First, behaving responsibly always works to your advantage. This means contacting the lender, requesting forms, completing and submitting them in a timely manner. This compels the lender to review and assess the applications adding significant time for you to remain in your home, often taking the lender more than 6 months to review, without necessarily making mortgage payments. During this time you can consult with free HUD Approved Housing Counselors (www.hud.gov) who are available to help homeowners try to keep their home. If a counselor determines there is no viable option for keeping your home the next best option is to work with a Real Estate Broker, like myself, who is experienced in short sales and the foreclosure process.[1]

A short sale is a more favorable option for you because it will not damage the distressed owner’s credit as much as a foreclosure sale. This is especially important for people hoping to buy a home in the future.[2] The time period for re-establishing credit is a “5-years” following a “foreclosure sale” but only “2-years” following a “short sale”.[3] Some lenders may even allow a person to qualify for a loan in less than 2 years.

Since many foreclosures were caused by predatory lending and mortgage fraud, lenders are under increased pressure from Congress to help. Under the new HAFA Program[4] from the US Treasury Department, incentives are given to lenders, borrowers and second lien holders to help complete a short sale.

Lastly, the foreclosure process has a negative effect on the homeowners’ neighborhood and surrounding community. Neighbors working together with knowledgeable, experienced professionals are best able to minimize the suffering experienced during these trying times. It is my intention to be a resource for you and your community to help homeowners’ stay in their homes longer or not lose them. To simply do nothing is the worst option. Please contact me and allow me the opportunity to help you.

[1] If your home is currently listed for sale, please disregard this message.

[2] I am using Fannie Mae Announcement dated June 25, 2025 as a guideline since they control over 90% of the secondary mortgage market.

[3] Rules are accurate as of the time of this mailing and subject to change at any time. This information is not intended to be legal advice and it is recommended that you speak with an accountant and an attorney.

[4] Homeowner Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives

Action Investments, Real Estate Broker, Ca Dept of Real Estate License #01481898
• Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Office: (818) 626-6469 • Cell: (818) 357-9658
Fax: (866) 791-3290
DRE# 1481898