Yost Realty Group - Distressed Property Experts

Sucess Stories

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:13:18 GMT

Success Stories From Our Clients

"I did not know the benefits of a Short Sale until you forwarded me the information from your office. I was ready to do a 'Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure', which would have been more detrimental to my credit rating."

"The Yost Realty Group short sale team turned a negative situation into a positive one, and was it fast! The team involved in the short sale process were very knowledgable and efficient in handling the paperwork, that is why the property was sold really fast." -Josefino, Casa Grande

"The Yost Team made it so easy to get the short sale completed, I may have to fly them to the next place we decide to buy a home!" -Mark, Casa Grande

"The entire experience was pleasant. They were sensitive and understanding of my situation, took immediate action to help, very thorough in explaining the entire process, and followed through from start to finish."

"Yes, eveyone should experience the Yost Realty Group team. You won't use another company afterwards." -Jared, Casa Grande

"When I thought foreclosure was inevitable and was ready to throw in the towel, they continued working hard for me and got my house sold. Thanks!" -Mark, Coolidge

"The best team I have seen in a long time."- Greg, Casa Grande

"They were all helpful through every step of the way. I definitely feel that had they not been the ones working on my short sale, the home would have gone into foreclosure. They were hard working, informative, and they never gave up. Working with the Yost Realty Group has been the single most impressive experience I've had in selling a home. They have helped restore my faith that there are still good people willing to work hard for your best interests. Thank you all."- Donnie, Casa Grande

"If you want honest and loyal service and great results, I recommend Yost Realty Group to service your needs."- Sherry, Coolidge

"We didn't feel alone with our short sale. Yost Realty Group stood by us every step of the way making our experience a positive one." - Mark, Casa Grande

"We were immediately treated with kindness and respect. We had information instantly through email. The info was easy to understand - I liked the fact that I didn't need special training to comprehend it. Our Realtor walked us through the short sale process step-by-step and was able to answer every question we had, thus such a broad knowlege base in one person was of incredible value to us. We were always kept in the loop."- Julia, Casa Grande

"Making the decision to short sale my home was very personal and emotional for me. I, like many other Americans was faced with lower wages due to the economic turn and simply could not afford to keep the home that I had custom built for my family. The team at Yost Realty Group was very empathetic and understanding and went above and beyond to make the short-sale process and as easy as possible for me. They took the time to explain the process to me, answered all of my questions, and gave me suggestions on things to prepare for so that I was ready when the house sold. This all made the process very painless."- Leeann, Casa Grande

Community Foreclosure Awareness Workshop

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:57:02 GMT

Know your options - Community Foreclosure Awareness Workshop - February 21st, 7-9 pm in Casa Grande

Are you, or someone you know unable to afford the payments on a home that’s worth less than the mortgage balance? There are options to foreclosure—better options now than ever before, including $78 million in federal funds available to Arizona residents for foreclosure prevention. We’ve assembled a panel of experts who will explain your options at a community workshop on Feb 21st from 7 - 9 pm. For more information visit www.foreclosure-avoidance.com.

Save Our Home Arizona Program

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:10:20 GMT

Arizona has $267 million dollars to assist AZ homeowners in distress with short sales and foreclosure prevention financial assistance!

Reginald Givens, Foreclosure Assistance Administrator with the Arizona Department of Housing, commented at a meeting of key housing industry leaders in Phoenix last week. He explained that money is available for homeowners who are unemployed, under-employed or considering a short sale. For those considering a short sale, relocation funds of up to $4500 is available, second mortgage settlement and assistance with buyers closing costs is possible for those who meet the income and hardship requirements and for those whose loans are owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Some of the other short sale specific requirements include a requirement that the home is the primary residence, and the loan must have been the original mortgage used to purchase the home or a no cash-out refinance, and those with HELOC's (Home equity line of credit) are ineligible.

In addition, up to $50,000 can be available for those who are seeking a principal reduction or permanent mortgage modification, or for those who need assistance in bringing their loan current.

For more information on Save Our Home Arizona programs, visit www.azhousing.gov.

http://www.azhousing.gov/azcms/uploads/FRONT PAGE/Save Our Home Program Fact Sheet 091611.pdf

Testimonial: How did you prepare your home for the short sale process?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:38:58 GMT

Testimonial: Did you have any issues during the short sale process?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:36:53 GMT

Testimonial: How is your stress level now that you have completed the short sale process?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:32:49 GMT

Testimonial: Does it matter who you hire for your short sale?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:15:22 GMT

Testimonial: What advice would you give someone going through the short sale process?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:12:32 GMT

Can't Make Payments? Don't Abandon Your Home!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:54:47 GMT

It happened again today. I spoke to another person who abandoned a home because they thought they would lose it to foreclosure. I understand the hopes and dreams they had as new homeowners are dashed by the economic challenges of this market, and they may feel as though they have no other options. In reality, it may take months for the home to actually be acquired by their bank and in the meantime neighborhood home values will be negatively impacted as landscaping dies, the pool turns green and weeds grow in the yard of this abandoned home.

If a homeowner is struggling financially or feels desperate because their mortgage balance exceeds current market value, abandoning their home is actually the last thing they should do. Contrary to popular belief as well as the folks who answer the phone at the mortgage company, lenders do not want to foreclose on their property. I know of homeowners who haven’t made a mortgage payment in over a year who are still in their homes.

Many people erroneously believe that if they miss a mortgage payment the bank will foreclose and this means that they and their belongings will be thrown out into the street. Arizona law protects homeowners by giving them a minimum of 90 days legal notice before the actual trustee’s sale takes place. And that notice of foreclosure (which starts the 90-day time period) usually won’t begin for months after the first monthly payment is missed.

As in every natural and manmade disaster, there are those individuals and companies who find a way to prosper in the face of others’ distress. I’ve spoken with countless homeowners who have paid companies thousands of dollars to help them modify their loans, seek short sale approval or induce them to sign over their property with the ability to rent the property until some future date when they can purchase it again. The federal government has laid out guidelines and provided financial incentives to mortgage companies to assist borrowers with loan modifications and foreclosure alternatives, such as short sales, at no cost to the homeowner. I repeat: There is no need to pay anyone money to participate in the HAMP loan modification and HAFA foreclosure (short sale) programs and the federal government actually pays the lender money for successful assistance to homeowners under these programs. The truth is that participating in these programs requires unending patience, a lot of financial disclosure and paperwork, and can take months to complete.

Some lenders have actually taken a proactive approach to the challenging real estate market and have streamlined their short sale procedures to the point where approval can be obtained in as little as 10 days! More lenders are watching these pilot programs, with the goal of adopting similar procedures in the coming months.

Rather than moving out of their home while wading through the paperwork and procedures involved and taking on another housing expense in the form of rent and moving costs, financially distressed homeowners are far better to remain in their homes, even if they are unable to make their scheduled mortgage payments.

The real estate market has changed from the skyrocketing appreciation Arizona experienced in the 2002-2005 years, and it will probably never return to those crazy days. The only way for the market to stabilize is to stop foreclosures and the further value declines they create in our neighborhoods.

There are many Realtors who have been extensively trained in dealing with the banks and negotiating short sales, which is convincing the bank to accept a loan payoff which is “short” of the full balance owed. If you or someone you know is having difficulty making their payments or finds their loan balance is so much larger than their home’s current market value, interview Realtors to find someone who has been extensively trained and certified in this specialty, doesn’t charge a fee up front, and who has a track record of successfully closing short sales. Short sales have been called “the brain surgery of real estate” and while I would seek a family doctor for treatment of the flu, I would seek out a skilled brain surgeon with a successful track record if I needed that type of treatment.

If you or someone you know is in trouble with your mortgage or property value, please don’t abandon your home. It doesn’t help you, your lender or your neighbor’s home values.

Debt Relief from Arizona Short Sales May Not Be Taxable

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:25:20 GMT

Tax consequences on Arizona Short Sales

Chris Combs of Combs Law Group, PC had some very interesting comments in a piece published in the January 13th, 2010 edition of the Arizona Republic. A reader asked about the tax consequences on the debt forgiveness on three Arizona residences being sold as short sales. Two of the three properties were investment properties and the third was their primary residence and they wondered if they would have any taxes on the debt forgiven.

In Arizona, we have two issues to deal with in a short sale: deficiency judgments on the difference between the mortgage balance and a sales price lower than market value; and the tax consequences of the debt forgiveness on a property that is not your primary residence.

Mr. Combs, who is considered an expert in AZ real estate law explained that the seller of these three properties would "probably not" as "the amount of any debt forgiveness on a loan is generally taxable income, and the lender will send a Form 1099 to the Internal Revenue Service for the amount of the debt fofgiveness, debt forgiveness on loans used to purchase homes is generally not taxable income." (See complete article)

I kept reading, thinking Mr. Combs would go on to say that debt forgiveness on your AZ principal residence is not taxable income, as a result of the Debt Forgiveness Act of 2007. I expected him to say that the debt relief on the rental homes may be subject to taxes. He explains that the IRS has ruled that "there is no tax liability for debt foregiveness of non-recourse debt." He further explains that under Arizona law, "any loan used to purchase a home in generally non-recourse debt; that is, the homeonwer has no personal liability for the loan."

WOW! Most loans made to purchase Arizona residential real estate are non-recourse debt - on both personal residences and on homes purchased as investment property. This has huge implications for many investors who are forced to sell Arizona properties with short sales. I haven't seen anyone else address this issue of non-recourse debt being excluded from taxes on debt forgiveness. He also suggests that if your lender erroneously sends a Form 1009 indicating debt relief it can be corrected on your tax return. This is certainly an important point to remember and discuss with your tax preparer! I'm clipping and saving his column for future reference!

Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit and Selling Your Arizona Home During the Holidays

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:13 GMT

Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit and Selling Your Arizona Home During the Holidays

Thursday, November 19, 2009

by Yost Realty Group

While most people believe that listing your home during the holidays doesn't make sense, the new first time homebuyer tax credit and expanded homebuyer tax credit gives us even more reasons to list your home now, even during the holidays. Contrary to what most believe, selling during the holidays gives a seller several important advantages:

1.      There is less competition for buyers. Most sellers erroneously believe buyers don't buy during the holidays.
2.      Winter prospects are more serious buyers. Why look at homes during this time if you aren't serious about buying?
3.      Your home looks better during the holidays with all the fresh holiday decor.
4.      The Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit, for First-Time Home Buyers and Existing Home Buyers (specified criteria applies as defined by law). If you plan to sell and take advantage of lower prices and interest rates, you must have an accepted purchase contract on the new property by the end of April and close escrow by the end of June 2010. This gives you just five months to sell your home and purchase a new one!
5.      You may receive more money for your home now because you have less competition with other properties.
6.      Throughout the holiday season, it's reasonable to restrict showings during your personal family events.
7.      Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations.
8.      January is traditionally the biggest job transfer month and you must be on the market NOW in order for those homebuyers to find your home.
9.    By selling now you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of 2010, if you want it.
10. When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more homes are traditionally on the market.
11. You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated potential buyers.
12. Corporate transfers, who need to buy a home now, can't wait until spring.

The expanded and first time homebuyer program is available to those who meet ONE of the following three conditions: They are buying their first home, OR they haven't owned a home in the past three years, OR they have owned a home for 5 out of the past 8 years and are buying a new property they intend to live in as their primary residence. In this case, you do NOT need to sell your present home in order to buy a new one. If you or someone you know meets one of these three criteria, you may be able to receive an $8000 or a $6500 TAX CREDIT!

The tax credits are simply that...a CREDIT against taxes, not a tax deduction. Selling during the holidays ALWAYS makes sense. And now the new and expanded tax credit provides even MORE reasons to list your home at this time.

If you are thinking of selling a home in the Casa Grande Valley, from Maricopa, to Arizona City, to Coolidge or Robson Ranch in Eloy, we'd be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. For more info, visit our websites at www.CasaGrande-RealEstate.com or www.YostHomes.com or call us at 520-836-1717 or email us today!.

Some Lenders Streamline the Short Sale Approval Process!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:09:37 GMT

Some Lenders Streamline the Short Sale Approval Process!

Its true! Short sales can be frustrating, difficult, require mounds of paper and followup, and take months for approval. However, we've seen a definate trend with lenders understanding the problem of reduced property values, and making strides to streamline the process. In fact, some lenders have begun pilot programs where the main requirement for approval is that your property value is less than the current mortgage balance(s).

We have recently become aware of a few lenders who will approve a short sale in just a few weeks, not require mountains of paper and will approve the short sale based only on the mortgage balance/market value difference. Lenders processes are changing all the time with an effort toward streamlining their systems, and that is great news for those of us in Western Pinal County in Arizona. Call or email us today to find out if YOUR lender is one of the forward thinking ones who are approving short sales faster and without the hardship or payment delinquency requirements.

Unfortunately, many short sales can take 2 to 4 months for approval and closing, which means it is even more important to get your home on the market now so that the potential buyer has enough to time close escrow before the expanded first time homebuyer and repeat homebuyer tax credit deadlines become an issue. There is a great misconception that listing your home during the holiday months of Nov and Dec is a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially with the expanded home buyer tax credit!

The new laws require a signed purchase contract before the end of April 2010 with closing occurring before the end of June 1020. If you think that you may be a good candidate for a short sale, get your home on the market with a broker who is highly experienced with successful short sales as soon as possible! As CDPE's (Certified Distressed Property Experts) we understand the process needed to stop the foreclosure action by your lender. Wouldn't be nice to know your family could enjoy the holidays without worrying about a possible foreclosure?

If you own a home in Western Pinal County from Maricopa to Casa Grande, Arizona City to Coolidge, Robson Ranch in Eloy or anywhere in the Casa Grande Valley, we are here to help you. We can help you explore your options, avoid foreclosure and help you get a fresh start. Members of the Yost Realty Group at RE/MAX Casa Grande understand the frustration you are experiencing with your lender and are here to help.

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:23:26 GMT

The Truth About Mortgage Modifications

The decisions you make as a homeowner today hold a profound impact on your financial future. However, it is important to safeguard yourself from misinformation and fraud. Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan.

For those who qualify, a mortgage modification is the ideal remedy to their financial distress. I’ve prepared a FREE report on the truth about mortgage modifications to guide you through this important process. Simply provide your information below to get this valuable information, and feel free to pass it along to anyone who may need it. One homeowner lost to foreclosure is one too many!

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have training and experience in providing solutions to homeowners facing financial hardship. Together, we can formulate a plan to get back on track.

If you have any unanswered questions, or your circumstances are urgent, please call me today.

Debbie Yost
520-836-1717

Short Sale & Deed-In-Lieu

Contrary to what you may have heard, lenders actually want to avoid foreclosure wherever possible. That’s why they’re accepting more short sale and deed-in-lieu transactions everyday in an effort to eliminate unnecessary foreclosures. This is great news for homeowners facing financial distress.

To help you understand more about these two options, I’ve prepared a free report just for you, called ‘Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu: Dignified Solutions.’ To receive your free report, please provide your information in the fields below.

I hope you’ll review these options carefully and pass this information along to those who may need it. I commend your efforts to finding a solution to the difficult financial situation that you or someone you know is currently facing. Providing the best advice and information in your time of need is my priority.

Let me help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Make Financial Stability Your Resolution

Foreclosure Stress Never Goes on Holiday

If a foreclosure is threatening your happy holiday, you should know you're not alone. Millions of Americans are in the same situation, and it is my goal to help ease the stress that comes with the threat of foreclosure for as many as I can reach.

As a CDPE-designated agent, I help struggling homeowners navigate the various options they have to avoid foreclosure. One possible option is a mortgage modification, which makes monthly payments more affordable.

For more information regarding this and other solutions, please download the free report located on this site.

If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to contact me throughout the holiday. I'm here to help. Make financial stability your resolution for the New Year!

Mortgage Crisis Easier

Solving Your Mortgage Crisis Just Got Easier

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, the strain of figuring out what to do can be overwhelming.

Why do it alone when you can have a dedicated, extensively trained professional on your side at no cost to you?

Both lenders and the federal government are putting new systems in place to help you avoid foreclosure. For access to free, detailed information explaining these programs, simply download the report below.

On this website, you can find information regarding all of your options. When you call me to find out what you can do to take advantage of these options, I will show you how having straightforward solutions to your mortgage challenge can help you to breathe a little easier.

For more specific information and to see if you qualify, please, call me today! The sooner you call the sooner you can breathe a sigh of relief!

Your First Steps To Avoid Foreclosure

Your First Steps

In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.

You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.

Fill out your information below for this free report. Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!

Caution: Protect Yourself Against Mortgage Relief Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued regulations protecting consumers against mortgage relief fraud. Due to the growing number of scams that are designed to take advantage of homeowners in distress, the government wants to make sure you won’t be a victim.

As a CDPE, I am fully compliant with the FTC regulations, and want to help you avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals or companies, as well.

In fact, I’ve developed a free, detailed report that explains the warning signs of potentially fraudulent activity so you can protect yourself and the ones you love.

If you are facing an unaffordable mortgage and need help from someone you can trust, please contact me today.

I’m here to help.

Cash for Short Sales

Short Sales are More Valuable Than Ever!

Avoiding foreclosure is always a smart move, but now there are incentives that make it an even better one.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier and quicker through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA, which also gives the homeowner $3,000 for participating.

With the free report provided here, you can learn all the benefits of completing a HAFA short sale. Simply fill out your information below for details on the program and how you would benefit.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to start exploring solutions.

Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure?

Fear of foreclosure is a national epidemic.

Millions of homeowners fell behind on their mortgage payments last year, and then proceeded to fall further behind every month.

These are tough times and there are no easy answers.

The fact is, major lenders, the federal government, and local agencies across the country have stepped up their efforts to stem the tide of foreclosures. More help is available than ever before.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am knowledgeable and adept at navigating among the full range of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start.

Looking to learn more? Check out my free report: "Tipping the Scales Toward Foreclosure? Resolve to Shed the Weight of an Unmanageable Mortgage in 2012."

And if you, or someone you care about is looking to tip the scales back into financial solvency, contact me today for a confidential consultation!

Is Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?

One in seven mortgages in this country is headed toward foreclosure.

If you or someone you care about is feeling burdened by a mortgage that is unaffordable, I can help.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, it is my mission to help homeowners avoid the financial devastation of foreclosing on their home. In the process, I help them move forward on a positive path. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: Is Your Mortgage Payment Dragging You Down?

As my report points out, there are currently 6.5 million mortgages in the country that are delinquent or in foreclosure. Stemming the tide of foreclosures has become a national priority because a foreclosure is nothing short of a disaster for all concerned – families, communities, the real estate market and the national economy as a whole.

As a CDPE, I am tapped into the most up-to-date solutions for financially distressed homeowners, and am distinctly qualified to work with you to determine your best possible option.

Contact me today and let's get started!

Change the Course!

You Can Change the Course!

If you feel like shifting economic winds have not been in your favor lately, you are in good company. More than 6 million homeowners nationwide are in some stage of foreclosure.

If this is the case with you or someone you care about, you are all too aware of the stress and uncertainty that accompanies notices of default, unwanted phone calls and offers of help that turn out to be no help at all.

The fact is, the last thing your bank wants is to foreclose on your home. Banks are willing to negotiate, and you need someone on your side who is adept at negotiating with banks.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the best solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Change the Course! And Navigate Away from an Unmanageable Mortgage."

Contact me today and let's get started!

Government Program Surveys

Are You Eligible?

The government programs currently available to homeowners can be valuable resources, but only if you know which ones are right for your situation.

That’s why I’ve created this free resource that lets you find out which programs you’re eligible for. Read the descriptions for each program to see which one fits your situation, then fill out the corresponding survey to see if you are eligible.

Find out now if you are eligible!

The good news is that programs exist for a variety of situations, and even more options are available beyond those programs. As a CDPE-designated agent, I can provide all of your possibilities and help you get moving toward a solution.

Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down?

Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Fresh Start to 2012!

If you've spent too much of 2011 living under the dark cloud of an unaffordable house payment, you're in good company. Current estimates are that more than 25 percent of all homeowners in this country would net less on the sale of their home than the amount they owe on their mortgage, and 6.3 million homeowners are in some stage of foreclosure.

The good news is that you have options. Helping homeowners to avoid foreclosure has actually emerged into the spotlight of as a national priority, with major banks, the Federal government and many state and local agencies offering more assistance than ever before to financially strapped homeowners.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I am tapped into the full scope of solutions for helping financially distressed homeowners to make a fresh start. If you'd like to learn more, I invite you to access my free report: "Mortgage Payments Weighing You Down? Give Yourself the Gift of a Fresh Start."

Contact me today and let's get started!

Understanding HAFA

New Help Has Arrived!

The rising number of foreclosures in this country is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining foreclosure avoidance options.

Short sales and deeds-in-lieu are dignified solutions to foreclosure, and now the government is making them easier, quicker and more accessible through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, or HAFA.

With one in six homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments, you are not alone, and there are options available. With the free report provided here, find out if you qualify for the HAFA Program. Simply fill out your information below to get started on your new chapter of financial stability.

Please read this report to learn the facts, and contact me to begin your journey to a solid, stable tomorrow.