FORECLOSURE » Prevent Foreclosures

The economy is turmoil, and at the epicenter of the current financial maelstrom is the collapsing real estate market. The average home price has plummeted in recent years, with many areas seeing home values fall by as much as 30% and more. What's more, economists predict that the market hasn't reached bottom yet, and that home prices need to fall by as much as another 30% before prices stabilize. That's a nightmare for homeowners, but a boon for buyers. Many distressed homes are in default, and that means the terms can be the buyer's to dictate.

Defaults Rising

If you're a homeowner in distress, you are more than likely in a situation where you can't make your payments anymore - and you're about to default. You need to be free of your financial obligation to your lender, and fast. You're about as vulnerable as it gets, and let's face it, there are many people out there who will take advantage of you without batting an eye. If you can hold on to your distressed home in default, you need to do everything you can to prevent losing it. If you're a home buyer who is looking at distressed homes in default because you think it's the perfect time to buy, you need to balance your desire for a good deal with your desire to treat other people fairly, and not cross over the line into exploitation of the vulnerable.

Problems with Distressed Homes

Buying and selling distressed homes in default can also have a lot of unforeseen financial complications. There can be liens you were never told about, for example, and there can be debt and foreclosure laws that will make selling distressed homes extraordinarily complicated.

Before you buy a distressed home in default, be sure to consult with a real estate professional (or professionals) and get their advice.

While home prices have managed to drop considerably over the past year, they are expected to drop even further. According to the financial and analysis firm, Fiserv, the overall national median price is forecast to drop by as much as 11.3 percent by June 30, 2010 in 342 out of 381 markets.

Fiserv has been predicting lowered home prices for several years; however, the firm had previously underestimated the rapid decline. Now, economists believe that the firm's predictions are on the mark. According to Moody's Economist.com's chief economist, Mark Zandi, there are definitely more declines to be expected. In fact, in some high-foreclosure markets like Orlando, Florida, the prices are expected to drop 27 percent.

According Zandi, the price drops stem from the foreclosure crisis, which is not close to coming to an end. As more homeowners lose their properties, neighbors lose value in their home, making it difficult to sell at a price anywhere near what they paid.

But of course, the price drops aren't bad news for everyone. Home buyers find themselves on the other end of the spectrum, snatching up deal after deal. These deals are enhanced by being able to take advantage of the Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers. Even if they home buyers pays a mere $80,000 for a home, they receive a credit of $8,000.

Buyers in markets like Las Vegas have been taking advantage of the steals. The home prices in this market have already dropped 54.6 percent, and are expected to drop another 23.9 percent by June 30, 2010.

So what do you do if you're looking to sell? Experts encourage holding off for a while until the market bounces back. On the other hand, if you're looking to buy, this is the time to grab a home at an affordable rate. With homes destined to appreciate again at some point, you should be able to take advantage of a great return on your investment.

Are home prices in your market decreasing rapidly?

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