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It’s a sign of the times!

Most of us grew up thinking that if we planned well and played by the rules, we’d never have to stand by as our financial lives unraveled.

But upheaval on Wall Street, unacceptable rates of unemployment and plummeting real estate values have taken their toll.  Since 2007, 7.9 million homeowners have lost their homes to foreclosure. Current estimates are that one in four homeowners owe more on their mortgages than they could get from the sale of their home. Millions more homes will be lost to foreclosure before this real estate crisis runs its course.

The sad fact is that foreclosure is not an isolated event. For months leading up to the loss of a home, financially strapped homeowners live under a cloud of uncertainty.  And then for many years afterwards, the blow to credit gets in the way of buying another home or buying anything on credit. Foreclosure even complicates employment prospects.

The impact of foreclosure is huge and the sad fact is that it’s often avoidable.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to provide financially strapped homeowners with options to foreclosure, ensure that they steer clear of scams, and help navigate them through the solution that best meets their needs.

Among the most important facts to keep in mind: the sooner help is sought, the better the options.

These are tough times, but more help is available than ever before. If you or someone you care about is ready to navigate away from the dark cloud of an unmanageable mortgage and realize that hope and blue skies are within reach, contact me today and let’s get started.

I put together a free report on options for home owners.  Click here to get a copy:  http://sjhouses.com/10options

Matthew Haviland 609-338-3773

New Listing For Sale:
Lovely waterfront 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo facing the lagoon. Open layout with laminate wood floor throughout. Dining area and living area with gas fireplace lead to new mahogany deck overlooking the lagoon. Modern kitchen with Jenn-Air appliances, corian countertops and built in wine cooler. Master bath with whirlpool tub. Fresh paint throughout. Features, with stove, microwave, hot water heater, and newer washer. Pre-home inspection complete and all items have been addressed.  For more details call 609-338-3773.

I was introduced to a home owner last week by a past client of mine that I successfully helped avoid foreclosure. I called the home owner and found out that he was in foreclosure and had missed several years of payments. I gave him some information about his options because he was unsure of what to do.

Time Is Running Out For Homeowners In Foreclosure.

A week later I called to follow up and he told me that he had already received notice that the sheriff sale date was posted. I immediately arranged a complementary legal session for him with our attorney. The attorney advised that short sale was most likely not an option and perhaps bankruptcy would be the only think that could delay the foreclosure.

There are over 12 options to stop foreclosure however most home owners are only aware of one or two options.  If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure please contact me now at 609-338-3773. I will give them a copy of my free report 12 Options To Stop Foreclosure In Its Tracks and also an article entitled How To Avoid Getting Conned By Foreclosure Scams.

For homeowners who don’t wish to keep their home I can also do a complementary phone consultation to determine if a Short Sale is an option for them.

There are options to avoid and stop foreclosure. However if homeowners wait too long to seek help you may have little or no options left. Please call me now if you or someone you know needs help at 609-338-3773. Best wishes, Matthew Haviland

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority has grant money available for first time home buyers right now.

Grants of up to $15,000 can be used for down payment and closing costs.

Here is what you need to qualify:

HOUSEHOLDS

1. Who have resided in Atlantic County, NJ for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.

2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.

3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.

4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

If you feel you may qualify for this grant program please call Matthew Haviland at 609-338-3773 for more details.

Our sympathy and thoughts and prayers to all those who have lost homes and property during this devastating storm.

If you need help after the storm we have compiled a list of relief agencies and resources for Atlantic County, NJ.

First of all if you need assistance or shelter now, please call your local office of emergency management:

Available shelters can also be found here:  http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/

As of now there are open Red Cross shelters at Pleasanvville High School and Buena Regional High School.

Here is a great site for Recovering after a Disaster or Emergency http://www.redcross.org/find-help/disaster-recovery

Help From FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is also available.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 26, 2012, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance now by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

Stay safe and best wishes on a quick recovery,

Matthew Haviland, The Haviland Group At Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore.  Your Trusted Real Estate Experts For Life 609-338-3773.  609-484-9890 ext. 132.