Steve Wadkins, Short Sale Expert CDPE-SFR-CIAS

BUY BUY BUY “Now Is The Time To Buy” www.WadkinsHomeTeam.com Steve Wadkins Realtor® Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:58:07 GMT

BUY BUY BUY “Now Is The Time To Buy” www.WadkinsHomeTeam.com Steve Wadkins Realtor® Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Regardless if you are out of a Short Sale, Bankruptcy, or Foreclosure there are Loans that a buyer can qualify for. It will be cheaper to buy than to rent. Yes, there are lots of "ifs," but it's one of the best times in America to buy a home. And it won't last forever.

The second home market is back with a vengeance. Both investors and playhouse buyers are jumping on this bandwagon. They pushed vacation/second home sales up 7.0 percent in 2011.

Meanwhile, owner-occupied purchases fell 15.5 percent last year.

Housing market forecasts for a recovery remain mixed, but it's about when, not if. If this isn't the Year of the Dragon for the housing market, it could begin to breathe fire next year. And then there are those record low interest rates. Don't get behind the curve and wait until a line forms and multiple offers are the norm, rather than the exception.

Hire good help. Get a licensed real estate agent who knows the market. It's easy to go digital and browse for housing. Actually going through the process and closing on a home without professional assistance is something else.

For more information, call us Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor® 702-591-2576

Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Realty ONE Group / Wadkins Home Team

702-591-2576

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Can I Stay In My Home Do To The Robo-Signing Settlement Agreement?

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:56:42 GMT

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Can I Stay In My Home Do To The Robo-Signing Settlement Agreement?

If you have been following the news, you know that there has been an exciting development in the world of real estate.

In February, the government settled with five major banks in what has come to be known as the Robo-Signing Settlement. Worth $25 billion, this settlement has created incredible opportunity for distressed homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

Can this settlement help me stay in my home?

The answer: Possibly! For many distressed homeowners, however, it is very likely that they have had options all along!

If anyone you know may need my expertise, please have them visit my website www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for a copy of my recent report entitled "The Robo-Signing Settlement: How it can help you stay in your home!"

And then contact me for a confidential consultation 702-281-8288.

Steve Wadkins 702-281-8288 Steve@WadkinsHomeTeam.com

Read the report. Visit my website and please feel free to pass my information on to a friend or family member who could benefit from a confidential consultation with me.

Sincerely

Steve Wadkins-Advanced CDPE Realtor®

702-281-8288

Major Changes Announced for HAFA

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:20:02 GMT

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 died-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!

For More Information and a FREE consultation call me at 702-281-8288

Steve Wadkins-Realtor®-CDPE

Realty ONE Group / Wadkins Home Team

702-281-8288

Lenders Providing Large Cash Incentives to Homeowners for Short Sales

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:44:06 GMT

Lenders Providing Large Cash Incentives to Homeowners for Short Sales

February 26th, 2012 in CDPE by cdpe

For awhile now, we’ve instructed agents on government incentives available to distressed homeowners who opt to do short sales. Such programs include the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program, which provides up to $3,000 to assist the borrower with relocation fees.

In recent news, major publications including USA TODAY and CNNMoney have spotlighted the incentives provided by banks. These incentive programs, which offer anywhere from around $2,000 to upwards of $35,000, are intended to provide homeowners with the resources and motivation to pursue a short sale.

As banks look to ramp up short sales, such incentives are becoming more frequent. JPMorgan Chase began their incentive program last year, for example, and Bank of America (which plans a 60-70% increase in short sales this year) piloted a program in Florida this past December. Wells Fargo offers incentives as well, though primarily in states where the foreclosure process is particularly lengthy.

For banks, short sales can be a cheaper alternative to foreclosure. The foreclosure process is lengthy and costly, so much so that providing up to a $20,000 alternative for a short sale is still a cheaper option.

In USA TODAY’s article “Lenders paying borrowers to do short sales,” Jim Gillespie, chief executive of Coldwell Banker, is quoted as saying “It’s a lot cheaper to shell out $10,000 or $20,000 to someone than it is to go through a long foreclosure.”

In addition to the cost of the foreclosure process itself, foreclosed properties sell for less than short sales on average. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, foreclosed properties sold for 22% less than conventional sales, while short sales sold for around 14% less.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: This year looks to be the year of the short sale. Make sure you’re prepared!

Steve Wadkins CDPE Realtor®

702-281-8288

Steve@WadkinsHomeTeam.com

FREE HELP for Avoiding Foreclosure in Las Vegas by Steve Wadkins

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:25:08 GMT

FREE HELP for Avoiding Foreclosure in Las Vegas by Steve Wadkins

For thousands of Las Vegas homeowners, trying to balance a budget while maintaining a mortgage that is more than the value of a home is becoming nearly impossible.

Add the threat of scams, con-artists and people who are willing to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners and the scale continues to tip the wrong way. TRUST Is the Most Important Step Right Now!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) my first priority is to help distressed homeowners find a way to tip the scale back in their favor and bring some balance back to their lives.

If you or someone you know has found themselves under the weight of an unmanageable mortgage, visit my website http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for a Free copy of the report entitled, “Is Your Mortgage Out of Balance with Your Budget?”

Then, contact me for a free, confidential consultation on my cell 702-281-8288.

Steve Wadkins CDPE Realtor®

702-281-8288

http://www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com

“Your Las Vegas Foreclosure Avoidance Team”

Realtor ONE Group / Wadkins Home Team

Robo-signing settlement Information For Foreclosed Sellers

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:19:19 GMT

Robo-signing settlement Information For Foreclosed Sellers

On February 9th, 2012, the United States Department of Justice announced a settlement with five major banks accused of robo-signing and other fraudulent foreclosure practices. Here are the major details of the settlement:

What’s The Settlement Worth?:

· $25 billion dollars (with additional $4 billion pending the sign-on of 9 small banks).

Participating Banks:

· BOA, ally, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo

30-60 Days: Negotiators will select an administrator to handle logistics of the settlement and monitor compliance.

6-9 Months: The settlement administrator and attorneys general will identify homeowners eligible for immediate cash payments and notify them by mail.

3-Years: The settlement should be completed by the banks.

Additional Notes: Robo-signing practices are forbidden. Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac insured loans are not impacted by this settlement. Special recourse is in place for Servicemembers. Money will be distributed differently for different states.

Important Links:

To determine if a loan is ineligible due to insurance by Freddie or Fannie:

http://www.fanniefae.com/loanlookup

http://www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage

I hope this helps everyone as my telephone has been ringing for information on the settlement. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to call me and I will help in any way possible.

Steve Wadkins CDPE Realtor®

702-281-8288

Realty ONE Group/Wadkins Home Team

Tax Waiver On Mortgage Debt Forgiveness & What Does This Mean To All Of Us Homeowners???? By Steve Wadkins

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:59:35 GMT

Tax Waiver On Mortgage Debt Forgiveness & What Does This Mean To All Of Us Homeowners???? By Steve Wadkins

This Act ensures that homeowners who received before December 31, 2012 a Short Sale or other forms of debt forgiveness on their primary residence do not have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven. Without the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, the debt reduced in a short sale or mortgage modification qualifies as income to the borrower and is taxable. The Administration is proposing an extension. Call your CPA for more information on this or call me and I will give you CPA Firm Telephone numbers.

In My Opinion; if this is not extended, which I don’t believe it will be, then the banks will need to Pony up money to the short sellers to cure the income taxes against us homeowners. This is why it is very important to not ride the fence on a short sale if you are in an Unmanageable Mortgage.

I am having a FREE Homeowner Event this next Wednesday February 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm at my office in the Training Center. This Event is open to Homeowners that want to know what their Options are and questions answered by one of my guest a Real Estate Attorney. You don’t want to miss this. If you are interested email me at Info@WadkinsHomeTeam.com to RSVP.

As an Advanced Certified Distressed Property Expert CDPE Licensed Realtor® I can Help you Navigate through Your Unmanageable Mortgage

Steve Wadkins CDPE Realtor®

Realty ONE Group/Wadkins Home Team

702-281-8288

www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage? Illness? Taxes? Debt? Crisis? Anxiety? Job Loss? By Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:03:12 GMT

Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage? Illness? Taxes? Debt? Crisis? Anxiety? Job Loss? By Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

A lot has changed since you bought your home. Home values have tanked, unemployment has spiked and homeownership has taken a turn for the worse.

Millions feel stuck in a home they can’t afford to sell because they owe more on their mortgage than the home is worth. And for many, the mortgage payment is no longer manageable, so they are slipping farther and farther behind every month.

At the same time, scam artists are coming up with new schemes to take advantage of homeowners who are down on their luck.

As an Advanced Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) my mission is to help Las Vegas homeowners to steer clear of scams and figure out the best option based on their circumstances. The fact is, no one wants to see you foreclose on your home, and more help is available than ever before.

I invite you to visit my website www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for a copy of my recent report entitled, “Are You Living Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage?”

And then contact me for a confidential consultation.

Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

Realty ONE Group

702-281-8288

Are Las Vegas Homeowners Glad They Own? By Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:16 GMT

Are Las Vegas Homeowners Glad They Own? By Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Over 75% percent approximately of Las Vegas Homeowners are satisfied with owning a home. The other 25 percent, not so. They say they're dissatisfied and that's likely due to the devaluation of their homes.

Majority Las Vegas Homeowners had many other reasons they were happy to own their own home including the one that proves the American Dream is alive and well: Owning your own home at today’s prices and interest rates is cheaper than renting or the same price per month with pride of homeownership. Following closely behind were the freedom to control their home improvements and upgrades.

Majority are very happy with homeownership even in spite of such rocky real estate times where declines in home values have crippled some homeowners severely.

People ask us all the time, “do you think I can buy a home when we short sold our house”? Absolutely, each person’s financial status is different, but the answer is YES and there are loans for everyone. We will introduce you to Loan Officers to Help everyone to own their own home.

Owning a Home is a great investment for everyone. We always want our buyers to buy a Home that they can afford, then move up later if their financial status can support.

Gerri and I read the book by Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover. Great book, we highly recommend it to everyone. It has changed our lives.

Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Realty ONE Group/Wadkins Home Team

702-591-2576 / 702-281-8288

Why Buy a Home In Las Vegas? By Steve Wadkins & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:32:26 GMT

Why Buy a Home In Las Vegas? By Steve Wadkins & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

You’ve probably heard it all over media outlets. "Affordability is at an all-time high." "Interest rates are below 4.0 percent!" The question remains, however, why buy a home?

With interest rates at historically low levels and markets across the country beginning to improve, homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for nearly two decades.

What does this mean for Las Vegas buyers? It means that you should be calling us and asking what home prices are and compare those to your own family income. Are you in the position to buy a larger home or move up thanks to low rates and low prices?

The Las Vegas market is the perfect climate today for buyers with cash for down payments, steady incomes, and good credit scores. Buying today is full of opportunity. You can buy more home for less money and pay less interest over the life of the loan thanks to incredibly low interest rates. We are reading that the banks are loosening up on getting financing for homeownership. We will give you names of Loan Officers here in Las Vegas.

Rates have never been this low. They are currently under 4.0 percent for buyers. Even if you don’t have an excellent credit score you may still be eligible for other good rates or deals. Now is the time to find out!

There are fewer buyers on the market, which means you have more leverage at the negotiating tables. Sellers are willing to make more concessions and many are motivated to sell, especially if their home has been lingering on the market. New Homes are sitting ready to move in, call me and I will represent you on the buyers side.

Additionally, there are incredible deals to be had on the glut of foreclosed and short sale homes which are now on the market. Many homes that have been delinquent for years are just now hitting the market. These banks are ready to unload.

Why should you buy a home right now? You’re going to find better deals, lower prices, and the best rates in history for buying a home. That sounds like an ideal time to enter the market! Call us and ask questions.

Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Realty ONE Group/Wadkins Home Team

702-591-2576

Foreclosures Set to Rise in 2012 by Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:27 GMT

Foreclosures Set to Rise in 2012 by Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

There’s both good news and bad news on the foreclosure front.

The good news? According to RealtyTrac’s Year-End 2011 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report™, total U.S. foreclosure activity and the foreclosure rate were both at their lowest annual level since 2007.

The bad news? Foreclosure levels were artificially lowered due to delays following the robo-signing scandal and AB-284. However, those delayed foreclosures will likely reappear in 2012.

“There were strong signs in the second half of 2011 that lenders are finally beginning to push through some of the delayed foreclosures in select local markets. We expect that trend to continue this year, boosting foreclosure activity for 2012 higher than it was in 2011,” said Brandon Moore, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac.

Fortunately, both the financial and government sectors are more committed than ever to finding alternatives to foreclosure, including short sales. In fact, Bank of America expects a 60-70% increase in short sale closings this year.

I am prepared to assist distressed homeowners during the upcoming surge in foreclosure filings. If you need to “know your Options to Foreclosure” meet with me or call and I will advise you of all your Options that Las Vegas Homeowners don’t know about.

Steve Wadkins-Realtor® 702-281-8288 “CLICK ON MY NAME”

Realty ONE Group/Wadkins Home Team

2011 Real Estate Recap: Short Sales Up; Foreclosures Down

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:49:38 GMT

2011 Real Estate Recap: Short Sales Up; Foreclosures Down

When the "robo-signing" scandal that broke in the fall of 2010 put a temporary lid on foreclosure activity, AB-284, banks sharpened their focus on short sales as the lesser of two evils. 2011 was a year of great strides in the short sale arena as major banks refined their systems and staffed up their infrastructures to handle the accelerating surge of short sale requests.

The result? Short Sales rose to record levels in 2011, while foreclosures fell.

Increasing negative equity continues to fuel the demand for short sales. Even though price declines slowed throughout 2011, U.S. home values dropped by more than $681 last year.

Entering into 2012, experts are forecasting an upward spike in Short Sales as banks begin to work through the backlog of delinquent properties.

At the same time, banks now have the systems to handle Short Sales, and a growing population of Las Vegas homeowners who are discovering that they owe more on their home than it's worth, are in need of help from a CDPE Certified Distressed Property Expert Real Estate Agent as myself to negotiate a short sale on their behalf—key among the reasons why 2012 has already been labeled "The Year of the Short Sale."

To read my Las Vegas Real Estate Updates log onto http://wadkinshometeam.com/blog/ and if you have questions regarding Real Estate, call me for a FREE consultation and my FREE services at 702-281-8288

Steve Wadkins Realtor® CDPE

Realty ONE Group

702-281-8288

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

Moving With Our Pets Las Vegas

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:19:11 GMT

Moving With Our Pets

Our Pets we Love because they are family. In some households they're our Kids. How can you make the time of moving an easy transition for your hairy friends?

Pets look to us to provide them with safety & affection. This means it is our responsibility to plan ahead so that moving time is low stress for our pets.

First, plan ahead for the days when you are loading moving vans and house doors are likely to be open. This is not the time to be chasing your Pet down the street or to lose a kitty with no time to spare.

Reach out to a friend or relative that can act as a pet sitter. Sometimes neither of these options are possible. In this case it is important to keep a pet closed up in one room, crated, or carefully fenced in the backyard while movers are going in and out.

Next, keep routines consistent. Most animals have set times during which they eat and take potty breaks. It's a good idea to keep on the same schedule. This means taking your dog on walks in the morning or afternoon, even if you're busy. As an added bonus, this walk can be healthy as well!

Keep food consistent as well by planning ahead. Some animals require special prescription veterinary diets.

While you're at the vets office get all your animals up-to-date on any vaccinations. Get records or prescriptions for your new vet's office. Consider micro chipping your pet in case they wander or get lost during the move. If you don't want to microchip them be sure to update their tags with new phone numbers or addresses.

Once you arrive at your new home, hurry and set up their "go to" areas. It might be a good idea to isolate them in a bedroom or bathroom where you can keep them contained as you unload your belongings. Set up water, food, a bed, and a litter box if needed. Spend a few minutes with them to reassure them everything is okay. Check on them often.

Moving is a very stressful time. By planning ahead and taking a few compassionate steps you can help your pets transition to their new home with ease and excitement. By planning, it will reduce the stress off of you knowing your Pets will be happy in their new home.

If you are looking to Buy a Home or Rent A Home call Gerri Wadkins-Realtor® 702-591-2576

If you are looking to Sell a Home call Steve Wadkins-Realtor® 702-281-8288

Steve & Gerri Wadkins Realtor®

Realty ONE Group

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

702-281-8288 or 702-591-2576

Fantastic News For Some Homeowners: Freddie Mac Announces Up to 12-Month Forbearance for Unemployed

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:01:22 GMT

Fantastic News For Some Homeowners: Freddie Mac Announces Up to 12-Month Forbearance for Unemployed

Effective Feb. 1, 2012 Freddie Mac is giving mortgage servicers expanded authority to provide six months of forbearance to unemployed mortgage holders without prior approval, and an additional six months (12 months total) with prior approval. This new policy essentially doubles the previously offered forbearance period.

VERY important to note:

This applies to Freddie Mac-owned or guaranteed loans only.
There is ACTION required. The homeowner must contact the servicer to request the forbearance.
Delinquent borrowers in an existing short-term forbearance plan can be evaluated for an extended forbearance term under the new policy. Again, homeowners will need to contact their servicer to apply.

Any Questions, call me 702-281-8288 “Solving The Foreclosure Crisis One Homeowner At A Time”

Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

Realty ONE Group

702-281-8288

Federal Reserve Recommends Short Sales Among Solutions to Housing Crisis

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:32:34 GMT

Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?

A Financial Resolution for 2012

Dear Friends:

Millions of homeowners in this country are unable to afford the payments on a home that's worth less than the amount they owe on their mortgage.

These are people who have played by the rules, made good decisions, and had every reason to believe that the American Dream of homeownership was in their hands.

Unemployment, underemployment and real estate market upheaval has derailed a lot of those dreams. Since 2007, 8.9 million homes have been lost to foreclosure.

My mission is to keep YOU and anyone you care about from adding to that statistic.

The fact is, there are options to foreclosure—better options now than ever before.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have the training and expertise to help distressed homeowners to make a positive fresh start. If you or anyone you care about is faced with an unmanageable mortgage, I can help.

I invite you to visit my website http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for a copy of my recent report entitled, "Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?"

Contact me today and let's get started on a positive start to 2012!

Steve Wadkins-Realtor

Realty ONE Group Las Vegas

702-281-8288

Federal Reserve Recommends Short Sales Among Solutions to Housing Crisis

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:51:43 GMT

On Jan. 4, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke sent a letter and white paper to Congress outlining his insights and recommendations on restoring the health of the U.S. housing market.

Among the key findings on current market conditions:

§ Housing prices remain 33% below their early 2006 peak

§ Currently, 1 in 5 mortgage holders are underwater (12 million homeowners)

§ In states with the price declines (i.e. Nevada, Arizona and Florida) roughly half of all mortgage borrowers are underwater on their loans

§ The number of properties currently in the foreclosure process is more than four times larger than the number of properties in REO inventory

The white paper suggests that no single solution exists and that progress will come through “persistent and careful efforts to address a range of difficult and interdependent issues”—a position we have always stressed.

Among these efforts, the paper strongly recommends incentives for alternatives to foreclosure, namely a short sale or deed-in-lieu. Questions? Call me 702-281-8288

The white paper also emphasizes a fact we are all too aware of: foreclosures drive down property values in the surrounding area and lead to a “ripple-effect” that harms homeowners, lenders and taxpayers alike.

Watch my Video Blog Post to hear more insights on the Federal Reserve’s recommendations.

Steve Wadkins-Realtor®- Certified Distressed Property Expert

Realty ONE Group

702-281-8288

www.WadkinsHomeTeam.com www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

10 Warning Signs of a Mortgage Modification Scam*

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:14:38 GMT

10 Warning Signs of a Mortgage Modification Scam*

Mortgage Modification Scams Are On The Rise. Get The Facts and Know All Your Options. Call Me For A Free Consultation 702-281-8288 Steve Wadkins Realtor® Nextage Property Solutions Wadkins Home Team http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

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

up-front.

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. “Just 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.

*Source: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Place Your Confidence in CDPE

With the right assistance, the stress of facing foreclosure becomes manageable. CDPE-designated agents have received the knowledge and training necessary to assess all possible foreclosure alternatives and pursue homeowners’ best options. A CDPE-designated agent attends several days of intensive, thorough training on foreclosure avoidance and how to negotiate short sales efficiently and ethically. The highly regarded CDPE logo means you are working with the most informed, up-to-date resource available. “That Is, Steve Wadkins” 702-281-8288

A fresh financial start for 2012 http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:34:43 GMT

A fresh financial start for 2012 http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com An unmanageable mortgage is an unbearable burden.

As we enter into the holiday season, millions of families are fearing foreclosure and not knowing where to turn and Who To Get The Truth From.

More than 78 percent of Las Vegas Homeowners owe more on their home than it's worth in today's market. Add to that an unacceptable rate of unemployment and underemployment, and you've got a housing crisis with no easy answers.

As an Advanced Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) it is my mission to help homeowners to avoid foreclosure and to get their lives on a positive path. If you or anyone you care about is faced with an unmanageable mortgage, I invite you to visit my website or forward this link http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for a copy of my most recent report entitled, "Mortgage Payment Weighing You Down."

The fact is, more help is available for homeowners than ever before. This is no time to go it alone, and the time to contact me about getting on path toward financial stability is NOW!

Sincerely yours,

Steve Wadkins-Realtor®

Nextage Property Solutions Las Vegas

702-281-8288

Wadkins Home Team #1 For All Your Real Estate

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Strategic Defaulters Plays Poker…

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:27:22 GMT

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Strategic Defaulters Plays Poker…

More than one in three Las Vegas Homeowners think it's okay to walk away from their mortgage, because they don't think it's worth it to hold onto a home with a market value that is less than the mortgage balance.

Studies have found that strategic defaulters may not pay their mortgage, but they keep current on other credit so it is available to see them through the foreclosure. Keeping current on other credit also helps them regain a high credit score sooner than others who go into foreclosure and wreck all their credit.

That means strategic defaulters tend to go into foreclosure with a higher credit score than those who enter foreclosure because they can't pay the mortgage.

Some professionals will tell you seven-ten years must pass before you can purchase a home again. Don’t walk-away, there are several options to avoid foreclosure. One is short sale which some Lenders are qualifying buyers right out of a short sale if qualified. Lenders are paying sellers to cooperate in short selling their home of amounts $3,000, $5,000, $10,000…

Several Banks are qualifying sellers for a short sale while current on their mortgage do to foreseeable hardships. There are programs that fit majority of the Homeowners; log onto my website to see details http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for Free Reports.

Expectations of a Strategic default:

• A foreclosure remains on your credit report for seven years and your credit score can plunge by as much as 300 points plus or minus and is forever reported. Only bankruptcy will affect your credit score more adversely than foreclosure. Bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for 10 years is also forever reported.

• Last year, Fannie Mae began prohibiting strategic defaulters from obtaining Fannie Mae-backed mortgages for seven years after a strategic default-triggered foreclosure. That reduces the number of home loans available to you after a strategic default.

• You could also face problems shopping for insurance or applying for a rental home or a job in some industries where you are expected to have a financially fit character.

• In some cases, the debt the foreclosure "erases" could be recorded as income, against which you'll have to pay taxes. The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act expires December 31, 2012 for primary residence.

Again, there are too many options for a homeowner to walk-away and be at risk. For more of my Blogs go to http://www.WadkinsHomeTeam.com/blogs

Steve Wadkins Realtor®

NPS 702-281-8288

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com Friends Don’t Let Friends Foreclose!

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:17:28 GMT

Friends Don’t Let Friends Foreclose!

Dear Family and Friends,

The economy and the Las Vegas real estate market have taken their toll on our lives in many different ways. The latest statistics are that 6.3 million homeowners are currently in some state of foreclosure, and even more tragic is the fact that so often, homeowners let their homes slip into foreclosure without ever reaching out for help.

If you or anyone you care about is having trouble making their mortgage payment, you are not alone. And as a real estate professional who has achieved the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into major lenders and the latest options for avoiding foreclosure and helping homeowners to get a fresh start to their lives.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or forward my email or phone number to anyone you know who could benefit from a consultation on how to get out from under a burdensome mortgage.

Best regards,

Steve Wadkins Realtor® Advanced CDPE

702-281-8288

Realty ONE Group

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com “Unmanageable Mortgage? Change The Course And Navigate Away From An Unmanageable Mortage” by Steve Wadkins Las Vegas

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:41:08 GMT

http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com “Unmanageable Mortgage? Change The Course And Navigate Away From An Unmanageable Mortage” by Steve Wadkins Las Vegas

Shifting economic winds have left millions of Americans feeling financially stranded and not knowing where to turn.

For Las Vegas homeowners who have lost their jobs, spent through their savings and now find themselves with a mortgage payment they can no longer afford on a home that’s worth less in today’s market than the amount they owe their bank, there are no easy answers.

Helping clients to figure out their best course of action within a market that’s nothing like any of us have ever dealt with before requires an entirely new level of expertise and training. That’s why I’ve sought out and have been for the last Four Years the Las Vegas Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation—the most recognized and respected training on distressed properties in the real estate industry.

Most importantly, I am tapped into a network that holds its members to the highest standards of ethics and expertise.

I invite you to visit my websiteand contact me if you know someone you know who I could help. And please feel free to refer my contact information to others within your sphere.

Sincerely,

Steve Wadkins Realtor® Advanced CDPE

NPS

702-281-8288

HARP 2.0 Home Affordable Refinance Program: What it is; What it isn’t

HARP 2.0 Home Affordable Refinance Program: What it is; What it isn’t

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:45:15 GMT

When the Obama Administration announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) early this week, my phones started ringing with inquiries from Las Vegas Homeowners for my input concerning their situation.

Here’s essentially what my opinion is about the revamped government mortgage refinancing program:

HARP 2.0, as the media has started to refer to it, has some merit, but it’s scope is very limited and it will have little or no impact on foreclosures or the estimated 6.4 million homeowners nationwide who are behind on their mortgage payments. The new HARP just expands the net of those who were eligible for help under the original version.

HARP was created in 2009 to help borrowers whose loans were backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the FHA, but did not have enough equity or negative equity to refinance. Under the original version of HARP, borrowers who were current on their payments and owed up to 125 percent of the current value of their homes could refinance their mortgage.

The original HARP fell short of expectations. Over the past two and a half years, only 838,000 homeowners have benefited from the program. The new HARP has broadened the base with looser eligibility requirements.

Borrowers with FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgages that were sold to Fannie or Freddie before May 31, 2009, will be able to refinance, no matter how far underwater they are. Banks will only have to verify that borrowers have made their last six payments, that they’ve haven’t missed more than one payment over the past year, and that they have a job or another source of regular income.

Other key changes:

· Appraisals are no longer required if there is a reliable automated valuation model (AVM)–a significant hurdle in the previous plan.

· Risk-based fees have been eliminated for borrowers who refinance to 15-year mortgages.

· Existing mortgage insurance coverage can be transferred much easier than under the original HARP.

While the new HARP won’t help homeowners who are behind on their payments and at risk for foreclosure, it is a welcome relief for homeowners who have been caught in the Catch-22 of not being able to refinance because they owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth, and at the same time, don’t qualify for a short sale or a loan mod because they are current on their payments and still have income and assets. That Is Great News!

More money into the pockets of this segment will mean more dollars back into the economy, potentially heading off strategic defaults and keeping and stemming the tide of homes entering the foreclosure pipeline.

If you need any information about this program or to know what your options are, call me, 702-281-8288 or go to my website http://www.LasVegasShortSaleHotLine.com for the up-to-date news and free information. If you want to know if your Mortgage is a Fannie, Freddie or FHA call us 702-281-8288 and we will let you know.

Steve Wadkins Realtor® Advanced CDPE

702-281-8288

NPS