Foreclosure Investments

Rent vs buy/own a house
To rent or to own, that is the question. In theory, buying is always better than renting because at some point you will own your house outright whereas renters are perpetually filling the pockets of others. In reality, it can be tough to make the leap from renter to owner. That’s because there is a lot on the [...]

To rent or to own, that is the question.

In theory, buying is always better than renting because at some point you will own your house outright whereas renters are perpetually filling the pockets of others.

In reality, it can be tough to make the leap from renter to owner.

That’s because there is a lot on the line — there are several unknown factors that can and often do influence these types of decisions:

Do you have a big enough down payment? Will you qualify for a mortgage? Can you afford maintenance? For how long do you plan to hang on to the property?

The Feb. 2010 edition of Foreclosure.com’s free educational newsletter, “Investment Exchange,” is now available, which details everything you need to know about “Rent vs. Own.”

Our goal is to get you thinking about this important decision sooner rather than later. The housing market is still extremely buyer friendly right now — interest rates are still low, limited-time government incentives are still available until April 30, 2010 and chances are good that prices in your area have never been better.

On the flip side, buying a home or investment property is still one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. So you still need to consider all the pros and cons before jumping in head first.

So check out “Rent vs. Own” today so you can decide whether or not a home purchase or lease is in your best interests.

To read this month’s free educational newsletter from Foreclosure.com CLICK HERE.

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Newsletter for real estate agents now available!
Foreclosure.com Agent University recently issued its latest monthly newsletter, which is geared toward real estate professionals and real estate professionals only. This month’s edition covers several important topics, including the new HAFA guidelines, which were introduced to streamline the use of short sales as a means of avoiding foreclosure. Agents and brokers need to be prepared and [...]

Foreclosure.com Agent University recently issued its latest monthly newsletter, which is geared toward real estate professionals and real estate professionals only.

This month’s edition covers several important topics, including the new HAFA guidelines, which were introduced to streamline the use of short sales as a means of avoiding foreclosure.

Agents and brokers need to be prepared and make the most of this new situation because distressed real estate transactions (short sales, foreclosures, etc.) are going to account for a serious amount of business (and commissions) over the next few years.

And the new changes will go into effect in one month!

You’ll also hear from high-profile experts, Jeff Cole and Joe Martin, who will share their successful “on the ground” experiences and strategies with you to get the most out of your local market.

Our latest Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) and Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) graduates are also highlighted, as well as the myriad benefits of our industry-leading training programs provide.

So what are you waiting for? Agent University’s monthly newsletter (read it right here) is jam-packed with juicy nuggets and helpful information that can take your business to the next level. And it’s free.

Sign up to receive the newsletter today! Click here

(Note that the email newsletter sign up is located on the top-left of the page).

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Whistler Blackcomb: Latest report on Intrawest’s Olympic real estate foreclosure (Video)

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Casey Anthony parents face foreclosure on family house in Orlando
George and Cindy Anthony — the parents of accused child murderer Casey Anthony — have a past due balance of about $121,000 on their home loan, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The Anthony’s, in fact, have reportedly not paid their Bank of America-issued mortgage since June 2009. However, the family attorney reveals that the lender has [...]

George and Cindy Anthony — the parents of accused child murderer Casey Anthony — have a past due balance of about $121,000 on their home loan, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The Anthony’s, in fact, have reportedly not paid their Bank of America-issued mortgage since June 2009. However, the family attorney reveals that the lender has not yet contacted them about any pending foreclosure on the home, which is located at 4937 Hopespring Drive in the Chickasaw Oaks section of Orlando, Florida.

Their grand daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony, was last seen alive near the home in June 2008. And, according to the report, her body was later discovered in a nearby wooded area about six months later.

Casey, the child’s mother and the daughter of George and Cindy, has since been charged with first-degree murder and “is being held without bond at the Orange County Jail.”

Meanwhile, her parents will likely do whatever needs to be done to save their family home, which they purchased for $90,900 in 1989 (and later refinanced), from falling deeper into foreclosure.

Leonard Padilla — the California bounty hunter who helped Casey secure bail in 2008 — has offered his assistance; however, the couple is apparently not interested.

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Weekly Twitter Digest from Foreclosure.com (2010-02-13)
Mortgage officials try exits softer than foreclosures http://bit.ly/d4aSqT SC # Awesome HAFA webinar yesterday. If you are an agent and missed it check this out for next week http://bit.ly/cLuIpt LY # Love productive Fridays – love this thought from http://www.greatday.com/ LY # Writing articles and instructor notes today LY # Large mortgage servicer offers an alternative to foreclosure [...]

• Mortgage officials try exits softer than foreclosures http://bit.ly/d4aSqT SC #
• Awesome HAFA webinar yesterday. If you are an agent and missed it check this out for next week http://bit.ly/cLuIpt LY #
• Love productive Fridays – love this thought from http://www.greatday.com/ LY #
• Writing articles and instructor notes today LY #
• Large mortgage servicer offers an alternative to foreclosure http://bit.ly/cqDIDD SC #
• Getting ready to have Than Merrill from Flip this House on tonight http://bit.ly/bhPpNT LY #
• Deal of the Day, N'awlins edition: 4 bed/3 br 'Saint'ly deal. Pot. equity = $254,960 (580% under!) 5 stars http://ffs.cc/a/2b94ay TM #

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Villa Ferrari: Scott Storch house in Miami sold to ROCKSTAR energy drink
It’s time to party like a ROCKSTAR. The former 20,000 sq. ft. waterfront mansion of big-time music producer, Scott Storch, which is located on Palm Island Estate in Miami Beach, Fla., has been purchased by ROCKSTAR energy drink for an undisclosed sum, according to a recent press release. “Villa Ferrari” includes 11 master suite bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, [...]

It’s time to party like a ROCKSTAR.

The former 20,000 sq. ft. waterfront mansion of big-time music producer, Scott Storch, which is located on Palm Island Estate in Miami Beach, Fla., has been purchased by ROCKSTAR energy drink for an undisclosed sum, according to a recent press release.

“Villa Ferrari” includes 11 master suite bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, three guest houses, two pools and a 100-foot boat dock, among other jaw-dropping amenities. It was recently listed on the market for as much as $14.9 million and as little as $5.5 million.

To check out the “Villa Ferrari” listing at 70 Palm Ave., as well as photos of the extravagant property, click here and here.

Storch — who has produced chart-topping albums for major musical artists such as Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Brittney Spears — recently lost the home in a foreclosure auction to his lender, Suntrust Bank, at the price of $5.5 million dollars. It was sold shortly thereafter to Weiner Rusell Trust for $6.75 million.

Now the newest owner, ROCKSTAR, plans to uphold the tradition of “Villa Ferrari,” promising to host “some of Miami Beach’s most exclusive parties and events.”

Check out a video tour of the new ROCKSTAR luxury estate after the jump.

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Foreclosure.com formally announces the winners of its 2009 scholarship program
The results are in. More than 1,000 current and/or college-bound students nationwide answered the call during the 2009 Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program, submitting essays of 1,000 words or more on ‘How to Solve the Foreclosure Crisis.’ Andrew Dewar, a senior at Kennesaw State University located in Kennesaw, Ga., however, was voted to the head of the class by [...]

2009 Scholarship Program $5,000 winner, Andrew Dewar

The results are in.

More than 1,000 current and/or college-bound students nationwide answered the call during the 2009 Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program, submitting essays of 1,000 words or more on ‘How to Solve the Foreclosure Crisis.’

Andrew Dewar, a senior at Kennesaw State University located in Kennesaw, Ga., however, was voted to the head of the class by our panel of judges, winning the $5,000 top prize.

“It’s been thrilling to hear the news — I’m so thankful that Foreclosure.com put this together,” said Andrew, a former business owner and new father of a one-year-old baby girl, Avery. “I have some personal experience with [foreclosure. So this was just a natural extension of trying to solve my own mini housing crisis.

“This is tremendous — it’s so generous,” he continued. “Being an adult student and father, there are a lot of costs that come with going back to school … there is a lot at stake. So the $5,000 will pay for at least an entire semester at Kennesaw State. It’s huge.”

The program, which ran from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009, also awarded four $1,000 scholarships to the contest semifinalists:

• Mark Cantora a law student at Hofstra University School of Law in Hempstead, New York
• Kelly Kinkade from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
• Elizabeth Panella from the Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts
• Luke Paulsen from Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey

In addition to the five cash prizes in the form of scholarships, totaling $9,000, these plans will be sent to Congress and to President Barack Obama himself as soon as possible.

“The suggestions that were laid out in the essays were well thought out and I would hope that Congress and President Obama will take notice,” said Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates. “This crisis will affect the next generation so it is important to get their fresh perspectives on such an important issue.”

To read Andrew’s winning essay, as well as the others from our four semifinalists, please visit the Foreclosure.com scholarship page right here. Remember to also check out our video interview with Andrew right here.

In addition to all the students who responded, Foreclosure.com would like to acknowledge the esteemed panel of judges who selected the five finalists:

• Jeanette Francis, Ph.D., Lynn University
• Kermit Lind, J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
• Susan Wachter, University of Pennsylvania
• Michael Kraten, PH.D., CPA, Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University
• Maureen Kraten MBA, CMC, Sacred Heart University

“We were extremely impressed with the variety of ideas and concepts submitted by all the students,” said Luanne Bryant, who coordinated the scholarship effort for Foreclosure.com. “From the far-fetched to the exceptionally insightful, we received the full gamut of solutions to the foreclosure crisis. Based on the success of this program, we will attempt to find other ways to keep it alive in 2010 and beyond for the benefit of college students, and struggling homeowners, throughout the nation.”

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

How will a short sale affect me and/or my credit score?
Professionals from our education and customer service departments are always fielding this question, whether it’s from a Webinar attendee or a distressed homeowner facing foreclosure. First let’s be clear: A short sale will ding your credit score, lowering it anywhere from 80 to 100 points. However, it is a much better option than foreclosure, which can drop [...]

Professionals from our education and customer service departments are always fielding this question, whether it’s from a Webinar attendee or a distressed homeowner facing foreclosure.

First let’s be clear: A short sale will ding your credit score, lowering it anywhere from 80 to 100 points.

However, it is a much better option than foreclosure, which can drop your score as much as 250 to 280 points for as long as seven years.

Therefore, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to short sale or sell his or her home by other means before forfeiting it back to the bank/lender.

One very important item that must be top of mind when thinking about short selling your house, however, is whether or not you will be hit with a deficiency judgment.

In a short sale transaction, a bank agrees to sell a home for less than what it is owed by the original borrower. And even though a bank may sign off on the deal, it could still hold the original borrower accountable for the difference on the short sale.

In other words, if you bought your home for $300,000 and sold it as a short sale for $215,000, you could still potentially be on the hook for $85,000.

For most people a deficiency judgment is the final financial blow that forces them into total economic submission: Bankruptcy.

Vanessa Corey of Fredericksburg, Va., shares her sad short sale tale with CNNMoney.com:

“My understanding was that the deficiency was negotiated away. Then, last November, I got a letter from a lawyer telling me I owed my lender $65,000. I had to declare bankruptcy. There was no way I could pay it.”

How do you avoid getting slapped with a deficiency judgment in a short sale?

It must be addressed during the negotiation and a condition of the sale that you ask for and are granted a release. All that means is you request that the bank/lender “releases you from further financial obligation” as soon as the deal closes.

That one small request makes a huge difference.

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Free foreclosure listings alerts in your email inbox now better than ever!
Real estate has always had the potential to turn ordinary novice investors into wealthy experienced entrepreneurs. Seizing opportunities in the multi-billion dollar foreclosure industry is a common factor behind many of these success stories. Timing is everything. And there is no better time to score a great foreclosure deal — or several — than right now. Remember that you [...]

Real estate has always had the potential to turn ordinary novice investors into wealthy experienced entrepreneurs.

Seizing opportunities in the multi-billion dollar foreclosure industry is a common factor behind many of these success stories.

Timing is everything.

And there is no better time to score a great foreclosure deal — or several — than right now.

Remember that you can be the first to know when hot listings become available in your area thanks to FREE daily foreclosure e-mail alerts from Foreclosure.com. We conveniently deliver all the best deals, depending on the property type(s) and zip code(s) that you select, directly to your inbox.

It gets better.

Our design team just got done giving our FREE daily foreclosure e-mail alerts a facelift, ensuring that all of the rich property information that you request appears in a more eye-catching, organized and easy-to-read format.

Here’s what you get:

• Daily e-mail updates from the most accurate and largest one-stop source of foreclosed homes on the Internet
• Nationwide inventory of more than 1.8 million distressed properties
• No membership, purchase or obligation required
• Properties 30-60 percent below market value

Put simply, you can search endless properties across the nation from your home or work by entering a zip code just once! We take care of the rest.

So if you don’t have the time or the diligence to keep your eyes peeled in the coming days and months for your winning real estate ticket on Foreclosure.com, simply take advantage of our FREE daily foreclosure e-mail alerts and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for you!

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586

Homeless shelter in Atlanta faces foreclosure
Foreclosures nationwide have become so troublesome that now even homeless folks in Atlanta, Ga., are facing eviction. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the The Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, which often provides warm food and shelter for 700 homeless men in the area, recently defaulted on a $500,000 loan payment. Here’s how it happened, according [...]

Foreclosures nationwide have become so troublesome that now even homeless folks in Atlanta, Ga., are facing eviction.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the The Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, which often provides warm food and shelter for 700 homeless men in the area, recently defaulted on a $500,000 loan payment.

Here’s how it happened, according to Bob Cramer, chairman of the board of the task force:

“The balloon note was due over a year ago but I think it is important to note that all the interest has been paid through February. We were trying to work it out.”

In particular, Cramer is working to renegotiate the loan amount with its current lender, Ichthus Community Trust. However, if a deal can’t be struck in about a month, the current tenants could be forced out onto the streets once again.

We’ll pass along an update on this unfortunate situation if and when it becomes available.

160tr American Land Company Lot Sale Foreclosure Prices

9 Bids

US $152.50

2h 50m

FORECLOSURE SALE Modern Laptop Table with Swivel Chair

1 Bid

US $19.95

6h 40m

http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1586