Apple Valley Market Update!

Changes in the real estate market are happening, and the recovery of the market is becoming more publicly known. Since last January, the inventory of available homes in the twin cities has gone down 32.2%! The recovering economy and low interest rates means more people are looking to buy houses, therefore, demand is rising. If you aren't sure why this is significant, it means that prices are rising! The median sales prices of homes in the twin cities has risen 14.3% since last January.

The Apple Valley real estate market is booming! The median sales price has risen 30.2% to $185,000 in the last year! Home owners are finding relief and peace of mind in this market turnaround. The average time on the market for a sale is under 100 days. This is all good news for people who are looking to sell their house. It is also good news for buyers, knowing that the market will more than likely put them in a good position for a quick gain in equity. Click here for a more detailed look into the Twin Cities market.

Considering a Short Sale?

I have run into countless people over the last few years that have encountered financial distress and need to make decisions about their housing situation.  I recently partnered with one of the top law firms in the Twin Cities area to assist homeowners that pursue a short sale of their property.  A property short sale is very technical and sometimes complicated transaction.  I am happy to be able to offer my clients access to legal assistance during a difficult time in their lives and feel it is a valuable extension of the services I provide to my past clients and the people they refer to me.
After careful consideration, I have selected the law firm of Markve and Zweifel to work with me and my clients on short sale transactions.  They have completed over 1000 short sales and have the services that I feel will benefit my clients.  My clients will receive a no charge intial consultation to answer their questions regarding mortgage liability, foreclosure avoidance and short sale. 
My role continues to be marketing a property to find a qualified buyer at the current market value of the home.  I then work closely with the office of Markve and Zweifel, PLLC to complete negotiations and bring the short sale to a successful conclusion for my clients. 
If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, please contact me as soon as possible to more information.

Dakota County Community Development Agency Hosts Foreclosure Information Session

If you are facing foreclosure, information is your most valuable resource.  The Dakota County CDA is hosting a free seminar on Thursday, March 22nd from 6 to 7 PM covering general foreclosure information, the forclosure process and possible foreclosure alternative options for homeowners.  The session is being held at CDA’s office located at 1228 Town Centre Drive in Eagan.  The CDA is a local government agency serving the community and residents of Dakota County.
After the presentation, certified housing counselors will be on hand and individual appointments.  Pre-registration is requested. To pre-register, please call the CDA’s foreclosure intake line at 651-675-4555.

Behind on your mortgage?

If you have missed a payment on your mortgage you are not alone. Nearly one in six homeowners were at least one month delinquent according to the MBA National Deliquency Survey at the end end of 2009.

The last few years have brought many challenges to homeowners. In the past, owners who fell upon hard times or had a change of circumstances, would sell their home and move on with their lives. The decline in home values seems to eliminate this possibility for many owners today. Over half of owners go into foreclosure seemingly without intervention.

It has been tough to sit by and watch this scenario unfold around us. My team has decided to be part of the solution. We have experience helping owners get short sales accepted by their lenders. We have committed to educating ourselves on the short sales process and keeping up to date on the many changes that lenders are implementing. We just completed the Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification by the National Association of Realtors.

Find out what your options are; let us be your resource.

Workshop to Help Save Your Home

Wells Fargo is hosting Home Preservation Workshops at the St. Paul RiverCentre on February 17th and 18th from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Homeowners with a Wells Fargo or Wachovia mortgage that are having payment challenges including being 60 to 90 days late on their payments have an opportunity to get solutions on the spot. Representatives will meet personally with borrowers to discuss their financial concerns and options including the government's Home Affordable Modification Program.

Similar outreach events have been held in other major cities like Chicago and Atlanta with great success. For more information call 1-800-405-8067 or go to www.wfhmevents.com/leadingthewayhome

-Jacqueline