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I recognize the neighborhood instantly. A few houses down I negotiated a short sale just like this one. Well, perhaps this one is a little nicer. I knock on the door and am instantly invited in. 

It was a routine interior value. Not a routine for the homeowners who seemed to be nervous as they should be.

While doing the interior value I learned they are filling for bankruptcy (chapter 13) and scheduled to meet an Attorney on Monday. After that they intend to let the house go, as it is due to foreclose at the end of the month. “So, did your Attorney say you should let the house foreclose?  I mean, do you have tons of liens and judgments against this property?” I asked.

They have nothing but a 1^st Lien and a 2^nd Lien on the property. They also disclosed that they’ve been told by the girls at the attorney’s office that they should just let the house go! 

When I asked about the Clark County foreclosure auction sale neither one of them give a date.  Instead they re-call how they received something in the mail that said that if they don’t make a payment they are going to proceed with the Clark County foreclosure.

As I soak it all in, I instantly know that this poor couple needs some major guidance. For now, my main concern is why are they letting the house go? “How many payments have you missed?”

Their answer: “Three. We’re going to leave at the end of the month. We found a rental…” 

It was obvious. These people had no CLUE! I asked if I could sit down with them for a moment and let them know a little bit about what they were really facing and when! 

First, I told them that the bank has to give proper notice in order to foreclose on a property.  In Washington State, it takes 3 defaults before the bank will finally post a notice on the door that warns the borrowers that if they don’t cure the back payments in 30 days, they will start the process of foreclosure. However, that does not mean they will foreclose in 30 days!!!!

What that means is that if the borrower is not able to cure the loan and make it current in the next 30 days, then another notice will be posted on their door saying that a foreclosure sale is scheduled and that date is approx. 90 days later! “Has anything been posted on your door yet?” 

They both say no. 

“Well then… I’m pretty confident you have at least 4 months before the house will foreclose, possibly longer”

They looked at each other as if they knew nothing about that. 

“Why are you leaving the home so quick?” 

“We found a rental, and we felt we should hurry and get a place before our credit get’s ruined and we can’t even rent….because of what this is going to do to our credit score.”

Wow! How many people are out there doing the same things?!

“Stay in your Clark County home,” I said. “The Clark County foreclosure can wait. The Clark County rental can wait. Stay in your house for as long as you can without making payments at the time you need it the most.”

They look at me completely puzzled.

“Stay in your house and take care of it. The bank actually appreciates you managing their property instead of abandoning it.”  

“They do?”

“They really do.”

- To Be Continued…

Jennifer Hart

to get a 5 bedroom home w/ 3 full baths, 2054 sft, with separate Laundry Room with built-ins, bonus room, remodeled kitchen, bathrooms, with tiled counters, tile floors, newer carpet, back deck almost entire length of home. RV Parking, lots of parking with additional driveway.

Featuring 4 Large Bedrooms plus Office|Utility Room|Formal Dining|Unique Entry|Hardwood Floors|Living Room with Built-ins|Fenced Yard|Central Air. Gourment Kitchen with Stainless Appliances|Island Bar|pantry|. Kid Friendly Cul-de-Sac.

Full Price Offer gets a weeks stay in Seller’s Retreat in Cabo! Long Term Tenants 4 to 5 years. 1 Tenant is the maintenace keeper. Both units are in good shape! NOT A SHORT SALE. Long Term Tenants 4 to 5 years. 1 Tenant is the maintenace keeper. Properties are in good shape!

Built by reputable builder, this custom home has been well maintained and is very clean! Home is Light and Bright, with Real Hardwood Floors throughout, Country Kitchen with Eat-Bar, Large Family Room and Large Master Suite. Guest Room on Main.

This is a beautiful home that has hardwood floors, tile countertops, 4 bedrooms, plus office/den, and is in the Union Highschool Dist. Neighborhood Park and Trails.

New Hardi Plank Siding, New Vinyl Windows, New Roof. Does need some TLC and cosmetic upgrading.

A little elbow grease will make this gem shine! 4 bedrooms, garage was converted to master suite. New roof. Large lot. Wood floors, fireplace. Subject to short sale approval!

Treed park like setting. Partial Remodeling in Kitchen and baths, however addition is incomplete. Lots of potential. Newer Roof, Room for RV Parking! Located next to schools and Padden Area.

Beautiful lay-out of this home/ Min. from I-5 yet Country Living/Large Master Suite/ Jet-Tub/WI-Closet/Tiled Bathroom/Office or 4th bed with Closet off Entry/Formal Dining, Kitchen-Stainless Steel Appl/ Pantry/Vaulted/Family Room off Kitchen/1.58 Acres