developed processes and procedures that guide me as I work with sellers and buyers of real estate as well as other real estate agents that I coach.

When it comes to sellers and buyers there is one particular rule I always follow. I do not work with uncooperative or inordinately demanding sellers or buyers. It is detrimental to both of our success. My clients are the only thing that matter so if it means letting some go to focus on the clients I can really help be a success in real estate, so be it.

Zig Ziglar said that you can have everything you want in life if you help other people get what they want. When it comes to selling and buying real estate, all I want is to help my customers get what they want. I do believe that is called a win-win situation.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Central Valley Real Estate Update: San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Stanislaus Counties


The real estate market has seen a dramatic trend the past 12 month with a surprising change in January 2013.

Available houses for sale have steadily declined in 2012 and are currently approximately half of what they were one year ago.

January 2013 experienced a sudden increase in pending sales (25% or greater).

The reduction of available inventory coupled with an increase of pending sales are clear indicators of a changing market.

My prediction for 2013 is:
- inventory levels will remain low
- Buyer demands will remain strong
- Housing prices will increase
- Distressed properties market share will decrease
- Equity sales will increase

Below are real estate trend charts for Sacramento, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties and are great examples of the trends in most California Counties.

Stanislaus County

San Joaquin County

Sacramento County

Thursday, February 28, 2013

How to Prepare to Short Sale Your Home

Paperwork and proper documentation are extremely important to the short sale process. Most lenders still require a "hardship package" that is completely filled out. To adequately prepare to short sale your home, your real estate agent will provide you with a list of documents you will need to gather.

In addition, all documentation that is required must be submitted as soon as you have an offer on your property. Sellers must be extremely cooperative with their agents and negotiators to be sure they have the best chance of getting approved. Throughout the entire short sale process, it is important that home sellers send bank statements and pay stubs to their real estate agent every month.

If you have questions about the short sale process or would like more information, please visit my website at www.TheRealEstateDr.com or give me a call at 1-800-921-1900 ext 2502.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

One Big Reason to Short Sale Now

When it comes to selling real estate in today's market there is a lot of confusion when it comes to short sales. It is often difficult for homeowners to understand why they can short sale or even what a short sale is and how they work. That's where I, as the Real Estate Dr. in the Central Valley, come in.

One of the biggest reasons to list your home as a short sale is that the bank pays all of the sellers closing costs. This includes paying for commissions, property taxes and normal closing costs. Sometimes, if a seller is nearly in an equity situation, it is still more advantageous to do a short sale because otherwise the seller has to pay these costs and repairs and inspections as well. With SB458 to remove deficiency and the Tax Relief Act to often remove taxation.. short sales rocks!

If you're unsure of the specifics of the short sale process, or if you want a clear understanding of your home selling or saving options, give me a call or contact me on The Real Estate Doctor website. Clarity, hope and relief is just one phone call away. Call me. I can help you.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Stopping Foreclosure Clinic on March 2nd by Christine Papworth The Real Estate Dr.

This Saturday I am conducting my Stopping Foreclosure Clinic in Stockton, CA at 1pm. At our clinic I will share information about new legislation, the Homeowner Bill of Rights (SB900), foreclosure avoidance options such as loan modification and short sales, and more. You will also meet my team of professionals: accountant, loan modification advisor, attorney, and of course myself, your Real Estate Dr.

This is information you need to know about stopping foreclosure. Know your rights!

Join us this Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Stockton. The Stopping Foreclosure Clinic will begin at 1pm.

Watch this introductory video below and then go register at TheRealEstateDr.com.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Common Short Selling Myth

A common myth when it comes to a short sale is this... that they don't close. We actually close over 90% and it's getting easier with our specialized systems and programs at theREPhD.com. We've got this down!

Recently I was asked why someone should choose to sell their home with me, whether it was a short sale or equity sale, and this is what I told them...

I believe I am the absolute best agent for the job of selling a home, whether an equity sale or hardship. No one knows what I know when it comes to this process. I consistently tell the truth, pay attention and have the sellers best interest at heart...even if they may not agree with everything I suggest. I work everyday to hone my craft... to be the best of the best. I treat sellers, other agents, and buyers agents with respect. That is the best way to take care of my client. I also have a fabulous, well educated and committed staff who help me in this endeavor.

If you are thinking about selling your home, we should talk. Call me now at 1-800-921-1900 ext. 2502. The Real Estate Doctor is in!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

What is Happening with Short Sales in San Joaquin County?

The short sale market in San Joaquin County is changing along with the entire real estate market. Where we used to have an almost 90% hardship market it has lessened to around 60% today. So though many of our sellers are still in trouble, it is very much a sellers market.

We have very little inventory, multiple offers, and many times those offers are way above asking price.

To be in the game, buyers must be willing to fight for the home they want by submitting offers over asking prices, doing their own repairs, and paying their own closing costs.  They also must make decisions quickly. When buyers see a home they think will work, they must make an offer immediately.

In this market when hesitation can very well result in a missed opportunity. When you hesitate you will find there are 10-20 offers in a matter of days and your hesitating will make you lose.
Allow your agent to guide and assist you. Remember, they make nothing to write 20 offers for you and their expenses are high. If there are only 5 houses on the market and 20 buyers or 100 buyers for that house... what would you want your agent to do to ensure you get the house? Allow them to do that.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Considering Buying a Short Sale?

Are you considering buying a short sale? You probably landed on my blog because you are looking for short sale help. That's what I am here for!

One very important consideration before you make an offer on a short sale is the length of time it takes to close escrow. Short Sales take longer than the average escrow, 90-120 days and sometimes longer. Before making an offer make sure you will be in it for the long haul. If you have a strict time frame in which you need to close on your new home and move in, a short sale may not be the right choice for you.

As a buyer of a short sale you must be prepared for the bank to counter your offer. Usually the bank counters the value a bit higher.

It is also important to remember that a home listed as a short sale is being sold as-is. As a buyer of a short sale you cannot ask the seller to pay for inspections or repairs. You must be prepared to do your own repairs if needed at your cost.

Those are just a few aspects of a short sale that a buyer must be aware of before making an offer. Need more help? Post a comment below, give me a call or contact me through my website at Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Considering Short Selling Your Home?

I was recently asked "What is the most important thing for a home seller to remember when they are considering short selling their home?" As a reader of my blog, I thought you just might like to know the answer to this question as well.

It is important for the homeowner to remember that they cannot receive anything from the sale. They also cannot have any cost associated with the sale to them. Most homeowners don't know that the bank pays all costs of sale and the short sale is totally "as is", with no deficiency...  in California at least!

Short selling will affect their credit if they are forced by the bank or their situation forces them to get behind on their payments. One of the most important ways to protect your credit when you go through the short sale process is to not miss any payments.

When a homeowner decides to put their home on the market as a short sale listing, it just might be one of the best decisions they make for their future. They can buy again in 3 years after a short sale and sometimes sooner if they meet the requirements of qualification for an FHA or VA loan(2 years).

Are you looking for short sale help? Would you like to know what your options really are? The Real Estate Doctor is in... call me now. Let's talk! 1-800-921-1900 ext. 2502

Friday, February 15, 2013

Relocating Real Estate Tip #1

Moving is definitely among the top of the all-time stress inducing life events. Stress can be compounded when you are selling one home, buying another one and planning a move... all at the same time! It might seem obvious, but the number one decision you can make to reduces stress is to choose a professional real estate agent who understands the buying AND selling process.

Whether you are buying or selling (or both) in Stockton or the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Sacramento County or even out of state, give me call or contact me through my website (Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor) and let's talk. My team and I can help you buy and/or sell your home or if you are moving to our selling out of the area, we can connect you with a professional real estate agent through our international network of agents who work with the same ethics and standards we do.

Buying? Selling? Relocating? Let's talk!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Increase the Value of Your Home and Sell Fast!

I was digging through my archives and found this interview I did with TJ at EquityLock Solutions. It's just under six minutes long... take a few minutes out now to listen in as we talk about improving home values in the Central Valley and advice on selling your home.


Why I Love Real Estate

WOW! This email was a nice surprise to open. Thanks so much Rosalie!
"Sincere congratulations on your fabulous website and range of services.  Just to let you know you are being watched and appreciated. Love to see folks who are energetic and productive and have worked through many cycles of our industry.  My fortieth anniversary on the Board is 2014. Keep calm and carry on!"
Rosalie McCloud, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Peninsula Estates
Through over 36 years as a real estate agent I have definitely worked through many cycles of the real estate industry. I have been through the highs and lows of the market as well as volatile times, markets that favor sellers and markets that favor buyers.

Through the good times and tough times of our economy I know how to get things done for my clients. I am honored to work with an amazing team of agents and staff. I am honored to work for my clients, some of who had lost hope that anything could be done to help them avoid foreclosure. I am excited for my future clients I will have the opportunity to help sell their home for top dollar, buy their home at the best price, or avoid foreclosure through a short sale. I am passionate about what my team and I do and I look forward to many more years of making a positive difference in real estate in Stockton, San Joaquin County and beyond!

For now, be well and be sure to let me know how I can help you today!

Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Video: Seller's Market? How to Get MORE for Your House than it's Worth

This is a hot market for sellers right now and I want to share with you how to get the MOST for your home. Watch my video below where I share what's going on in the housing market right now for sellers... and buyers... and agents! This is one of the best markets for everyone - low inventory which is great for sellers, low interest rates which is great for buyers, and homeowners and home buyers who need our help as agents.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think about the current housing market. I'd love to hear from you!


Check out all of the resources on my website now...
Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor!


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Stop Foreclosure Clinic on March 9, 2013 in Modesto, CA

You're invited to my Stop Foreclosure Clinic in Modesto, CA on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1pm. Watch the introduction/instructional video below and then go to my website, Christine Papworth, The Real Estate Doctor's Stop Foreclosure Clinic in Modesto, to register.

Stop Forelcosure Clinic in Modesto, CA



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Short Sale vs Equity Sale - Which is Right for You When You're on the Edge?

What do you do when you owe just a little more on your house than it's actually worth and you need to sell it? This situation has been coming up a lot lately so I recorded this explanatory video for your viewing pleasure. Watch this video below as I dissect this situation!

Short Sale vs Equity Sale
by Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor


Monday, February 4, 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013

How To Buy A House In A Seller’s Market by Christine Papworth The Real Estate Doctor

One of my friends referred me a young man who had excitedly reported to her that he had just been approved for a VA loan of up to $150,000 to purchase his first home. He was already frustrated because he couldn't get any agents to show him “foreclosed on homes or short sales”. I called him back immediately.

Here’s how the conversation went:

Me:  I am so excited for you, John (names are changed to protect the innocent).

John: Thanks, but I can’t get anyone work to with me?

Me: I will work with you, with some conditions. May I explain?

John: Please do!

Me: There are a few things we need to discuss:
1. How the market works right now and why.
2. What the process will be and if you’re willing to be obedient to that process or not.
3. Who your lender is and how we will work with them
4. If you’re okay with all of that, then we’ll go find you a house, ok?
John: Ok, Let’s go!

Me: First, it’s a huge seller’s market. That means there is little to no inventory and multiple offers on everything within days…sometimes hours of the homes hitting the market.  VA is a fine way to purchase, but you’ll be competing with cash offers and people bidding over list price.

(Me) Do you have your own money or are you expecting the seller to pay all of your closing costs?

John: My lender told me I needed no monies of my own.

Me: I can sometimes get the seller/lender to pay up to 3% but you will need 3-4% more ($4500-$5500). If you cannot come up with that your chances of winning on a home bid are slim to none. Can you find that much money soon?

John: Yes, I think I can get my Dad to help.

Me: Great! This is a must. Your Dad can gift it to you and I’ll need an appropriate gift letter and proof of his funds before we can look at property, ok?

John: Ok, I’ll find out this weekend.

Me: Super, you passed the first test! Now, because you can qualify for only $150,000 and everything is in an overbid situation, we will look at homes in the 120-130 range so when the bids fly we can still get one for you, ok?  That means you may have to lower your expectations of what you will get.  Okay? Also, when we bid I will expect you to follow my lead on how to do this. We will be bidding at list price or over. Okay with you?

John: Wow! Really? Well, if I will be able to get a home, then, yes, I will follow your lead.

Me: John, I understand this feels weird, but this is how we have to do it in this market. I promise to not let you do anything I think will hurt you or be ridiculous. I will tell you when it’s not worth it to go higher, even if others are. And, you can work with someone else, too, if you’re not comfortable with this scenario. No harm; no foul, okay with you?

John:  Yes…I’m good with this.

Me: Okay, great! Since you are in the most in-demand price range, I would suggest that we focus on several agents and my own listings so you have a chance. That will reduce the stress. If we something spectacular pop up, however, we’ll go after it.
You may not see many homes and you will probably make offers on almost every one we do see…if you like it at all. Okay?

John: okay

Me: Also, VA requires reports and clearances that other lenders don’t require. Most of these distressed properties are sold in as is condition so you may have to do required repairs yourself. Are you good at construction stuff? Do you know people who are? The less we ask of the seller the better chance we have. Can we do this?

John: Yes

Me: Great! All we need now then is to get your lender letter, verify the conditions of approval and get your gift for proof of funds and we’ll go find you a home!

As you can see, full disclosure to a buyer is very important. There is no point in me promising a buyer I can help them if they don’t understand the market and what it takes. This will end up in a win-win for all.

If you’re looking to buy….call my buyer’s specialists at 209-823-4722.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

You're Invited! Free Stop Foreclosure Conference Call with Christina Papworth The Real Estate Doctor


In the video above I invite you to join me on Tuesday for a FREE Stop Foreclosure conference call at 6:30pm. Homeowners can become frustrated, stressed and even depressed when they don't know their options when it comes to avoiding foreclosure. Join me on Tuesday at 6:30pm by calling (605) 475-4800 and entering the conference PIN 886097 to access this call. You won't be disappointed. In fact, you just might be relieved. "See" you Tuesday!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Video: Homeowner Bill of Rights

It is very important that homeowners and those of us who work with homeowners understand SB900/AB278. In this video I will talk more about what has come to be known as the Homeowner Bill of Rights, foreclosure statistics and how this bill affects those of us helping our clients with loan modifications and short sales.

Watch this important video now and let me know what you think.

Be well!




Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Homeowner Bill of Rights (SB900 AB278) - What Does it Mean to You? Part 2


As always when people writing the bills are not necessarily proficient in the profession the laws are written to protect, there are several ambiguities.  These should be of some to great concern to those of us involved in this process.  Can you see what they may be?

Here’s my short list:

  1. Already I am experiencing instances where, though we are in the middle of a short sale being negotiated, the lenders are sending letters to the seller offering loan mods(which are often bogus) in order that the lender is compliant with the law. The typical left hand/right hand scenario. With there being so few properties on the market and buyers struggling to get a home, if the sellers choose to do a loan modification now (often they have been turned down numerous times before being practically forced to short sell)I am afraid the sellers will be sued or shot(jk) if they change their minds after buyers have hung in there for months waiting for the lender to finally approve the short sale.  Disclosure of the negative possibilities could become a disaster in both directions. This is highly volatile! 
  2. The language of the law does not mention short sale specifically in a few very important places. Senator Anderson assured me the intent was that it apply to short sale as well as mod…but….it doesn’t really say that. We will proceed as if it does and see how that pans out. The Senator told me he would write corrective verbiage and present it right away, if necessary. I think it is!
  3. I already have attorneys and their representatives telling me the bill gives homeowners recourse against the lenders. It looks to me like the $7500 goes only to the government in the form of fines. Even if it does go to the homeowner…what do they have to do…sue? We know who wins in those situations. Same deal with the $50,000 recourse. How do the homeowners get it? How much does it cost? How long does it take? What’s the process?
  4. The law says it applies only to owner occupied first deeds of trust. Why not investment properties? They are all short too? Many of my families are losing 3-6 houses in this crisis. Investment properties are upside down in as large percentages as owner occupied properties. The law should apply to investment properties .
  5. Second deeds of trust are a huge problem in getting loan mod or short sale approval! Some are particularly heinous to work with…and this law would have given us teeth to make them comply and be reasonable. This is also new verbiage that should be added  to the bill.
  6. What is the definition of a complete package? The lenders get to determine what that means and if the sellers are in compliance. We all know and have heard the horror stories of the lender loosing the package or portions of it…or saying they have never received it. Can they continue to do this to avoid this law? The fact of the matter is, these packages in most cases are received electronically. You can’t lose one piece or another. You either have it or you don’t. I am concerned this may be a big loophole for the lenders to slip through.

This isn’t my complete list. More to follow.

I am the homeowner’s advocate and real estate doctor. Working together, I believe we can use this law to the advantage of the individual, the community and even the lenders. Watch for more updates and queries.  Meanwhile... Be Well!

Monday, January 28, 2013

The Homeowner Bill of Rights (SB900 AB278) - What Does it Mean to You? Part 1


Before interviewing State Senator Joel Anderson on my radio show recently (see podcast 1/19/13 at www.TheRealEstateDr.com), I determined to download and read the bill in its entirety. I wanted to be prepared with questions for him. In reading it, I can see how the lawmakers endeavored to make it user friendly for the homeowner.  The paragraph that clarifies their intent is very inspiring and provides us with statistics that perhaps many were not aware of prior to reading it in the bill.  It’s reassuring to know that our lawmakers are coming to terms with the horrible situation we have been living with since 2006. This preamble, of sorts, also enlightens us as to where California stands within the realm of the entire Country as to financial individual, municipal, and Statewide hardship.  I quote from the bill (with emphasis):
SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) California is still reeling from the economic impacts of awave of residential property foreclosures that began in 2007. From 2007 to 2011 alone, there were over 900,000 completed foreclosure sales. In 2011, 38 of the top 100 hardest hit ZIP Codes in the nation were in California, and the current wave of foreclosures continues apace. All of this foreclosure activity has adversely affected property values and resulted in less money for schools, public safety, and other public services. In addition, according to the Urban Institute, every foreclosure imposes significant costs on local
governments, including an estimated nineteen thousand two hundred twenty-nine dollars ($19,229) in local government costs. And the foreclosure crisis is not over; there remain more than two million "underwater" mortgages in California.
   (b) It is essential to the economic health of this state to mitigate the negative effects on the state and local economies and the housing market that are the result of continued foreclosures by modifying the foreclosure process to ensure that borrowers who may
qualify for a foreclosure alternative are considered for, and have a meaningful opportunity to obtain, available loss mitigation options. These changes to the state's foreclosure process are essential to ensure that the current crisis is not worsened by unnecessarily
adding foreclosed properties to the market when an alternative to foreclosure may be available. Avoiding foreclosure, where possible, will help stabilize the state's housing market and avoid the substantial, corresponding negative effects of foreclosures on
families, communities, and the state and local economy.
   (c) This act is necessary to provide stability to California's statewide and regional economies and housing market by facilitating opportunities for borrowers to pursue loss mitigation options.
You can read the bill in its entirety from the link on my website and here are the highlights of the bill as I understand it:

  1. The terms of the bill apply only to owner-occupied properties 1-4 units, though I believe we will see the lenders using these rules on every residential property, just to be safe.
  2. NO DOUBLE-TRACKING. Once a lender has a completed application from a homeowner or their representative for a foreclosure alternative program such as loan modification or short sale, the lender cannot initiate or continue with the foreclosure process until a determination is made as to eligibility of the homeowner for the alternative they are requesting.
  3. TIMELINES: The lender must acknowledge their receipt of a complete package (the lender determines what that is) within 10 days of receipt. The lender must have a call with the borrower or their representative within 14 days of receiving a request for a foreclosure alternative/loan modification. Upon declaring the package complete, the lender must give an answer to the request within 30 days. 
  4. If a lender sells or assigns the loan which has been approved, IN WRITING, for a short sale or loan modification, the new lender must abide by the terms of that approval. THIS IS HUGE! 
  5. Lenders must assign a “single point of contact” live person to the homeowner or their representative. 
  6. If the lender is robo-dialing homeowners in an attempt to contact the homeowner to comply with the anti-foreclosure alternative offer, there must be a live person to handle the homeowner’s return call.
  7. If a trustee sale is postponed, the lender must send a new sale date to the homeowner in writing.
  8. A short sale or loan modification, with full written approval from all parties, cannot be foreclosed upon, as long as the homeowner is in compliance with that approval.
  9. If a trustee sale has not been recorded, a homeowner may bring “injunctive relief” if they determine there has been a violation of this statute, which shall stop the recording or the sale until the lender has proved they are in compliance with the law.
  10. There is recourse, not for the homeowner if the lender violates the rules of the bill, but to the regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the lender, of up to $7500. The rules are surprising specific and lay out within the verbiage of the bill.
  11. There is recourse to the homeowner if the lender forecloses fraudulently (Can you spell robo-signing?) up to $50,000. (Also pretty specific verbiage.)

There are several ambiguities that should concern those of us involved in this process. Tomorrow I will talk about those.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Introduction to the Homeowners Bill of Rights

Hi there! This is just a quick video of what's to come on tomorrow's blog post. For the next couple of days it's all about the Homeowners Bill of Rights. Yes, as a homeowner you have rights and I'm going to dissect it for you the next couple of days.

Have an awesome day and enjoy this little video!


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Stop Foreclosure Clinic on March 2nd - You're Invited!

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day! I wanted to take a minute to personally invite you to my Stop Foreclosure Clinic on March 2, 2013. Here's a little video I made with the details. After you watch it, you can go to my website at http://www.TheRealEstateDr.com to register. It's free! I can't wait to meet you there!


Friday, January 25, 2013

Arms Length Transaction - What Does it Really Mean?

In today's video I explain what an arms length transaction means when you are short selling your home. Does it mean you have to sign contracts at least one arms length apart? Does it mean the buyer and seller can't be related? Or does it mean you can't know each other at all?

Watch this video now to find out!




Thursday, January 24, 2013

Video: More Than One Option for Taxes and Forgiven Debt

Yesterday I shared about the Mortgage Debt Relief Act and other options you have. Today I have a special video for you where I go a little deeper into explaining different options including a brief discussion on bankruptcy as well as individual state taxation issues.

I've kept this video under 5.5 minutes so you can get the important information you need to protect yourself or your clients quickly.

Click the video to watch this important video on mortgage taxes and relief now:


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Debt Forgiveness Act - What Does it Mean to You?

Does it Matter?????

Everywhere I look today on Facebook, emails and texts, there are myriad agents and government entities shouting with glee over the one year extension of the Debt Forgiveness Act.  I agree this is a good thing, however, more for mindset and lessening the fear factor than for actual help.

Keep in mind that the law, passed in 2008 as Bush was leaving office, protects a homeowner who either allows a home to go to foreclosure or closes on a short sale with debt- forgiveness  from being taxed on the loss (to the lender), which is considered a gain like ordinary income to the homeowner. In either case the homeowner will likely receive a 1099c stating they have a gain in income…just as if the homeowner were self-employed and received a 1099 declaring how much income they had made that year.  Even if they do not receive a 1099c they are obliged to declare the income anyway to the IRS.

The bill states that there can be NO taxation IF (and this is a huge IF): 1) The home is their personal primary residence under IRS code (owner-occupied 2 of the last 5 years), and 2) The loan on which the debt was forgiven is PURCHASE MONEY (meaning the original loan taken out when the property was first purchased by said owner) period. 

Do You Know How Few People this Law Actually Protects?...

In California, less than 20%. If you refinanced your original loan to send your kid to college, to buy another home, to throw to the winds of the sea…this law does not protect you…never did. And , no, if you just refied to get a lower interest rate and took no cash out it is still questionable as to whether this act actually kicks in even for you.

Do you know the other ways to protect yourself against taxation after a foreclosure or short sale or loan mod with a principle reduction? There are several and one of them is available to almost anyone who finds themselves in this situation of losing or short selling a home.

Listen to my radio show this Saturday, 10 am, 1360 AM KFIV to get the answers.  IHeart radio, too. HOUSE CALLS with Christine Papworth, the Real Estate Dr.  Anyone out there disagree with me? Let’s talk.