A 700 credit score, but thinking of a Miami foreclosure and wondering how long will it take for my credit to recover? This question was asked on Trulia’s real estate search here and answered to the best ability below.
Miami foreclosure?
Q: My 1/1,5 condo in NMB Fl was purchased for $137K in 2006, BUT the complex now has units selling for $17K-$24K. We also have about 25% of units in foreclosure, and almost 65% of the owners are not paying HOA fees. I am thinking of sending the keys to the bank because the city will probably shut down the building. After all, the HOA couldn’t pay its monthly bills and was already sitting on $180K in unpaid HOA fees at the start of 2009.
I hate to see my credit go in the toilet, but I can’t wrap my brain around holding onto a property that has decreased 85% in value in the last year. I’m a responsible person and pay all other bills on time. I’ve never been late with my mortgage payment in the 3 years since I purchased it. The bank won’t consider lowering the principle. In my opinion, it would be the TRUE way to help in part save the economy. But that is just my 2 cents, now valued at -$5 due to depreciation. Thanks for any advice!
A: Whew, that’s a tough call. Where’s the Suze Orman of real estate when a good question like this one pops up!? It seems as though the association/condo board has failed to go after delinquent fees needed to maintain the building. Delinquent payments are very common in all condo buildings. Yet at this high level of 65%, it is a surprise the water is still on.
The new Fannie Mae guidelines from January 2009 would not allow financing, so it must be geared toward cash investors. Yet, no investor would take on the liability of covering everyone else’s slack with inevitable assessments on the horizon.
Deed in Lieu
A Deed in Lieu of foreclosure may be the most viable option. However, speak honestly to your bank(s) about the current circumstances and negotiate DOWN the deficiency lien. Do not take no for an answer; keep climbing the peon ladder until the manager can help. I say this only because I’m afraid a short sale just won’t fly from lack of a ready, willing & able buyer. If you could find a buyer, please jump on the short sale option. This ensures there are no deficiency liens or 1099’s if it’s an investment property.
I assume this is your “home.” I also heard an interesting concept yesterday: FICO (credit) scores will be weighted in favor of owners such as yourself. Owners who are forced into foreclosure or handed over their properties between the years of, let’s say, 2005-2009. Meaning less likely to greatly “break” the FICO instead weighted and factored in favor of the years of trouble down the road when you feel it’s time to borrow again. Just an idea that may make sense in the future because of the current circumstances (not a fact, but likely).
It’s been a tough battle over the last 4 years for most owners in similar circumstances as property values tumbled. This building WILL eventually turn around after a financial correction and an efficient condo board are established. Miami residential real estate sales are up 67% over this time last year and 20% over March!
I am open to more ideas & opinions, and my answers can be wrong as a fallible sales associate. These are only opinions and advice from today’s knowledge/understanding, and I welcome any further insights I may be unaware of, so contact me here.
Excellent blog post…
At Money Heroes we can accommodate lending for personal loans, home loans, investment loans, commercial property loans, car loans, equipment finance, first home buyers , Easy Personal Loans, Mortgages Home Loans, Commercial Loans and more!
I went into an agreement with my sister that if I bought a house b/c my credit was good she would be solely responsible for ALL financial dealings; mortgage, household fixings and etc.. Where the house was bought was in an area were developers were buying houses just for the land b/c they were going to build a new school and a lot of the houses had already been bought and torn down. Well, she rented it out and the mortgage was being paid that way. Somewhere down the road she got behind on payments b/c the renters weren’t paying and left. She never told me she was behind on payments. Remember, she agreed to all financial dealings. Well, I went out of the country and when I came back a big family dispute came up and she no longer speaks to ANYONE in the family. She has all the paperwork on the house; including closing paperwork, letter of agreement to take full financial responsibility on house and etc… Over, the first few months I asked how things were going and she said, “fine” no problems. Well, since family dispute I thought it might be a good idea to get credit report for me and found out she got 3-4 months behind and the house went into foreclosure. She never once came to me to let me know she couldn’t pay for it or that she was that far behind. I am now in the market for buying a house of my own with future husband and I am worried this issue is going to hurt us in getting our first home together. My credit score was 720 when I checked previously to getting the house with her. What affect does foreclosure have on credit scores. I have things paid off on my credit report; car load, student loans, and credit cards. This was the first house purchase for me and I so upset and don’t know what to do. Can anyone give me advice. Oh yeah, she will not return phone calls, don’t have email address or home address. please someone help me.
Hi Jeri,
So I take it you cosigned because of your high score? A foreclosure will almost ruin your score. I would consult with an attorney on options and explore a short sale alternative which will bruise your score vs. a complete break on your good name. The lack of communication makes it extremely difficult to get anywhere with your sister so it’s time to bring in legal help.
Wonderful read, thanks. It’s much easier to understand now what a credit report is really about and how it is helpful. Even if not in debt, keeping a well cared for credit score is really important.