Dawn Isenhower

I awoke to the sound of my husband's alarm yesterday morning. The Ohio Attorney General was a special guest on a radio program, and he was talking about the increase of fraud being perpetrated on those who are facing foreclosure. He was specifically talking about companies that exist to scam people who are already in financial distress.

These companies advertise to those in preforeclosure and claim to be able to rescue them from their impending hardship. Such a company asks that the homeowners hand over the deed to their home so that they can rent their own home back from the company. The company claims that it will make the payments for the homeowner so they can stay in the home. What the company forgets to tell the homeowner is that they do not intend to make the payments on their behalf. They mearly pull out any remaining equity from the property, and collect the rent money until it is time for the bank to foreclose upon the property. Instead of being rescued from foreclosure, the homeowner is put on the fast track right toward it.

If you are facing foreclosure, please call your lender first to see if there is some type of loan modification that is available so that you can stay in your home. Everybody wins if you can remain in your home.

If that does not work out, there are a number of legitimate agencies out there for you to contact. These agencies can offer guidance and suggestions to help you remain in your home, or protect you from financial disaster. Find an agency near you at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/

If any agency or company wants money up front for their services, or they ask you to turn over your deed to them, Ohio's Attorney General says that they are not legitimate. Do not pay anyone money up front to delay foreclosure or keep you out of it.

Speak with a real estate professional as early in the process as possible if you suspect that you will have to sell your home. You will need someone who is experienced in short-sales or in selling distressed properties. If you wait until the sherriff comes knocking, it will be too late.

Dawn Isenhower

Realtor

Coldwell Banker West Shell

Milford Office

dawn.isenhower@cbws.com

office: 513-831-8001

cell: 513-236-1254

www.dawnisenhower.com

If you are anthing like me, you appreciate a good deal-especially when you are taking the kids for a night out. Eating out can be expensive for a large family, so here is some news that just might be music to your ears.

Last week, we took the kids out for the evening. First, we took them to pet the farm animals in Anderson, and then, we took them out to eat at IHOP in Miami Township.

IHOP is offering free meals for kids from 4-10PM, seven days a week through the summer. For every adult meal that is purchased, a child can eat free!

The Mulberry location of Goldstar Chili offers a "Kids eat free" night every Tuesday after 4PM, while Skyline Chili offers the same on Wednesday nights at the Mulberry location. Every adult who purchases a meal can get a free kid's meal for a child who accompanies them. Skyline and Goldstar offer this deal every week.

What great deals for families in Miami Township and surrounding areas!

Dawn Isenhower

Realtor

Coldwell Banker West Shell

Milford Office

dawn.isenhower@cbws.com

office: 513-831-8001

cell: 513-236-1254

www.dawnisenhower.com

Last week, I was in contact with a potential buyer who wanted to buy an investment property. This person was looking for a home in the Greater Cincinnati area for about $12,000. I told them that I would search for some properties and get back with them.

I searched Butler, Warren, Hamilton, and Clermont Counties and found 99 properties in the range of $0-$15,000. More and more are coming on the market every day. It is amazing to think that there are cars going down the road that are more expensive than these properties.

Are these properites for everyone? The answer to that question is a definite "no." Most lenders will not loan money on a property that is unsafe or uninhabitable. This particular buyer is a contractor, who is fully capable of buying the property with cash, and making the necessary repairs and improvements to rehab the property. Someone who does not have the means or the resources could always obtain FHA203K financing, but if that financing is not streamlined to $35,000, it can prove to be a long, frustrating process.

Consult a mortgage advisor for advice on FHA203K financing. Some lenders do not offer that type of financing, so you might have to consult several, or ask a real estate professional for referrals.

Today I took another tour of Pinebrook, a wonderful place for seniors who desire a hassle-free lifestyle. It is located in Milford, OH, not very far away from my home or my office. I have toured it several times since December, and every time that I visit, it is more wonderful.

Pinebrook offers the best in senior living, without all of the inconvenience that goes along with maintaining a home. Included in the monthly payment are: 3 meals a day, a fitness center, a wellness center, a post office, several places to gather with family and friends, a formal dining room, a sanctuary, a post office, laundry facilities, transportation within a 15 mile radius, and much more. Apartments range from studios to 2 bedrooms, with a nice variety of floor plans to choose from, and small pets are allowed.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact me.

It's just about time again for the annual distribution of Easter dinners and baskets to needy families at the Agape Food Pantry (located at the Goshen United Methodist Church). Food and baskets will be distributed on April 11th. For more details, call the Goshen United Methodist Church at (513) 722-2541.

If you would like to make donations, they are being accepted and would be greatly appreciated. Candy for the baskets, and meat, including ham and turkey, for the dinners are items that are needed the most.