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How many months behind before foreclosure?

Are you struggling to keep up with your mortgage payments? You are not alone and here’s what to know…

Perhaps you’ve fallen behind on them and are worried about foreclosure. Foreclosure can be a scary topic for any homeowner, but don’t worry – there are options available to help you prevent it from happening. In this blog post, we’ll explore how many months behind before foreclosure becomes a possibility, the foreclosure process itself, and what alternatives exist to help you stay in your home. So sit back, relax, grab yourself a coffee (or fave adult bev!), and let’s dive in.

What is foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a legal process that allows a lender to take possession of a property when the homeowner fails to make their mortgage payments. The lender will typically initiate the foreclosure process after several missed payments, or if they believe there’s a significant risk of default.

The foreclosure process varies by state, but generally begins with the lender notifying the borrower that they’re in default on their loan and may face foreclosure. After this, the lender can file a lawsuit against the borrower in court and proceed with obtaining judgment for foreclosure.

Once judgment for foreclosure has been obtained, an auction will be scheduled to sell off the home. If no buyer bids at the auction, the lender always puts in a bid for what you owe them at that time, then the lender becomes the owner that day. (read below to see What happens after foreclosure)

It’s important for homeowners facing foreclosure to understand what options are available to them – including negotiating with lenders directly about repayment plans or seeking assistance from government programs aimed at preventing foreclosures. By taking action early on in this process, you can potentially avoid losing your home altogether.

The foreclosure process

If you live anywhere in Iowa or any of the 50 states, federal law prohibits any lender from serving legal papers until you have fully missed 4 monthly payments. So, this answers my blog title question: How many months behind before foreclosure.

Allow me to further explain. A monthly payment has a due-date sometime near the beginning of the month. According to credit laws, a mortgage payment is not late until it reaches the 31st of the month in which it was due. If you reach 4 monthly house payments behind, your lender must, before they serve legal foreclosure papers, send you what’s called a “Right to Cure”. This is your right to make-up/catch-up all 4 payments due to avoid foreclosure from starting.

Foreclosure PRO TIP

PRO TIP & EXAMPLE: If your normal monthly house payment is due on July 8th, that payment is not technically a “late payment” until the 31st of July or in a month which has 30 days, it’s considered a late mortgage payment on the 1st of the following month. Now, you will incur a late mortgage payment penalty or fee after it remains unpaid, but you can buy yourself some extra time if you need it. Need more time to pay but you do not want to enter the legal aspect of foreclosure? You can be up to 90 days or approx. 3 months behind at all times and not face foreclosure, even though you’ll incur late fees each month until you catch-up the late house payments. I do not encourage this, but it’s a sneaky little tool available to you if or when you need that extra time to pay. 😉

The foreclosure process is a legal proceeding initiated by the lender when the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. The process starts with the lender sending a notice of default to the borrower, informing them that they are in breach of their loan agreement and must cure it within a certain period.

If the borrower fails to remedy the default, then the lender can file a lawsuit to foreclose on their property. The court will issue an order of sale, giving permission for the property to be sold at auction.

Before the auction takes place, however, there are several steps that both parties may take. The homeowner may attempt to negotiate with their lender for alternative payment arrangements or seek help from government programs designed to prevent foreclosure.

Receive a foreclosure notice on door? Click that, learn what to do

Alternatively, if negotiations fail and there is no possibility of finding a solution before foreclosure is inevitable; homeowners who want more time in their homes should retain competent counsel experienced in such matters as bankruptcy filings which could delay or even stop foreclosure proceedings completely in their tracks.

Ultimately, if all else fails and there are no viable options left for saving one’s home from being foreclosed upon – then it will be sold at public auction where any proceeds generated from this sale would go towards satisfying outstanding debt obligations owed by borrowers with respect thereof.

How many months behind before foreclosure?

If you’re struggling to make mortgage payments, it’s natural to wonder how long you have before facing foreclosure. The answer is not as straightforward as a specific number of months because different states and lenders have varying foreclosure laws and processes.

In general, though, most lenders will wait until a borrower is at least three months behind on their payments before initiating the foreclosure process. However, this can vary depending on your lender’s policies and state regulations.

It’s essential to note that falling behind on mortgage payments should never be taken lightly. Even if your lender hasn’t started the foreclosure process yet, missing several payments can significantly impact your credit score and future borrowing opportunities.

It’s crucial to communicate with your lender as soon as possible if you’re experiencing financial difficulties. Many lenders offer loan modification programs or alternative payment plans that may help you avoid foreclosure altogether.

While there isn’t a set number of missed mortgage payments that will automatically trigger a foreclosure, it’s vital to address any financial hardship immediately and work with your lender to find solutions that work for both parties.

Are there alternatives to foreclosure? Yes, several.

Facing foreclosure can be overwhelming and stressful for any homeowner. However, there are several alternatives to consider before giving up your home. Here are a few options:

1) Loan modification: This involves negotiating with your lender to modify the terms of your loan. This may include reducing the interest rate, extending the repayment period or forgiving missed payments.

2) Short sale: In this scenario, you sell your house for less than what you owe on it. The lender agrees to accept the proceeds as full payment of your mortgage debt. I have completed dozens of short sales and can help you navigate these waters and get yours approved and the house sold on your time line.

3) Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: You voluntarily transfer ownership of your property back to the lender instead of going through foreclosure. Do not attempt to negotiate one of these until we speak, or you’ll give-up thousands of dollars you may be entitled to.

4) Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy can provide temporary relief from foreclosure proceedings and allow homeowners time to catch up on missed payments. A bankruptcy filing will immediately stop any and all foreclosure action and debt collection efforts by your lender and their attorney(s). If this is your last option and you’ve exhausted all others, talk to a bankruptcy lawyer before attempting to file or handle this yourself.

5) Selling the house. This is my specialty. There are many ways to sell your house and stop the foreclosure and have the possibility of moving back into it someday. Reach me so we can discuss the ways this can help your situation. Even if you have no equity, I can buy your house, stop the foreclosure and make sure you walk away in far better shape than when we met. Call/text: 515.809.2274

It’s important to note that these alternatives have their pros and cons and may not be suitable for everyone. Contacting a financial advisor or housing counselor can help determine which option is best suited for individual circumstances.

What happens after foreclosure?

The foreclosure process ends when your lender holds an auction scheduled by the county sheriff, then serves eviction papers upon you and/or any current occupants. The damage to your credit is severe and can take years to return to normal, unless you know how to remove ugly items like that. Reach me if you’re at this stage, I’m here to be as helpful as possible before, during or after foreclosure or sheriff sale.

Here is what to do next, if you’re facing foreclosure.

In summary, foreclosure is a legal process that occurs when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments. The length of time it takes to complete the foreclosure process can vary depending on different factors such as the state laws and the lender’s policies.

If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, don’t panic. There are alternatives available to you such as loan modification or refinancing which may help you keep your home. It’s important to act quickly and seek out professional advice from a housing counselor or attorney who can guide you through this difficult time.

Remember that falling behind on your mortgage payments does not mean all hope is lost. By taking proactive steps and exploring your options, you may be able to avoid foreclosure altogether.

Here’s what to do next:

1) Contact your lender: If you’re struggling with making mortgage payments, reach out to your lender immediately. They may be willing to work with you by modifying your loan terms or creating a repayment plan that fits within your budget.

2) Seek professional guidance: Consider working with an experienced housing counselor or attorney who can provide expert advice on how best to proceed in avoiding foreclosure.

3) Evaluate all options: Take some time to evaluate all of the possible alternatives before deciding which one is right for you. Don’t forget about government programs like HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) if they apply in your case. Need government help? Visit H.A.M.P. The Home Affordable Modification Program.

PRO TIP: Do NOT hide away. Do not avoid responding to the letters from the bank, the letters from the bank’s Attorney, and espectially any legal papers handed to you (or posted or published in the big newspaper). I have not only a response to EACH letter you will receive, but also a few letters which may bring the lender to it’s knees beore they can even file legal papers. Reach me immediately so we an have a discussion on where you’re at in the process. Jay @ FastFairHomeOffers.com or Call/Text me: 515.809.2274 Take control or your lender will absolutely win and evict you. I’m on your side.

By JayForeclosure, Stop ForeclosureJune 13, 2023June 13, 2023 No comments yet

Sell House Fast Anywhere in Iowa

Selling a house can be one of the most stressful and time-consuming experiences you’ll ever have. Most uninformed believe they have to find the right real estate agent, deal with paperwork, holding an Open House every Wednesday and Saturday, home inspections, and waiting for an offer – it can all feel overwhelming. But what if there was a way to sell your house fast without any hassle? That’s where we come in! Jay Buys Houses is here to make selling your house quick and easy. Whether you’re in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids (or anywhere in between), our proven system allows us to guarantee you an All-Cash offer in writing so that you can move on with peace of mind. In this blog post, we’ll share 10 strategic ideas that will help you sell your house fast anywhere in Iowa. So let’s get started!

Selling Your House Fast, Just Got 5 Times Easier

Selling your house fast is no longer a daunting and stressful task. With Jay Buys Houses, you can sell your house in just a few days! We offer a hassle-free and straightforward process that will save you time and money.

Our team of experts has years of experience buying houses for cash, so we know what it takes to close deals quickly. When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about repairs or cleaning – we’ll take care of everything!

The best part? You don’t have to wait months for an offer. At Jay Buys Houses, we guarantee an all-cash offer in writing within 24 hours of seeing your property. This means that once we view your home, you could be closing the deal in as little as five days!

Don’t let the stress of selling your house get in the way of moving on with your life. Contact Jay Buys Houses today and let us help make selling your Iowa home quick and easy!

10 Strategic Moves So You Can Sell Your House Fast

Selling your house fast can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help speed up the selling process and get your house off the market quickly.

One effective strategy is to price your house competitively. Researching similar properties in your area and pricing yours slightly lower can attract more potential buyers. (my personal #1 strategy below…)

Another strategy is to optimize your home’s curb appeal. Make sure it looks clean, well-maintained, and inviting from the outside to entice buyers into scheduling a viewing.

A third strategy is to declutter and depersonalize your space before showing it. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space without being distracted by personal items or clutter.

Fourthly, consider working with a reputable real estate agent who has experience selling homes quickly. They can provide valuable insights on staging, pricing, and marketing techniques that will attract more qualified buyers.

Fifthly, hold an open house for interested parties to come view your property at their convenience. This allows for multiple showings within a short period of time which could lead to faster offers.

Sixthly, use high-quality photos of both exterior and interior spaces when listing online or creating print materials such as flyers or pamphlets

Seventhly: Utilise social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook create targeted ads showcasing all angles of the property

Eighthly: Conduct minor repairs/renovations ahead of time – this might include painting walls neutral colours removing dated fixtures etc

Ninth move everything out beforehand so viewers see an empty property allowing them room for imagination

Tenth have flexible viewing hours provided possible clients don’t need appointments weeks prior – try being available during evenings & weekends

Ok, time for my personal favorite of all time strategies to selling your house fast (and saving a ton of money in the process…Des Moines Agents and Realtors HATE me for this, but I don’t work for them, I’m on your side.) List your house for sale on the MLS, the Multiple Listing Service for $100-$150 and offer to pay a “Buyer’s Agent” (ya know, the ones WITH the actual buyers) 3%.

Say What Jay? (my Sell House Fast Iowa Top Secret play)

You read that right. You can list your home on the MLS and it will show on Realtor.com (and Zillow), where over 90% of all buyers look, so if your house can sell quickly, this will prove it. Ok, so HOW do we do this? Just G00GLE “put my house on mls for $100” and select a service you feel comfortable with. Yes, you’ll sign a 3-month ‘listing’ but you are not obligated to pay 6%, you will only pay 3% IF a Buyer’s Agent brings you a Buyer with an Offer you are happy with. Boom-chakka-lakka. You just saved Thousands of $.

If your house does not sell after you do that, there may be issues you can’t overcome. I do buy houses anywhere in Iowa and can buy yours on terms or all-cash and very fast. I can close in as little as 3 days if the situation allows. Reach me on my cell or start a Chat on the main page here, Sell House Fast in Iowa.

Get a Guranteed All Cash Offer in Writing

Selling your house fast in Iowa can be a breeze if you follow the right strategies and work with the right people. At Jay Buys Houses, we are committed to helping homeowners sell their houses fast and stress-free. We buy houses for cash and provide guaranteed all-cash offers in writing so that you can have peace of mind knowing that the sale will go through smoothly.

Our team of experts is always ready to guide you through every step of the process, from evaluating your property to closing the deal as quickly as possible. So don’t let a slow market or other obstacles hold you back from selling your house fast. Contact us today and let’s make it happen! Call Jay: 515.809.2274

By JayDefault PostJune 13, 2023June 13, 2023 No comments yet

Cash Buyers for Homes

Jay Buys Houses is Des Moines IA’s cash buyers for homes with over 20 years experience buying property all over Iowa. Cash money for properties like me, can buy properties in 7 days. Your home has to have a clear title before you get the majority of your money when we buy your home for cash.

Many people are looking to sell their homes for cash for many different reasons. Some sell for cash to avoid having to undergo costly repairs. Other people sell for cash because they want to move to a new location. Whatever the reason, there are cash home buyers looking to make your house a reality. These companies are experts in the process of buying homes quickly and at a good price.

If you are looking for cash buyers for homes, then read this article.

You will discover why you should sell your house to a cash buyer instead of trying to resell it yourself. You will learn why cash buyers are more desirable than traditional real estate investors.

One advantage of selling your home to a cash buyer is that you don’t have to wait for an appraisal and marketing. Most cash buyers are available right away, so dealing with them is easier and faster. The only downside to a cash buyer is the need for an appraisal. You’ll have no time to spend on marketing or photoshoots. In addition, the process is much easier for them. So, why wait when you can get a fair price for your home quickly with a cash home buyer?

Who are these types of buyers usually?

Cash home buyers are often investors. They don’t need a mortgage and can close quickly. Unlike traditional buyers, they also don’t need you to make any repairs or renovations. Because they’re usually investors, they’re interested more in the overall value of a property rather than just how much it costs to repair or improve it. This makes them an attractive option for sellers who don’t want to worry about paying for repairs and renovations.

Some buyers for homes may sound too good to be true, offering fast closings, quick sales, and a cash offer that’s close to fair market value. These people never close. Helpful Tip: Watch for out-of-state phone numbers.

Although this type of seller may make some people leery, the fact is that such companies exist and are completely legitimate.

A cash property buyer is an excellent option for selling a home fast because it allows you to move on quickly and without the hassle of making repairs. Realtors don’t take a cut either, so you pocket more money from the sale.

Unlike a real estate agent, a cash buyer will pay less than what a house is worth. Moreover, a cash buyer will be willing to buy a home with tenants. They’re usually very flexible and can structure the deal in a way that is mutually beneficial for both parties.

Des Moines premier Cash Buyers for Homes, Jay Buys Houses is local.

Get cash for your property today by calling 515.809.2274. The process can take from 2 days to 45 days depending on everything involved with your home, your situation and if or how many liens are against the house. I will explain everything in painstaking detail on how it all works.

Beware of the out of state buyers claiming or looking like they’re local buyers. They are not from Iowa. These people are brand-new Seminar attendees who pass along their deals to experienced house buyers like me. I know because they call me every single day with properties they’re trying to sell before they even close the transaction.

Don’t fall victim to their Low-Ball Offers or Out-of-State “wannabe buyers” who will just tie-up your property.

Ask them to meet you face-to-face and if they say anything other than Yes, when/where would you like to meet, avoid them, because they do not live anywhere in Iowa, let alone, Des Moines. If you want to talk to a buyer who lives and does business here, call Jay at 515.809.2274

Call today.

God Bless, Jay

By JayCash Buyers for HomesJuly 14, 2022July 14, 2022 No comments yet

We Buy Houses for Cash

Hi, I’m Jay and I started Jay Buys Houses in 1998 and we buy houses for cash.

When I first started, I had no idea that this business of buying and selling houses, isn’t about money. It’s not even about properties. It’s about people and relationships, period. The general idea is to treat others as you want to be treated. I don’t want some jerk calling me or mailing me a letter offering 30 cents on the dollar for my home. Because of this, I don’t do that. You could talk to any of the many hundreds of homeowners I’ve talked to and worked with.

“He said: ‘Can you buy my house and actually pay me Cash?'”
(seller from Ottumwa, IA)

I explained to the seller who asked me that, yes and no. Yes, I can get you up to $500.00 today to secure our agreement. Then, I detailed the entire process and that the largest portion of what he’d receive, is a check or wire transfer. Back to the amount of “new people” that have entered this business. No one wants to get some low-ball offer on their property. Sadly, the business I’m in is full of uneducated, disrespectful people chasing the almighty dollar. A lot of the other people who buy houses in Des Moines call me when they “land a deal”. They talk some seller into an offer, then they call me to see if I want the deal. That’s ok, it happens more than you might think. 9 times out of 10 though, the guy or gal who has called me, has paid too much.

It’s not that I fear competition, I fear the damage to the reputation of our industry. Many of the new investors just got done watching some YouTube videos. As a result, they think they know the business and end up pissing people off!

When we buy houses for cash, it eliminates the hassles of “tradition”.

What does that mean Jay?

A traditional or “conventional” transaction, someone gets a loan to buy your home. You most likely did the same thing when you bought the house you’re considering selling. Remember THAT process? The endless amount of paperwork just to get approved. Remember the process and the time it took to stay on-top of it all so it didn’t fall apart? Remember submitting even MORE documents when you were about to close on the house? The time to close can double when a loan is involved. Working with a cash buyer for properties eliminates the headaches for all involved.

Using Cash when we buy houses improves the success of the deal by 400%!

I would like to discuss the process now.

The process to buy a house in Iowa is a bit different than some other states.

Here’s why: Iowa is still an “abstract” state. Abstract? Yes, the abstract is a big stack of legal-sized documents that contain the details of the history of that property. This packet of paperwork and documents commonly gets misplaced, lost, etc.. The cost to replace the abstract can cost upwards of $1500. Once you have the abstract, it needs updated.

Why does it need “updated”?

The abstract contains not only the history of the property itself, but the owners. Think about that. So, if an owner of the house had filed divorce at anytime, that information is part of the abstract. Crazy huh?

Are you looking for yours to see what’s all in it? Lol. I did too, this is how I learned what’s all in them.

Who updates them? Title Companies. Abstract companies. Attorneys sometimes have staff that does “abstracting”. At this point, an Attorney (typically the Buyer’s counsel) will prepare a Title Opinion. What’s a “Title Opinion”? It’s the Attorney’s requirements regarding items that need to be “cleared-up” so that the Seller transfers “clear title” to the Buyer. When a Buyer pays cash, clear title means the house will be free and clear after closing. They pay the property taxes. Any 2nd mortgages get paid….you get the picture.

It’s Time to Close!

Closing day can be stressful. When we buy houses, we actually handle 99% of the work required to get the deal to that point. This is the part I really enjoy and have become quite skilled at. Back between 2008 and 2012, I was the #1 short sale negotiator in town. Doing short sales teaches you a LOT about real estate. I had to clear lots of title issues, including 2nd and 3rd mortgages. Federal tax liens, court judgments and child support liens.

For you, closing should be the most exciting day. The way we do it now is, you go into the attorney’s office whenever you have time. They will have everything ready for you. Bring yourself and your ID, unless there’s some document I need you to bring. That’s it. You will leave the closing with copies of what you sign and your check. Congratulations! Now, the problem that brings us together, is now solved.

We are actively buying houses for cash right up to the day you see this article.

20 years ago, I made personal and business VOWS. These are promises to you, the homeowner or seller. I encourage you to go read them (takes 40 seconds) at My Vows to You.

Before you leave the site, please do check out My Vows to You at that link above this line. Would you be opposed to taking 60 seconds to fill-out the form on the Home page? You can tell me about the house you want to sell and we’ll go from there. Sound fair?

I appreciate you. Take care, talk soon.

~Jay & Amy 515.809.2274

By JayWe Buy Houses for CashJuly 7, 2022July 7, 2022

Companies That Buy Houses

Jay Buys Houses is one of the top companies that buy houses in Des Moines and anywhere in Iowa. With over 20 years experience, there’s not a situation or circumstance that Jay hasn’t seen. As a result, that gives us a huge leg up when there becomes an issue with closing the transaction.

Most companies or people who buy houses would just walk away and tell you Good Luck. Not Jay, he will revel in the challenge in getting the sometimes impossible deal done. If you get in trouble with the law, wouldn’t you want one of the best defense lawyers you can afford? Of course.

Let’s be frank, there are lots of companies that buy houses.

With 4 to 5 really good house buyers in Des Moines or 17 to 22 really solid homebuyers across the state of Iowa, you do have options. You can either go after the best dollar amount, or you may like one who can get it done the quickest. In this case, it doesn’t cost you more dealing with Jay Buys Houses. As a result of Jay’s 20+ years experience and operating the real estate investor business, margins don’t have to be what they used to be. Example, if you were to deal with a big House Buyer Corporation with 30 employees, they need a very large amount of volume to make the same profit per investor/partner. Not with Jay Buys Houses. Because of this, you can get more money in your pocket.

Dealing with one of the lean companies that buy houses for cash, Jay Buys Houses can usually make multiple offers on your house.

This provides you with the options you deserve when selling your home. The cool part about working with Jay is that he partners with over 70 of the Top Investors in IA. This is done so there’s not a property or deal he cannot help someone with! Many hands make light work, well, many brains make less mistakes!

One of the biggest companies in the real estate investor category, is We Buy Houses.com.

I don’t mind mentioning our competition because they are just a Middleman company. That’s correct. If you submit your information at WeBuyHouses.com or almost any other “National Branded” house buyer, you’ll get spammed. Not necessarily scammed, but spammed by dozens of homebuyers New to the game and veterans.

Most of these people are wholesalers, or middlemen. These guys just quote you the Highest Price they think they can and then email your house out to thousands of people. Sadly, what they end up doing is tying up your home (so you can’t sell it) for 45-60 days. Then they either Ghost you (don’t respond to you) or they say “I can’t close.” and say goodbye. Beware!

Jay says, “It all stars with a conversation.” So if you’re considering selling your house, no matter the condition, location or price, call or text Jay at: 515.809.2274 or visit the website of one of the best Companies That Buy Houses today.

God bless and Thank you.

By JayCompanies That Buy HousesJuly 5, 2022July 5, 2022 No comments yet

Sell My House Fast

The likely reason you’re here is you have a pressing issue and needing to sell your house fast. My multiple-offer strategy is proven to be the solution to many of life’s problems. In my 20+ years of buying, fixing, leasing & selling properties, the problems vary. Here are the most common issues people experience when they call me.

The categories consisted of the following:

Job Loss, Job Transfer, Loss of Income.
Relationship Breakdown, Divorce, Separation.
Health Issue, Physical Inability, Death.

Number 1 is a bit obvious, but the fact remains, financial difficulty or hardship (temporary or not) can drastically alter our lives. In the last 12 months, Job Opportunities are the primary seller motivation for wanting to sell a house quickly.

Divorce or “Partner” Separation is number 2.

This is a distant second place to Job Loss/Transfer. Divorce will just always happen. It almost becomes a catalyst for an income change. Typically one of the two people separating, will stay in the property. That person who stays frequently faces a financial challenge.

Death, probate and illness are climbing the list of reasons home sellers’ motivation to sell. Baby Boomers are turning 70 plus and face mounting health challenges and issues. With age comes the natural difficulty to maintain a home. Home upkeep becomes expensive and problematic for our aging population. As a result, they’re forced to spend savings to pay the increasingly high costs of property preservation and home repairs. The alternative is, they simply neglect their homes which fall into a dilapidated condition.

Continue reading “Sell My House Fast” →

By JaySell My House FastJuly 4, 2022July 14, 2022