Tuesday, March 22, 2011

HAFA certified!!!!

HAFA certified specialist

What is a HAFA short sale?

A lot of the banks are participating in the HAFA short sale program.  (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives).  If you are in a situation facing foreclosure, this is a good alternative.  It is much easier than the traditional short sales have been and provides some other benefits as well:
1.  It prevents foreclosure and gives the home owner some control over their housing transition.  The timelines are predetermined and are much shorter than other short sales have been.
2.  Debt forgiveness.  The first lien debt is forgiven and incentives are provided to the investor to help the process of negotiation of the subordinate lien holders.  The subordinate lien holder must also agree to release its lien and waive all future claims againt the borrower.
3.  Relocation support.  The borrower (home owner) will receive a $3,000 relocation benefit at the close of the short sale transaction to help with relocation expenses.
4.  Pre approved terms prior to listing.  You can request a preapproved price from the lender prior to listing.

Do you want to know if you may qualify for this HAFA short sale?    Contact me and we can discuss it.  It will depend on who the lien holder is and also the type of loan you have on the property.  Also, other factors involved are:
1.  The property is your principal residence.
2.  The mortgage loan is a first lien mortgage originated on or before Jan. 1, 2009.
3.  The mortgage is in default or default is reasonably foreseeable.
4.  The current unpaid balance is equal to or less that $729,750.

Brandi Herrera
Your HAFA certified specialist

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Uh oh! It looks like the bank is foreclosing on my home! What are my options?

If it looks as though your home is facing foreclosure, there are some options to this situation.  Try to look at the situation from a financial situation rather than an emotional one.  Also, act quickly as time is of the essence! 
                                                Nine options when facing Foreclosure

1.  Do Nothing-If you do nothing, you will likely lose your home at the foreclosure auction.  This will affect your credit and loan applications generally ask if you have ever been foreclosed upon.  There are other damaging effects for foreclosure.
2.  Pay off/ Refinanace-Completely paying off the entire loan plus any default and fees.  This is usually accomplished by refinancing.  With this option, you need to have equity in the home.
3.  Reinstatement- Paying the entire default amount plus interest, attorney fees, late fees, taxes, missed payments and fees.
4.  Loan Modification-Contact the existing mortgage company and see if you qualify for the modification.  This can include refinancing or extending the length of the loan.
5.  Forbearance-Lender may be able to arrange a repayment plan based upon your financial situation.  Contact the existing lender to see if you qualify.
6.  Partial Claim-  This would require that you take out a 2nd loan for the back payments, costs, and fees.
7.  Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure-  Give the property back to the bank instead of the bank going through the process of foreclosure.  Banks require that the loan payments be current, home in good condition, taxes be current.  Most people ask me if this has ever happened???
8.  Bankruptcy- This option can liquidate debt and/or allow more time.  I can refer you to a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
9.  Sale- If you have equity in the home, this would be a conventional sale which would allow you to walk with profits from the sale.  If you owe more than your home is worth, you have 2 choices.  The first is a short sale where I work with your lender to accept less than what is owed.  The lender pays realtor fees and other fees that go along with the sale.  The other choice, is to do a conventional sale and bring in the extra amount that is needed to pay your loan in full.  This is usually not an option with most people especially if you are not able to make your house payments.

Let me know if you have any questions on any of these!
Brandi

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

My Resume

I am providing my resume to buyers and sellers interested in hiring a realtor.  I understand that it is an important decision and would like to show my qualifications as a full-time and experienced agent.
                                                           Brandi Herrera
                                                   
                                                  1675 Robb Drive Suite #6
                                                        Reno, NV 89523
                                                    Office 775-827-6644
                                                       Cell 775-846-1132
                                           Email: brandi.herrera@bhghome.com


Objective:
To represent the buyer or seller in the home buying or selling process.

Education:
Real Estate School graduate and licensure in the State of Nevada 2004
Bachelor of Science degree-Elementary Education 1994 University of Nevada Reno

Work Experience:
Realtor, Reno, Nevada:  Better Homes and Gardens (September 2010-current position)
Successfully working with home buyers and sellers to facilitate the purchase or sale of their home.  As a seller’s agent, I am a marketing expert in the local community by using a well developed marketing plan.  My home marketing plan entails virtual tours, thorough exposure to the online resources and websites, open houses, good representation on the MLS, promotion with direct mailings, email flyers to local agents and brokers, and multiple quality photos of the home.  Representing the seller, I negotiate the best terms possible for my clients.  I work with the buyer’s lenders, home inspectors, and title company to ensure a flawless and easy sale.  In a short sale situation, I work with the bank negotiators to obtain a short sale approval that is acceptable with the sellers.  As a buyers agent, I help locate a property for purchase by communicating with the buyers and understanding their home needs.  I work with the lenders to make sure the buyer’s understand what is required of them and that they are comfortable with the purchase price.  I coordinate appointments with the buyers to show them homes and act as a liaison between all parties involved.

Realtor, Reno, Nevada: Prudential Nevada Realty (August 2004-September 2010)
A full time realtor working with buyers and sellers in the Reno/Sparks area.  During this time I gained and utilized many skills involving the home selling and purchasing process.  These skills involved communicating with clients, attention to details, excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, and understanding client’s needs and building excellent rapport with all clients and customers.  My client follow through allowed me to be one of the top realtors in this area.  I also maintained the relationships I made by keeping in touch with my clients over the years.  I also did relocations and was requested by potential buyers and sellers who were relocating.





Teacher:  Reno, Nevada:  Washoe County School District (1994-2004)
A career as a teacher in grades K,2,3,4,7th grade English, and Special Education.  These positions prepared me for many of the skills required as a realtor such as time management, paperwork, and working with people.  I gained a great desire to have attention to detail.  It also allowed me to be an expert in the area as I taught at many of the local schools.

Professional Affiliations:
National Association of Realtors, Nevada Association of Realtors

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tips For Selling Your Home During The Holidays

So you have decided to take advantage of the low inventory during the holidays or perhaps you just don't have time to waste?  Here are some tips on how to stage your home so that it shows beautifully during the holiday season:
1.  Curb appeal:  The outside of your home will be the first impression.  Clean up fall leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and be sure that snow and ice are removed from the path and walk ways.  Decorate the outside with some holiday lights and decor, but do not overdo!  Keep it simple and in line with the other homes in the neighborhood.
2. Decorate the interior: Keep the decorations neutral of religious themes and tasteful rather than glitzy.  Do not add large decorations that make rooms look smaller.  A few chosen, tasteful decorator items for each room is best.
3.  Keep the home warm and inviting:  It can be cold this time of year.  The temperature in the home should be kept at a comfortable level.  You can also light the fireplace prior to showings if you have one.  This adds a nice glow to the home.
4.  Bake some cookies prior to a showing and leave some out on a plate for the potential buyers.  This makes the home smell wonderful and gives the showing a welcoming feel.
5.  Plan parties elsewhere:  This is probably not the best time to host parties at your home.  It will create a mess and add more to yourself than you already have going on.
6.  Don't let holiday decor linger:  If you are still having showings after the holiday season, put the decorations away quickly.  No more than 2 weeks past Christmas is a good rule of thumb.
Happy Selling!  For more tips on staging, contact Brandi Herrera.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Should you sell during the holidays?

Debating if you should try to sell your home during the holiday season?

Have you been wondering if the holiday season is a good time to sell your home or if you should wait until Spring?  Here are a few good reasons to sell during the holiday season:

1.  The buyers that view your home during this time are usually serious buyers.  Most people do not look at homes during this busy time unless they are ready to buy or need to buy.  This eliminates people taking a look at your home that are not really in the market to purchase.
2.  The home inventory is down this time of year due to the fact that many people take their homes off of the market.  This gives your home the advantage and a good chance that it will be the one that is chosen for purchase,
3.  The holiday decorations give your home a warm glow and great appeal.  Buyers buy the home they choose on how they feel in the home.  Holiday decorations add a feeling of warmth. 

The holiday season has it advantages in the home selling market!