Foreclosure help in Preble County OH; avoiding sharks. PT 2

So now I've told you a bit about the sharks swimming out in the waters of Preble County Ohio. Looking for people who are between a rock and a hardplace. Promising easy answers to a difficult situation.

I know what my Momma always told me..."If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"

Well, lets say you get a letter from the shark. Ok, it wont say "from shark", but you'll know it now when you see it. The quick promises...investors just waiting for a home like yours. Your home SOLD in 10 days or less. Oh, and one more thing you might note on the letter...no legal disclaimers anywhere. Maybe even handwritten. Hmmmm.....

So what do you do? Maybe you are still intrigued enought to call. Fair enough. I'll give you a few steps to keep in mind when/if you decide to call them.

1. Call your lender first. If you cant find the number you need, call a local Realtor or local Title agency, as most will have contact numbers for several mortgage companies. When you do reach the lender, ask if you YOURSELF can initaite a short sale. If not, ask them if they require that a licensed REALTOR handle the short sale. I'd bet they do. Most banks require you have a license to negotiate the sale of real estate. The State of Ohio does, unless it's your OWN PROPERTY. (Sort of explains the quit claim deed they want you to sign huh? Then it's all "LEGAL"). In short, what the LENDER Wants and will negotaite with you should take precedence over the whims of the investor.

2. Call your attorney next. Dont have one? Contact as many as you can and you may find that some will be willing to sit down with you for a free (or at least SHORT) consultation. Keep in mind the sharks will tell you that an attorney isn't needed. They have all the leagl documents you will need. No attorney. Hmmm, wonder why they say that???

3. Call a HUD approved housing counselor. This quote from the HUD web site httpp://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm) says it all: "If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor."

Here are some local, Dayton-based HUD APPROVED counselors:

Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Miami Valley -

Phone number: 614-552-2222
Toll Free number: 800-355-2227
http://www.cccservices.com

Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area-

Phone number: 937-341-5000
http://www.cap-dayton.org

and here's a nice web site from right here in Preble County OH offering contact numbers and more:

http://www.com.ohio.gov/SavetheDream/county/Preble.aspx

4. Call a Realtor. ANY REALTOR! I'd love to help you but it doesn't have to be me. It does, however, need to be an Realtor experienced in short sales and hardship situations.

That will lead me to part 3 of my blog on what to do if you are facing foreclosure or mortage hardship in Preble County Ohio. Stay tuned....

Kelley Weimer, a house "SOLD" name!

Country Mile Realtors

www.buypreblecounty.com / www.preblecountyhouses.com