Home Foreclosure AlternativesHome Foreclosure Alternatives

What is HFA? Home Foreclosure AlternativesHome Foreclosure Alternatives (HFA) is a source for distressed homeowners facing possible foreclosure to find out what theiralternatives to foreclosure are.

There is a really good chance that you or someone you know may be facing foreclosure. Approximately 1 in 7 homeowners aren’t’ making their payment and many more are facing that problem very soon.

The Goal of HFA is to answer your questions and hopefully provide you with Alternatives to foreclosure so you can make the best choice for you.

We’ve all had friends and family faced with the idea of losing a home and we know just how overwhelming it can be. It is essential for you to have all the facts necessary to make an informed decision.

Learn More about:

What Is A Short Sale?

Process Of A Short Sale

The Truth About Loan Modifications

Short Sale Alternatives

The Difference Between A Short Sale & Foreclosure

Short Sale FAQ's

Please take as much time as you need here today and learn as much as you can about your options. And of course, if you would like to speak to someone directly, please call us at 877-431-4432 (4HFA)

Copyright © 2011 By HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives Stephen Munson-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –

Lender Loan Modifications Explained-

Lender Loan Modifications Explained-More than 1 in 8 homeowners are falling behind or are already behind on their mortgage and are searching for solutions. The search is frustrating and filled with a lot of bad information that is often fraudulent. If you or someone you know has found yourself in the position of being upside-down on their mortgage then you need trustworthy facts.

Our 5-Page report (in PDF format so you can print out or save to your desktop) covers all of your options including:

• Loan Modification
• Avoiding Fraud
• HUD approved Counselors
• Short Sale Options

Download our free report now and begin educating yourself on all of your options. Then give us a call at 877-431-4432 while you still time to avoid the stress and impact of foreclosure.

Truth About Loan Modifications Report

Copyright © 2011 By HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives Stephen Munson-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –*Lender Loan Modifications Explained-Lender Loan Modifications,loan modifications,home loan modifications,lender modifications*

HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives|Munson Realty assumes no responsibility nor guarantees the accuracy of this document. HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives|Munson Realty is not engaged in the practice of law nor give legal advice. © HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives|Munson Realty2011. All rights reserved. Any duplication without express written consent is prohibited.

Short Sale Hardship-What qualifies as hardship?

Short sale hardship-What qualifies as short sale hardship: Explained by California Short Sale Specialist Luis Montejano and Stephen Munson.

Stephen Munson interviews Luis Montejano who has helped countless Californians avoid foreclosure. Check out the following links for more outakes from this interview.

Marketing Short Sales-Finding A Buyer

Short Sale Agents-How to find a short sale specialist

Short sale hardship-What qualifies as short sale hardship

Does A Short Sale Stop Foreclosure

Short Sale Vs. Foreclosure-Short Sales Affect On Credit

What is a short sale

Loan Modification Hardship

Qualifying for a loan modification-California Loan Modification

Home Foreclosure Alternatives

Lender Loan Modification Scams

Lender Loan Modifications

What Is HAFA-Home Avordable Foreclosure Alternatives program

Copyright © 2011 By HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives Stephen Munson& Luis Montejano-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate * short sale hardship-What qualifies as short sale hardship*short sale hardship, short sale hardship reasons, short sale requirements

What is a Short Sale?

What is a Short Sale? California Short Sale Specialist Luis Montejano and Stephen Munson of Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate-explain in this clip What a Home Short Sale is, why a lender would accept a short sale and who qualifies for a short sale. These short sale experts also cover: how short sales affect your credit and if a short sale stops the foreclosure process.

Marketing Short Sales-Finding A Buyer

Short Sale Agents-How to find a short sale specialist

Short sale hardship-What qualifies as short sale hardship

Does A Short Sale Stop Foreclosure

Short Sale Vs. Foreclosure-Short Sales Affect On Credit

What is a short sale

Loan Modification Hardship

Qualifying for a loan modification-California Loan Modification

Home Foreclosure Alternatives

Lender Loan Modification Scams

Lender Loan Modifications

What Is HAFA-Home Avordable Foreclosure Alternatives program

Copyright © 2011 By HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives Stephen Munson& Luis Montejano-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate *What is a short sale*

What is HAFA?-Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program

What is HAFA-Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program-The huge numberx
of foreclosures in the US is simply too big to ignore. That is why a government-backed program has been released that aims at streamlining Home Foreclosure Alternatives.

Short sales are honorable 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 seven homeowners struggling to make loan payments, distressed homeowners are not alone, and there are Home Foreclosure Alternatives available.

Here are some Bullet Points on the HAFA program.

HAFA Eligibility

At present, the home owner is eligible if all the following conditions are met:

• • Property is borrower's principal residence
• • Loan is a 1st lien mortgage
• • Originated before Jan 1, 2009
• • Mortgage is delinquent or default is reasonably foreseeable
• • Current unpaid balance is equal to or less than $729,750
• • Borrower's total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of borrower's gross income
• *information taken directly from HAFA

Incentives for the Distressed Home Owner

• $3,000 to Borrowers for Relocation Assistance

Is your lender participating? Lenders and loan servicers participating in HAFA must sign a participation agreement with Fannie Mae to participate in HAMP by October 3, 2010.

The list of lenders that are participating is constantly growing, please contact us for the most recently update list (there is no fee or charge).

California Short SaleSpecialist Luis Montejano and Stephen Munson explain in this clip the more highlights of the HAFA program. Luis Montejano has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert and has helped countless Californians avoid foreclosure

Learn more about:

Marketing Short Sales-Finding A Buyer

Short Sale Agents-How to find a short sale specialist

Short sale hardship-What qualifies as short sale hardship

Does A Short Sale Stop Foreclosure

Short Sale Vs. Foreclosure-Short Sales Affect On Credit

What is a short sale

Loan Modification Hardship

Qualifying for a loan modification-California Loan Modification

Home Foreclosure Alternatives

Lender Loan Modification Scams

Lender Loan Modifications

What Is HAFA-Home Avordable Foreclosure Alternatives program

Copyright © 2011 By HFA|Home Foreclosure Alternatives Stephen Munson& Luis Montejano-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate *What is HAFA-Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program *

Homes In Los Angeles For Sale-Burbank California Home Search-Burbank

Homes In Los Angeles For Sale-Burbank California Home Search-Burbank is home to many employees of the motion picture and television studios located in the area who are attracted by the relative safety and security offered by its own police and fire departments, highly rated schools and hospital. Other reasons cited are its small-town feel while located only 10 minutes away by car to the hip clubs and restaurants of Hollywood.

Search the Burbank MLS right here for FREE-No need to log in to search the Burbank Californaia Home Search. You can search by price, rooms or map. All listing are up to date.

Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –Homes In Los Angeles For Sale*Homes In Los Angeles For Sale-Burbank California Home Search*

Home Seller FAQs-Must there be an open house on my home?

Home Seller FAQs-Must there be an open house on my home?

Answer: Generally speaking, unless you live in a gated community that does not have free access to the public, there is no real need for an open house. Certainly no need for more than 1 public open house (when it’s first listed) and one Brokers Open (sometimes called caravan is usually held during a morning on a weekday for “brokers only”).

Today’s “state of the art” lock boxes track every agent that comes into your home. Additionally, they can be set to specific times in which to be accessed providing you with privacy when you need it.

The good news is you will not have to take off every weekend and find something to do while your home is being held open. With excellent photos, maps and virtual tours, buyers will have enough information to decide if they want to see your home.

So who does the open house benefit? Well, mostly the neighbors who’ve always wanted to see the inside of your home and agents who are looking for buyers to take to other listings. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just the nature of the business.

Follow this link to more Home Seller FAQ's

Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson-Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –Homes In Los Angeles For Sale*

Los Angeles First Time Home Buyers |Home Vs. Condo-Which is better

Los Angeles First Time Home Buyers |Home Vs. Condo-Which is better?

This is a very common question buyers are faced with now (especially Los Angeles First Time Home Buyers ). Often because there seems to be a lot more "bang for the buck" in square footage and property condition when you compare a Home Vs. Condo.

One of the toughest pills for buyers to swallow is the HOA Dues (Home owner associations dues). These fees over the maintenance of the building/grounds, insurance and most of the time trash and water.

On the other hand, if your strongly considering buying a home for sale in Los Angele, there are also "Home owner dues" but their not called "HOA Dues" Their called "maintenance costs"! And they don't come in a nice neat monthly package. They come in the form of: New roof $20K, Gardner $100 per month, Pool guy $80 per month, and replace this and that $XXX per month. These expenses can really add up and you don't have the benefit of the other home owners of a HOA to share the burden. Let's face it, if the roof is leaking, you got to fix it now!
With a Town Home or Condo, all of those expenses are divided among the other home owners so, if you need a new roof, everyone votes and the burden is shared. It all balances out.

Of course the benefits of buying a house in Los Angeles are: No shared walls, private backyards, less restrictions on what you do to the outside of your property and just a general sense of more privacy.

So whether you are considering purchasing a home or buying a condo in Los Angeles, the truth is, often times you get more bang for your buck in a Town Home or Condo (sq ft, design, etc.) Generally speaking, you will get a smaller, older home in a so-so area for the same price as a condo or Town Home that is bigger, more modern and in a nicer area. This of course is a general and broad statement but typically it is the case.

Home Vs Condo which is better?-Ultimately Location, budget and space may be your deciding factor but whatever you choose, it will be home for you and you're gonna love not paying someon elses mortgage!

Copyright © 2011 By Stephen Munson|Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate, All Rights Reserved.*Los Angeles First Time Home Buyers |Home Vs. Condo-Which is better?Los Angeles First Time Home Buyers *

Home Buyers Agent-Can I Save Money Without one

Home Buyers Agent-Can I Save Money Without one? Unless you buying a home from a "For Sale by Owner" you will be using a Realtor or Real Estate Agent. The question is will you be using the Sellers agent (the persons name on the for sale sign representing the seller) or your own agent (someone representing your best interest).

Some buyers may think they can get a bettter deal negotiating directly with the sellers agent. Well, think again! Consider this, the Sellers Agent (guy or gal on the sign) has a fiduciary responsibility (to act in the best interest of his or her client) the seller. His or her job is to get the most $$$ for his client. With that in mind, he could never tell you that you are offering too much or should request his seller to fix this or that. If he did, he or she would be breaching his legal duty to the client (seller).

Onthe other hand, the Home Buyers Agent (AKA Buyers Agent, your agent as a buyer) has a Fiduciary responsibility by law to represent YOUR best interest. Not only that but a good buyer's agent knows the entire local inventory and the neighborhoods.

And here's a bonus for you Mr. Or Mrs. Buyer-YOU do NOT pay your agents commission. Which brings us to the next question: Who DOES pay the Realtors Commissions? The commission is paid through he sellers proceeds, not from your pocket! So it would be down right silly for you NOT to have someone on YOUR side and negotiating on your behalf, especially if you are not paying them out of pocket!

And Remember, your agent also does the searching and leg work for you. Yes, I know, you like doing the search yourself. Not a problem, your agent should immediately give you access to their MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This is the only True and accurate inventory of all homes that are listed for sale. The first thing I do when I meet a new client is give them access to my Los Angeles MLS. Once you gain that access, you can drop Craigs List or any other search site outside of the MLS!

In truth, your agent will most likely be looking harder than you will for your home as they know how to navigate the available inventory and they will also know the details of your loan which may prohibit you from some properties. It is in YOUR agent's best interest to find you a home that YOU love and can afford.

So as you can see, there is no real benefit in buying a home without a Home Buyers Agent. As a matter of fact, your Home buyers Agent is your best chance at negotiating a better deal with terms that work for you. Now THAT will save your money, not to mention your time and sanity.

Happy Home Hunting!

Copyright © 2011 By Stephen Munson,Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate*Home Buyers Agent-Can I Save Money Without one?*Home buyers Agent,buyerrs agent,Real Estate Agent*

The Real Power in Achieving Your Goals is the "Why" You Put Behind Them!

The Real Power in Achieving Your Goals is the "Why" You Put Behind Them! It’s very easy to become numbed by the term “goal setting” because it’s been drilled into us for so many years. I think what most people do is get motivated once a year (usually around the New Year having been inspired by a speaker or book of some sort) and spend a ½ hour or so jotting down their “goals”.

I venture to say most people don’t look at that list for another year, if that. It’s no wonder that many people lose their faith in setting goals.Truthfully, setting down once a year and writing out your “goals” as mentioned above is more like writing a wish list and a wish list is just that, a list of stuff you “wish” would happen.

I suppose that’s better than having no idea at all of what you want but it is certainly not very effective.

So why is it we "drop the ball" so soon after the "ball drops"? Speaking from experience, I believe the reason we don't pursue our goals or intentions passionately is we simply don't have a powerful enough "why" or "reason" behind what we want to achieve.The “why” behind your goals is the driving factor behind the level of success you will accomplish or attract.

What is this "Why" I'm speaking of? Let's say Making $200,000 this year (or whatever amount) is one of your intentions or goals. It's great that you want to make $200K, but why and what's your reason behind this money?

Here are some possible “why’s”:

• I need a Holiday
• I want to expand my business
• I must give back to society
• I never want to be broke again
• I’m tired of being poor.
• I Must get out of debt
• I want to move on from this business and pursue writing a book

And if weight loss is your goal then these may be some HUGE why's:

• I don't want to die
• I want a partner
• I want to feel good
• I want to be there for my children
• I want to feel sexy

Get the picture? Just wanting $200K for the sake of having the money is likely not a strong enough motivating factor for you. But if you've committed to helping other people, your family or even giving yourself a much needed break or taking your life to the next level to pursue bigger dreams, that can be and extremely powerful "why"!

And it's easy to see that losing weight to save your life, attract a life partner or be their for your children is an enormous "why" to put behind that goal.

Think about this, If you are not pursing your goals or dreams, isnt' it likely your “Why” is not powerful enough for you. Maybe your just not excited enough about your dreams and Maybe your "why" doesn't have enough driving force behind it.

What is your "why" behind your dreams? Maybe it's time to revisit some old goals!

Copyright © 2011 By Stephen Munson,*The Real Power in Achieving Your Goals is the "Why" You Put Behind Them!*