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How to Negotiate with Your Lender After Foreclosure

Even after a foreclosure, you can negotiate with your lender. Key options for settling foreclosure debt with your lender include seeking a deficiency waiver to forgive the remaining balance, offering a lump-sum payment to resolve the debt, or arranging a “cash-for-keys” agreement to vacate peacefully. Acting quickly and understanding your state’s laws are crucial to […]

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Do You Still Need Title Insurance If You Have a Defeasance Clause?

A defeasance clause ensures a lender releases their claim on a property upon mortgage payoff. However, it doesn’t protect against other title defects like errors or hidden liens. So, does a defeasance clause fully protect your title? No, title insurance is still crucial as it safeguards against past ownership issues, forged documents, or undisclosed claims,

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How to Rebuild Credit After a Foreclosure or Deficiency Judgment

Have you faced the emotional and financial strain of losing your home through foreclosure or received a deficiency judgment? You’re not alone. While these events can feel like the end of the road financially, they don’t define your future. Many homeowners, investors, and even first-time buyers have recovered from such setbacks—and so can you. In

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Top Mistakes to Avoid When Considering a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

Choosing a deed in lieu (DIL) requires careful planning to avoid common pitfalls. Key things to know before choosing a deed in lieu include engaging early with your servicer, exploring all alternatives, and securing a written deficiency waiver. Additionally, address junior liens, understand tax implications, and maintain the property’s condition. Always negotiate for relocation assistance

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Deed in Lieu vs. Short Sale: Which Option Is Better for Struggling Homeowners?

Understanding how a deed in lieu works as a foreclosure alternative involves voluntarily transferring your home’s deed to the lender to satisfy the mortgage debt, often waiving deficiency judgments. It’s quicker and less credit damaging than foreclosure, but offers less control than a short sale. A short sale involves selling the home for less than

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Should You Refinance Now? Understanding the Compound Interest Trade-Off

Refinancing can significantly lower monthly payments and refinancing can reduce the overall interest paid over time if you secure a lower interest rate without extending the loan term. However, resetting to a new, longer loan term, even with a lower rate, can lead to paying more in total interest due to the extended period over

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Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments: How They Cut Years Off Your Loan

Bi-weekly mortgage payments accelerate loan payoff and save interest by making an extra full payment annually. This strategy, achieved by paying half the monthly amount every two weeks, significantly reduces the principal faster. Because compound interest can significantly increase your total mortgage cost, reducing the principal more frequently also reduces the base on which interest

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Pros and Cons of a 5/1 ARM in a Rising Rate Environment

Comparing fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options, a 5/1 ARM offers a lower initial rate for five years, then adjusts annually. In a rising rate environment, this provides short-term savings but carries the risk of payment shock after the fixed period. It’s suitable for those planning to sell or refinance before the adjustment, while a fixed-rate

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Clear to Close vs. Final Approval: What’s the Real Difference?

The blog clarifies the difference between “Clear to Close” and “Final Approval” in the mortgage process. Final Approval means your loan is nearly complete but still difference between Clear to Close and closing has pending conditions, while Clear to Close confirms all requirements are satisfied, and closing documents can be prepared. It also highlights key

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Understanding VA Loan Requirements: Service, Credit, and Income Criteria

Have you ever wondered if you qualify for a VA loan—or what it really takes to get approved? Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran ready to buy your dream home, a real estate agent helping military clients, or a seasoned investor considering VA loan strategies, it’s critical to understand the essential VA loan

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