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Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

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Foreclosure and Short Sale Information Website

03-02-10
Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

Foreclosure help website

You'll find lots of information about foreclosure options and short sales on my new website.

Thanks to the Distressed Property Institute, LLC, it was easy to setup, it's easy to navigate, and it's loaded with info that can help homeowners who find themselves financially distressed and in danger of not being able to keep up with their mortgage payments.

Today, nearly 1 out of every 6 homeowners in America is behind on their mortgage payments. These are tough and frustrating times and now more than ever, it's important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged.

But, don't wait - get the facts you need to make an informed decision, today.

3 Comments
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Google Buzz - I Like it!

02-23-10
Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

Google surprised us all with the roll out of Google Buzz a couple of weeks ago, but I like it!

The reviews so far have been all across the board with some people loving it and others hating it. I find it is extremely easy to use and seems to fill a niche between Facebook and Twitter.

As a photographer, one of the things I really like about Buzz is how easy it is to insert photos, and also to view photos in other people's posts. Google now owns Picasa, which is a free photo organizer/editor and integrates very nicely with the (also Free) Picasa Web Online. Picasa works on both Windows and Macs. If you have photos on Picasa Web Online, it is a snap to insert them into a Buzz post.

I would sure like to have some of my ActiveRain friends on the "Buzz" with me, so send me your gmail address and I'll follow you.

25 Comments
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Denver Real Estate Market Update - Feb., 2010

02-15-10
Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

So, how's the real estate market doing here in Denver?

“If you believe real estate is cyclical, then the facts show the market has hit bottom and is on the way back up.” ~ Jack O'Connor

Denver currently has the lowest inventory of residential and condo properties in the last 7 years. We also have the most homes under contract (for Feb.) since 2006. These low inventories should help 2010 continue to improve over what we've been experiencing the last few years.

Another factor that should have a positive impact, at least for the next few months, is the Tax Credits that were expanded and extended to April 30th, 2010. Remember:

  • First time buyers may be eligible to receive a tax credit up to $8,000.
  • Move-up homeowners may qualify for up to $6,500 in tax credits.
  • To take advantage of these credits, you must be under contract by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010.
Finally, interest rates remain low, hovering around 5% - still providing the opportunity to buy a home at historically low mortgage rates.

So, the residential real estate market in Denver is actually looking up and beginning to show signs that the worst may be over.

Information courtesy of Jack O'Connor, Re/Max Professionals, LLC.
All data taken from Metrolist, Inc, on Feb. 4, 2010. Denver, Colorado.

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Late Payment - Missed Payment - Possible Foreclosure?

02-06-10
Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

Colorado Foreclosure Hotline


In 2007 and 2008, there were almost 40,000 foreclosures filed in Colorado. Last year, in 2009, that number surged to over 46,000. There is encouraging news, however - about 80% of homeowners who met with a Colorado Foreclosure Hotlline counselor were able to avoid foreclosure.

Another disturbing statistic shows that about 70% of the foreclosed homeowners never tried to sell their home. Too many people are still unaware that when they can't make their house payment, they may still have options to avoid foreclosure.

We all have a difficult time admitting when we're struggling financially, but that is what must be done when your home and your credit rating are at stake. Financial distress is not uncommon and can be caused by a variety of factors beyond our control:
  • A payment increase on your adjustable mortgage,
  • job loss,
  • death in the family,
  • illness,
  • divorce,
  • or even military service.
What is important is to try to recognize when you might not be able to fully make your house payment and take action - ahead of time. PLEASE don't wait until you miss a payment or two. If you think this is a possibility, talk to a professional ahead of time, because "time" is the critical factor once the foreclosure process starts, and it technically starts as soon as your first payment is late.

The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline is a great place to start, but other possibilities would be an attorney or even a real estate professional who specializes in handling distressed properties. Look for a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) or an SFR (Shortsale Foreclosure Resource) designation.

These professionals can explore every option and help you work towards a resolution. Losing one's home is a devastating prospect, but if handled properly, at least the long term consequences can sometimes be mitigated.

Remember: Time is of the essence - - AND help is available!

4 Comments
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The Brain - behind the Eye - behind the Viewfinder

01-11-10
Mike Hendren, GRI, CDPE

PBG Yellow RibbonWe all talk about which camera is the best or which lens is the fastest or sharpest, always looking for that perfect combination that might help us take awesome photos. However, the absolute most important part of any photography shoot is the brain.

A great photographer can capture excellent images with almost any camera. That's because they not only have a very high level of knowledge of photographic technique and highly tuned technical skills, but they think . . . they think about what they want that final image to show. Then they consider what they must do to accomplish that goal. Just a few things that must be considered (and mastered) are:

  • lighting,
  • focus point and DOF (depth of field),
  • shutter speed (stop the action - or is blur desirable),
  • composition,
  • and much more.
So, the next time you're getting ready to raise that viewfinder to your eye to take a photo - STOP - for just a second - and think about exactly what you're wanting that next image to reveal, and what is needed to accomplish that goal.

For instance, for this shot I obviously had to be set up ahead of time, using a tripod and shutter priority at 1/30th of a second. I also set the camera to continuous and started shooting as soon as it entered the frame so I would have some choices regarding the position of the train relative to the intersection.

Speeding Locomotive

Happy Shooting!

Visit my Photo Blog at: www.ThruMikesViewfinder.com

11 Comments