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What to do if Your Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case is Dismissed

After filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy debtors are required to make monthly payments to a bankruptcy court trustee. These payments are distributed to various creditors, including a debtor’s attorney and the trustee him or herself. At the end of the bankruptcy, the petitioner will receive a discharge that prevents creditors from pursuing him or her for additional payments and allows the petitioner to have a fresh start with his or her credit. However, failure to meet certain terms may result in[...]

What Not to do After Qualifying for a Mortgage Loan

Finding a lender is probably the most important step in the home buying process. Shopping for a house knowing that you have been pre-approved for a certain amount gives both the buyer and seller a sense of security. Unfortunately, some new homebuyers do not realize that getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan does not guarantee that the bank will pay the seller at closing. Making certain financial choices after being prequalified can drastically decrease your chances of having your loan funded.[...]

Why Bankruptcy Cases are Dismissed

  Filing for bankruptcy is a stressful experience that requires multiple court hearings, meetings with an attorney, and a thorough review of your finances. While these things are unpleasant they are usually viewed as a reasonable inconvenience by those drowning in debt. Unfortunately, in some situations the bankruptcy case is abruptly dismissed before the filer is able to receive any benefit from the choice. Understanding why bankruptcy cases are dismissed will help you avoid making a mista[...]

Tips for Managing Last Minute Disputes Between Buyers and Sellers

The process of buying and selling real estate is stressful, especially if the buyer and seller are not getting along. During a high stress transaction, it is not unusual for one or both parties to grow frustrated over a perceived error in a contract, miscommunication regarding repairs, or a dozen other small issues. Often real estate agents find themselves acting as mediators in an effort to get both parties to closing so that the sale can be completed. These tips for managing last minute disput[...]

Why You Should Avoid Debt Settlement Companies

Each year over 790,000 individuals and businesses file for bankruptcy relief. While this number may seem high, it is actually lower than past years. People who file bankruptcy come from all financial backgrounds and many are reluctant to use bankruptcy to solve their financial problems because they fear the social stigma or impact to their credit. Often debt settlement companies are viewed as a more attractive alternative to traditional bankruptcy, causing thousands of people to contact these co[...]

Title Problems That May Delay Closing

Prior to scheduling a closing date, the title of the property must be checked to ensure that it is clear with no encumbrances. While most closings go smoothly, it is not uncommon for title problems to crop that delay the real estate transaction. Being aware of these potential issues helps prepare you for all eventualities. More importantly, knowing about title problems that may delay closing allows you to better serve your real estate clients during a high stress period in their life. Liens on P[...]

Top Four Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Mistakes

Chapter 13 bankruptcy relief offers filers a unique opportunity to receive protection from debt collection actions while allowing them to repay creditors an amount that the filer can afford. The second most commonly filed bankruptcy chapter, this financial reorganization gives an individual up to five years to pay creditors. A good option for those who own property that they do not wish to surrender, chapter 13 can lead to additional problems if the debtor makes a mistake when filing for relief.[...]

Tips for Closing with an Investor

Real estate has long been a stable investment for anyone seeking to amass a valuable portfolio.  Though the real estate market has been slowed by past recessions, in many markets an investor with ready cash available has helped sellers who were attempting to sell property during a time when buyers are scarce. While it is true that a real estate investor can be the answer to any property situation in which finding buyers is hard, closing with a cash investor comes with its own unique set of pote[...]

Four Ways Bankruptcy can Save Your Financial Future

The idea of bankruptcy being something positive is foreign to most Americans. For decades bankruptcy was viewed as a financial defeat, and the changing bankruptcy laws that were created in response to high filing numbers further cemented the idea that bankruptcy was bad. While bankruptcy is never the ideal solution for a given situation, it can actually help solve some of your financial troubles. Knowing these four ways bankruptcies can save your financial future can help you if you are unsure w[...]

Four Things to Check Without Your Clients Present

  Getting ready for closing is a stressful experience for buyers, sellers, and their real estate agents.  Prior to closing taking place, a real estate agent and the client will usually walk through the property one last time. While the average agent will have a checklist of things to be on the look out for, it is not unusual to be blindsided by something that you and your client are unprepared to deal with. One way to avoid these unpleasant surprises is to have a short list of things to c[...]