RISMEDIA, Wednesday, August 31, 2011— If you’re on the verge of losing your home, or you know someone who is, then you also know about the long, bureaucratic process involved in applying for a loan modification from a lender. The most common approach is to apply under the new Home Affordability Mortgage Program (HAMP), but lenders also accept modifications from mortgage holders because lenders really don’t want to take the house—they just want their money.
In many cases, however, the approval process takes longer than many homeowners can afford. But one expert believes it doesn’t have to be that way, and that there are solutions for homeowners whose applications seem stuck in the mud.
“Applying for a loan modification can be an extremely stressful process,” says Stephfan Nurse, CEO of Consumer Education—the makers of Mortgage Reduction software designed to help people through the modification process.
“Even if you send in your documents and your lender tells you everything is okay, you may still have a great amount of anxiety because you have no idea what the lender is doing with your file. You may not know what the next step is and how long it takes to move through each step in the process. Your lender may tell you what the next step is, but you may not understand why it will take so long. There are reasons, however, why the process can get stuck, and there are ways to move that process along, if you understand what goes on behind the scenes.”
Nurse’s tips for making the process smoother include:
• Account Numbers – It often happens that when you fax your paperwork to your lender, the lender either says they lost your paperwork or they just didn’t receive it all. This isn’t because they are incompetent. It’s because they receive thousands of faxes each day, and they use an image scanning technology to capture them all and place them in the appropriate file. In that system, a cover sheet that has your account number on it will get placed correctly, but the following sheets that lack your account number can be easily misplaced. The solution is to put your account number on every page of your paperwork, so they have a better chance of placing all your paperwork in your file.
• Complete the Paperwork – When your file gets assigned to a document manager, typically about 30 days after you first applied for the modification, the document manager’s job is to check to make sure all your required documents are ready to be submitted to the negotiator/specialist for review. If you have an incomplete file, even if you’re missing just one single required document, the document manager will note your account as having an incomplete file and move on to the next file to review. At this point, a generic letter is automatically mailed to your home requesting the additional information your file lacks. This letter can take up to two weeks to get to you, and then another two to four weeks before they look at your updated information. The key is to never send an incomplete package to your lender. It can lead to a delay or even a flat out denial.
• Follow Up – Finally, follow up every week with your lender to make sure all the documents they have are up to date. Don’t worry about being a pest. After all, it’s your house on the line if things get stuck in neutral. If you do this consistently, you will avoid getting caught in the delay cycle.
“The process is like any other, and it can be rife with mistakes and bureaucratic snafus,” Nurse adds. “But if you take the steps to reduce the opportunities for error, your application can move through the process much faster and you’ll have a much better chance at being approved.”
For more information, visit www.consumereducationonline.com.
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Celebrate Beaufort's 300th Anniversary
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: Erin Dean, chairwoman, Tricentennial Committee, 843-524-1116
Beaufort Tricentennial parade organizers name actor, 'Lt. Dan' Gary Sinise grand marshal
Forrest Gump's Lt. Dan, actor Gary Sinise, will serve as Beaufort's grand marshal for the Sept. 17 historical Tricentennial Parade, organizers announced today.
The morning parade through downtown Beaufort will feature floats highlighting periods of Beaufort's 300 years, said Erin Dean, chair of the Tricentennial Committee. Entries are sought and applications are available at Beaufort City Hall, the Beaufort,Regional Chamber of Commerce and online at www.cityofbeaufort.org.
"This is going to be a special parade, one that we hope young people and the rest of us will remember a long time," Dean said. "The floats must reflect something about Beaufort's history."
The Sept. 17 parade through downtown Beaufort will celebrate different eras in Beaufort's history, including its role in wars, in Civil Rights, in economic growth and in culture. The event coincides with the second annual Lieutenant Dan Weekend, a retreat for severely wounded veterans created by the Independence Fund in Beaufort. Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band will entertain those veterans, their caregivers and others the night before the big parade.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have Gary Sinise serve as grand marshal for this once in a lifetime parade," said Donnie Beer, the Beaufort City Councilwoman who led the charge to connect the busy actor with the Tricentennial event. "We hope to see thousands of people lining the parade route to see him and to learn more about what's made Beaufort such a special place for three centuries."
Parade participants are encouraged to use professional float companies for their entries, Dean said. The entry fee is $25 for groups and free for registered non-profit organizations.
As arrangements continue for different ways to mark the historic 300th birthday, organizers of the Beaufort 300 project are in the final stretch to raise funds for a new historical marker. For a $300 investment in Beaufort's future, donors' names will be featured on a permanent historical monument in the Waterfront Park commemorating the Tricentennial. Corporate and non-profit sponsorships also are available.
Also this fall, Beaufort County schools are working on a variety of projects to study, recognize and celebrate Beaufort's 300th birthday. Those projects, kicking off when school resumes in mid-August, will be rolled out later this fall, said Margaret Rushton, the liaison between the school district and Beaufort Tricentennial.
Between now and the end of 2011, the Beaufort Tricentennial Committee will be working with organizations to continue to highlight the past three centuries. The recently-wrapped 56th Water Festival, for instance, showcased Beaufort's history throughout the 10-day event.
Meanwhile, City leaders are laying a path for an even better fourth century through a revitalized city planning process that's already brought new residential construction and adaptive re-use of the former Beaufort City Hall. Lowcountry Produce will be opening a food market with a targeted opening in October.
Beaufort was founded in 1711 by the English, although its beginnings date back to Spanish explorers in 1514. Beaufort was named for Englishman Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort (1684-1714), one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. It was on Jan. 17, 1711, that Beaufort's formal charter was created.
On Dec. 31, 2010, the Tricentennial party kicked off with a packed Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This coming New Year's Eve, celebrants will conclude the year-long birthday party with another party in the park, Dean said.
"While our actual 'birthday' was on January 17, we made a decision a year ago that we would celebrate the 300th birthday of our great city throughout 2011," Dean said. "Between City events like the Founders' Night and the upcoming parade in September, our regular festivals have been spotlighting the Tricentennial."
For more information and to sign-up for Beaufort 300, visit www.cityofbeaufort.org and look in the upper left corner. You can also join Beaufort Tricentennial on Facebook.
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
For immediate release
Contact: Erin Dean, chairwoman, Tricentennial Committee, 843-524-1116
Beaufort Tricentennial parade organizers name actor, 'Lt. Dan' Gary Sinise grand marshal
Forrest Gump's Lt. Dan, actor Gary Sinise, will serve as Beaufort's grand marshal for the Sept. 17 historical Tricentennial Parade, organizers announced today.
The morning parade through downtown Beaufort will feature floats highlighting periods of Beaufort's 300 years, said Erin Dean, chair of the Tricentennial Committee. Entries are sought and applications are available at Beaufort City Hall, the Beaufort,Regional Chamber of Commerce and online at www.cityofbeaufort.org.
"This is going to be a special parade, one that we hope young people and the rest of us will remember a long time," Dean said. "The floats must reflect something about Beaufort's history."
The Sept. 17 parade through downtown Beaufort will celebrate different eras in Beaufort's history, including its role in wars, in Civil Rights, in economic growth and in culture. The event coincides with the second annual Lieutenant Dan Weekend, a retreat for severely wounded veterans created by the Independence Fund in Beaufort. Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band will entertain those veterans, their caregivers and others the night before the big parade.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have Gary Sinise serve as grand marshal for this once in a lifetime parade," said Donnie Beer, the Beaufort City Councilwoman who led the charge to connect the busy actor with the Tricentennial event. "We hope to see thousands of people lining the parade route to see him and to learn more about what's made Beaufort such a special place for three centuries."
Parade participants are encouraged to use professional float companies for their entries, Dean said. The entry fee is $25 for groups and free for registered non-profit organizations.
As arrangements continue for different ways to mark the historic 300th birthday, organizers of the Beaufort 300 project are in the final stretch to raise funds for a new historical marker. For a $300 investment in Beaufort's future, donors' names will be featured on a permanent historical monument in the Waterfront Park commemorating the Tricentennial. Corporate and non-profit sponsorships also are available.
Also this fall, Beaufort County schools are working on a variety of projects to study, recognize and celebrate Beaufort's 300th birthday. Those projects, kicking off when school resumes in mid-August, will be rolled out later this fall, said Margaret Rushton, the liaison between the school district and Beaufort Tricentennial.
Between now and the end of 2011, the Beaufort Tricentennial Committee will be working with organizations to continue to highlight the past three centuries. The recently-wrapped 56th Water Festival, for instance, showcased Beaufort's history throughout the 10-day event.
Meanwhile, City leaders are laying a path for an even better fourth century through a revitalized city planning process that's already brought new residential construction and adaptive re-use of the former Beaufort City Hall. Lowcountry Produce will be opening a food market with a targeted opening in October.
Beaufort was founded in 1711 by the English, although its beginnings date back to Spanish explorers in 1514. Beaufort was named for Englishman Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort (1684-1714), one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. It was on Jan. 17, 1711, that Beaufort's formal charter was created.
On Dec. 31, 2010, the Tricentennial party kicked off with a packed Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This coming New Year's Eve, celebrants will conclude the year-long birthday party with another party in the park, Dean said.
"While our actual 'birthday' was on January 17, we made a decision a year ago that we would celebrate the 300th birthday of our great city throughout 2011," Dean said. "Between City events like the Founders' Night and the upcoming parade in September, our regular festivals have been spotlighting the Tricentennial."
For more information and to sign-up for Beaufort 300, visit www.cityofbeaufort.org and look in the upper left corner. You can also join Beaufort Tricentennial on Facebook.
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Strong Demand, Tight Supply Strengthen Case for New Apartment Development
Great article on the need for multifamily housing!
Multifamily housing is hot. And I have two apartment complexes for sale. Time for your money to earn more than 1% sitting in a savings account!
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
Multifamily housing is hot. And I have two apartment complexes for sale. Time for your money to earn more than 1% sitting in a savings account!
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Just Listed: 1370 US Hwy 80 in Pooler
Email me for more information: jmarshall@CbcWorldWide.com
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker Commercial Platinum Partners
912-352-1222
Connie F. Ray, Broker
Savannah, Ga.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
WHY SHOULD CHATHAM COUNTY BACK THE NEW TRADE CENTER EXPANSION & PRIVATE HOTEL?
The following is a press release by Carriage Trade PR to help sway public opinion toward the proposed convention center and hotel.
WHY SHOULD CHATHAM COUNTY BACK THE NEW TRADE CENTER EXPANSION & PRIVATE HOTEL?
Now that the press release is out, get ready for public interest and image building, customer relationship building, press kits (if people still do that), talking points, by-lined articles, special events, etc.
It all makes a good argument for the constuction project and I hope Savannah eventually gets one. Eventually being the key word.
Convention centers have been popping up around the country in the last decade and Charles Pinkham, III, the VP of Portman Holdings, told Hotel Interactive he expects RFPs to increase, but only with public backing. The article title, if you click the link, asks "Will the convention center hotel market heat up?" But the article doesn't answer the question. Portman relates the bromides that the convention center business continues to grow, conventions help people meet other people, and there's a demand for these new centers.
Pinkham says, "Cities continue to expand convention centers. They need the rooms tower adjacent so they can bring people in and give them one place to stay. There’s a lot of synergy between those two products. The hotels supply convention centers with additional meeting space, so it almost acts as one cohesive unit. This does well for the city because the conventions bring the hotel business and the hotels bring the conventions business.”
But why are cities expanding convention centers? Are they building these things because demand for conventions necessitates construction? Or are cities building them because they're told they need them and then promised lots of goodies (new jobs during and after construction, spin-off jobs, tax revenue, tourist $$, public improvements, etc...)
It's the same argument used by counties to build schools, by Greensboro, NC to build the Coliseum or WMATA to expand metro service. The argument can be valid. But it's also the same argument that Shell told Nigeria, the Webb Company told Lexington, Kentucky and casinos told Kansas.
The important issue is not that public money will be used to build it. Public money is often a pre-requisite to construction. (Think projects in Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Overland Park, etc.)
We just need to be sure we don't create a financial problem here in Savannah like they did in Baltimore.
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
WHY SHOULD CHATHAM COUNTY BACK THE NEW TRADE CENTER EXPANSION & PRIVATE HOTEL?
Now that the press release is out, get ready for public interest and image building, customer relationship building, press kits (if people still do that), talking points, by-lined articles, special events, etc.
It all makes a good argument for the constuction project and I hope Savannah eventually gets one. Eventually being the key word.
Convention centers have been popping up around the country in the last decade and Charles Pinkham, III, the VP of Portman Holdings, told Hotel Interactive he expects RFPs to increase, but only with public backing. The article title, if you click the link, asks "Will the convention center hotel market heat up?" But the article doesn't answer the question. Portman relates the bromides that the convention center business continues to grow, conventions help people meet other people, and there's a demand for these new centers.
Pinkham says, "Cities continue to expand convention centers. They need the rooms tower adjacent so they can bring people in and give them one place to stay. There’s a lot of synergy between those two products. The hotels supply convention centers with additional meeting space, so it almost acts as one cohesive unit. This does well for the city because the conventions bring the hotel business and the hotels bring the conventions business.”
But why are cities expanding convention centers? Are they building these things because demand for conventions necessitates construction? Or are cities building them because they're told they need them and then promised lots of goodies (new jobs during and after construction, spin-off jobs, tax revenue, tourist $$, public improvements, etc...)
It's the same argument used by counties to build schools, by Greensboro, NC to build the Coliseum or WMATA to expand metro service. The argument can be valid. But it's also the same argument that Shell told Nigeria, the Webb Company told Lexington, Kentucky and casinos told Kansas.
The important issue is not that public money will be used to build it. Public money is often a pre-requisite to construction. (Think projects in Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Overland Park, etc.)
We just need to be sure we don't create a financial problem here in Savannah like they did in Baltimore.
A. Joseph Marshall
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Savannah, Ga.
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