It’s funny that I keep hearing the phrase “best Christmas ever”. I heard it on a Christmas movie I was watching the other day, then last night I heard someone say “this will be the best Christmas ever” as they were running to their car. Earlier this week my nieces and nephew were taken to go see Santa and when Santa asked my nephew what he wanted for Christmas his reply was “I want everyone in the world to have the best Christmas ever”. This came out of the mouth of a 5 year old! I was impressed with how selfless he was and how his only wish was for others and it reminded me about our Helping A Million Ambassadors.

Currently there are close to one thousands Ambassadors nationwide who have committed to making a difference in the lives of the families in their community. We now have helped over 5417 homeowners avoid foreclosures and are on a path to rebuilding their lives and their future. Each month our Ambassadors are dedicated to securing the futures of their clients and providing them with hope and direction. For some families who have lost hope… they are helping to make this the best Christmas ever.

Now, I know that each one of us can have a different idea of what “the best Christmas ever” looks like. But to me, watching and working with individuals who diligently work to better the lives of the families they are working with… is a gift in itself. With each of the short sales and loan mods closed by our Ambassadors ever year more families are being helped and it keeps getting better each year. Hence… making it the best Christmas ever.

At the end of 2009 Helping a Million Homeowners had helped 2350 families and within a one year period we doubled that amount. More Agents nationwide are getting involved, getting educated and getting connected. The housing market may not be bright right now but the hope, compassion and support our Ambassadors express to families are lighting up this holiday season.

This season, all of us at Helping a Million Homeowners wish to salute the hundreds that have already said “YES” to becoming an HMH Ambassador. Thank you for dedication to the families that you have and will support. This Holiday season take some time and acknowledge yourself for the families you have helped. Take a few moments and reflect on the lives YOU have forever changed.

Helping A Million Homeowners wishes each of you the Happiest of Holidays! May each of you and your families be blessed and may this season be filled with love, family, peace and joy.

Who you are and what you are doing… Really does make a difference!

Not an Ambassador yet?

If you feel within your heart that you want to join our campaign of helping families avoid foreclosure through Short Sales or Loan Modifications, please click on the red banner “Join Now For Free” on the upper left corner.

It only took one trip to the local sandwich shop for Ambassador Matthew Stewart of Rocklin, CA. to find his next homeowner who needed help. Matthew began speaking to the store owner and found out that they were in desperate need of help and had no idea of what resources and options were available to support them in their current situation.

These residents and store owners “felt stuck” in their current situation, with both a sandwich franchise and two homes all of which he had lost equity due to the economy turn. The family had just added their first born and constant calls from the banks were adding unnecessary stress. That is when Matthew Stewart and his team stepped in. Matthew’s team took time to review with these owners what their various options were and left them feeling more empowered  and felt as though for the first time they had a “plan to move forward“. After only a few months of dealing with different banks for both homes, each of which had two loans; Matthew was able to short sale their personal residence and their second property which was being used as a rental. This family can now “build toward their families future“.

Another family from Northern California wrote in and shared their gratitude for Matthew Stewart and his team’s “compassion, consistent, creative and enthusiastic representation of our family and our unique medical situation.” Matthew had spoken to the family 8 months prior and when he called to follow up, it was his “genuine appreciation of the horrible dilemma” the family was facing that kept their attention and was the foundation of trust as they signed Matthew on as their Realtor. The owners wrote in saying that it felt like Matthew “listened to my heart“. He “actually heard my overwhelmed and defeated spirit.” Matthew is aware that this feeling is too often felt by so many homeowners and that is why he is dedicated to helping as many families as possible. Matthew and his team’s “willingness to take time to really hear our needs, you were able to give us back our hope. You (Matthew) have changed our lives and we will be eternally grateful!”

With over 14 years of experience Matthew Stewart and his team our out to help people.  Matthew says “I saw how people were hurting, losing hope and didn’t have direction as to what they should do in their stressful situation. People were letting the banks take their homes through the foreclosure process because they didn’t know better. I knew I had the experience, skill and determination to help them.”

If you are need of support dealing with your situation, Matthew Stewart and his Team are there to help. Matthew says it best “Hope is a wonderful thing, especially when one is caught in a situation that they feel there is no way out.” For more information on what Matthew can do for you, visit www.NorCalHomeSearch.com or contact his office at 916-632-6776.

Helping a Million Homeowner is honored to have Matthew Stewart Real Estate Team as Ambassadors making a difference in the lives of families in their community. For it is who they are and what they do that gives hope, peace and for many the opportunity to rebuild their livelihoods.

We honor their hard work and dedication!

Janie Booth of Carlsbad, CA says “Plain and  simple, good people are hurting out there and I want to help them with a kind word and the confidence that they have a trusted advocate in negotiating with the banks. Relieving some of the stress my clients are going through and providing them with a fresh start in life are strong personal motivators and extremely rewarding.” She recently helped a family from Escondido, CA who not only lost both their jobs but experienced the devastating loss of their adult son who had two children. The family adopted their two grandchildren and found themselves in a very difficult situation. With an expanded family and few resources, they attempted to modify their loan but found themselves further in debt and on the receiving end of menacing phone calls from the bank collectors.

Janie quickly went to work and contacted the banks. In a couple of months Janie was able to negotiate a short pay on their home for all three loans ending the families nightmare and providing them with a way out and a fresh start on life. The family reports they are “living” again enjoying life, going to kids baseball games, building chicken coops, planting gardens and simply “being” together.

If you or someone you know would like to discuss options to avoid foreclosure and live in the San Diego area you can contact Janie via email at janiebooth@cox.net or call her at 760-703-7997.

Helping a Million Homeowners wishes to honor Janie Booth of Carlsbad, CA for her dedication and compassion to helping families overcome difficult challenges and to stand with hope and dignity. Thank you Janie for who you are and what you are doing!

Helping a Million Homeowners is proud of Cindy and how she really is making a difference for families in her community.

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By Cindy Marty

The Goldman family looked like any other young couple starting out their lives together. Loving couple, new healthy baby, purchased a beautiful condo close to the beach in Playa Del Rey, California. After less than a year of ownership they fell into hard times. He lost his job due to a medical condition and they were not able to meet their mortgage commitments. They were ready to walk away. Denial makes walking away as an easy short-term solution. This couple has the rest of their lives together and the future of their family.

This is what the seller’s had to say about their experience:

“Like many people out there, my wife and I were facing difficult financial times and were no longer able to pay our mortgage. We were faced with what appeared to be an inevitable foreclosure. Fortunately we called Cindy just to make sure there weren’t any other options available to us.  She suggested that a short sale might be possible. We were a bit skeptical at first because of our preconceived notions of the complexity and hassle of a short sale. Our experience was quite the opposite. Cindy guided us through the process step by step, clearly explaining everything as we went. Her professionalism, honesty and kind nature allowed us to focus on other important things in our life, knowing that she had it handled. We feel very lucky to have had Cindy in our corner, ensuring an efficient and painless sale.”   -J&C

Thanks to the folks at Short Sale Genius I got a full education on proper way to accomplish a short sale.  Not letting the banks direct you, but having confidence in your numbers and value.  Banks don’t want to negotiate; they just want all the money they can get.

This is what the buyer’s agent had to say:

“It’s nice to work with an agent like you who works together with you to get the job done. For a short sale, this transaction went as smoothly as a regular transaction. Thanks to you, Cindy.”      -Carli

I never saw a couple more in love than when they signed their listing agreement.  I was witness to a very private moment which reinforced marriage once again.  “For Better or Worse.”  J&C had each other and the rest of their lives to look forward to.
The new buyers got an amazing condo at less than market price and my sellers moved on with their new lives, knowing their credit had a reduced impact for their future.  The bank got more than fair market value. Yes, I was moved.  Moved enough to start a blog:  www.WestSideWord.com

Knowing that we have two more sets of toxic loans to reset I am driven to help as many families as I can through short sales. Witnessing people’s commitment to each makes me feel proud to help as I can. We never really own our homes.  The bank owns it.  We just experience our homes.  I love helping people move on to their next experience.

HELPING A MILLION HOMEOWNERS WOULD LIKE TO HONOR AND ACKNOWLEDGE CINDY MARTY FOR THE FAMILIES SHE IS HELPING IN HER COMMUNITY!

“I got started in short sales after having to go through one myself” says Ambassador Trent Slatton. That is what drove Trent into helping the families in his community of Encinitas, CA. “I was fortunate to have a good agent but knew that this was not always the case. I soon realized that these were people and families who needed help and no one was taking it seriously.”

Today, Trent is dedicated to helping families as as they move through some of their most challenging times. Trent understands that his education and experience in Short Sales is making a difference. “I always remind myself that these ARE people, not REO assets, but people who need help” boast Trent. Trent realized that many of the families that were facing foreclosure weren’t getting the proper information and many times being turned away by other agents in his community.

Trent’s professionalism and dedication are key to his success and the way he takes care of his clients. “Trent took the time to walk me through every step of the complicated and technical process. In a compromising situation (a short sale) Trent made it pleasant and almost effortless” says E. Mauricio. Eric and Susan S. of San Diego are fully aware of the effort that Trent put into helping them avoid foreclosure, “We really appreciate how Trent would not stop until he negotiated the best possible outcome for our family.”

Helping A Million Homeowners Honors and Thanks Ambassador Trent Slatton for his dedication and professionalism for the families he serves and for those who don’t know yet that they need him.

If you would like to contact Trent to find what options you have, visit his website at  www.trentslatton.com.

Trent – Who you are and what you are doing REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

On March 25th and 26th in Huntington Beach, CA. Ambassadors came together at the Shorebreak Hotel to celebrate the families they are helping and to educate themselves of changes in the market.

One of the biggest tools Agents can have in Real Estate is Education and that is why a group of Helping A Million Homeowners Ambassadors attended the two day training sponsored by Short Sale Genius. Each of the Ambassadors understands the importance of keeping themselves up to date with current market trends and changes in the industry. That was the entire purpose of The Short Sale Invitational. “The SSG Invitational was very helpful, lots of knowledge picked up. Motivational to help as many more distressed homeowners as possible” says Ambassador Tony Castillo of Lynwood,CA.

Ambassador Cindy Marty of Culver City, CA says that she has a new sense of commitment and motivation to go out and help homeowners in her community. Cindy will share with us next week about a family that has touched her life and what she did to help them through their difficult times.

In the next couple of weeks many new stories will be posted and many new Ambassadors will be joining our movement to Help ONE MILLION HOMEOWNERS avoid foreclosure. If you are an Agent and helping families in your neighborhood, join us by clicking on the red “Join Now For Free” banner in the upper left corner of this website. You too can be honored for the difference you are making in your community.

Be recognized for being a part of the solution, for giving hope and for your commitment to families in your area.

Helping A Million Homeowners honors and thanks our Ambassadors.

Who you are and what you are doing really does make a difference!

Thank you Shari Noriega for being so dedicated to the families you are helping, to educating yourself so that you can assist them with confidence knowing you are the most experienced agent to help them through their difficult times.

Helping A Million Homeowners Honors You For Who you Are and What you Are Doing!

Letter from Shari:

Although I’ve had my real estate license for going on 21 years, I have never seen a market like the one we’ve been in for the past several years. It was an opportunity to shape my practice into something really worthwhile that enabled me to help people and our economy because that is something I’ve always been passionate about. I had just won a victory over a long fight with the City of HB and the OCTA to stop a train from running through residential neighborhoods that could have had detrimental effects on property values and quality of life for many residents in the multi‐city “Go Local” initiative, so I was up for this housing challenge!

I first got started with short sales and loan modifications about 4 years ago before the market went wild. I was attending a real estate investing class and got an idea while sitting in class and the ideas just kept flowing and I was so energized that I could actually see what my business would/should look like if I’m going to make a difference.

Since I knew what I wanted, I began investing in my business by learning anything and everything I could about the default market and how to really help people in this situation by being able to guide and educate them through the process that would benefit them the most. Preventing foreclosure is really for everyone’s benefit and not just those going through it personally because of the far reaching effects it has on our Economy and Housing Markets. It is so interconnected to everything and has to be slowed down and stopped for a recovery to occur.

As I continued moving in this direction, it was as though doors were opening up for me and if an obstacle appeared, the solution would come from out of nowhere through another person, another class, a certification, an article, a process, a tip ‐ whatever I needed to solve a problem it was delivered and then more people would come to me as referrals for help. This was confirmation that I was on the right path and I continued implementing and tweaking until my business was on a strong foundation and systematized to help as many as I could! Having the right attitude toward this business is also very important. I am so aware of the Universal Laws at play and therefore focus on helping people first and when the job is done, the money comes.  I’m proud that my business was always built on a contingency basis and I only get paid if I perform.

Too many people had it the other way around though and saw an opportunity to make fast money by charging upfront fees and did nothing. They were essentially robbing people of their money who were already down and losing the last chance they had to save their homes and driving our economy further down. Fortunately that run was short lived and those people are either out of business or are being investigated and rightfully so.

It has not been easy to hear the sad stories of my clients and to see what the stress is doing to them and their families, but I’m committed to helping them and this means I have to keep current on all the laws, ever changing processes, and education which is constant. I have found that people just want to be told the truth about what they’re facing and what their options are so staying educated and being able to educate them with compassion and empathy is critical to the entire success of a short sale or loan modification. I also have to know my own limits and when it’s time to refer them to another qualified professional or escalate to a higher level within the bank.

There is no question that a homeowner can do what I do on their own and the banks would prefer that, but I have also found that the homeowner is at a huge disadvantage when working with their lender directly because they don’t know how to talk to the bank or how to structure their financial package and that the bank has a fiduciary responsibility to their client who is not the homeowner but rather the investor holding the mortgage/note on the property. This is one reason why so many of them fail when they try to do it on their own or they employ the help of someone who is not qualified to help them. The bank wants one thing and that’s MONEY and the more the better. So, they look at how they can get the most out of the homeowner without it costing the bank too much. It’s not wrong, it’s just a fact and you need to know your enemy before going to battle so to speak.

Because of this, I’m developing a “Do It Yourself Loan Modification Program” as a way for a homeowner to be able to prepare a strong financial package for the bank and do it themselves. They will save thousands of dollars to not have someone else do the work for them but will have all the tools they need to get started. They can always come back to me for help and suggestions if necessary and I’ll be making it available soon.

One of my many successes was working with Carmen and Robert. They came to me after they lost all hope trying to work with their lender directly to modify their Pay Option ARM Loan that had just doubled their monthly payment. They couldn’t make this payment and were being flooded with marketing material from other agents and investors including my own marketing after receiving their Notice of Default. The difference was that they opened every letter I sent and kept them “just in case”! One day, they finally pulled out my letters and called me and rushed to my office to meet with me to explore their options. After months of working with their lender for a modification, Robert lost his job and had no way of paying a modified payment and the lender wasn’t responding anyway, but, the auction was 1 week away, so a short sale was the only option and we had to move FAST. Fast forward through the consultation…

I stacked my file, but I didn’t have an offer. No problem, Lee and Trent taught me how to use the Letter of Intent so that was my offer in the stack just so I could get the process started with the bank and postpone the sale date to buy some time. Within a short period f time, I received a call from an agent and we worked together to construct a solid offer that included a couple of Addendums to raise the price if necessary. Everything went so well it was unbelievable. HSBC initially wanted a Promissory Note from the seller for the full amount of the loan and a Deficiency Judgment for the forgiven debt, but I got them to let it go because after reviewing their loan documents, there were a lot of problems that HSBC would have to deal with and my clients were prepared to get an attorney involved if necessary to avoid foreclosure.

Because of the stress Carmen and Robert were living under, it was important to keep them informed of what was happening throughout the process and what to expect every step of the way – Good or Bad, and letting them know I was committed to helping them.    This, in and of itself helped a bit and they too were committed to doing what needed to be done to help me help them.

Carmen and Robert are the sweetest couple and before contacting me they were having nightmares constantly thinking about the foreclosure and the only thing Carmen could eat that didn’t make her sick was a small plate of cucumbers and tomatoes and Robert developed Shingles – a very painful condition brought on by stress.

Once we got the short sale approval and the buyer removed contingencies, the burden was lifted and they were so relieved to finally have this behind them and be able to move on. We actually went out to breakfast to celebrate and for the first time in almost a year, Carmen was able to eat a regular meal and she laughed and cried! Today, they are getting back on track and plan to buy another home from me when the time is right. Earning my pay is nice, but knowing I was able to have such a positive impact on their life is what this is all about and it is so rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity that presented itself to me 4 years ago.

If anyone facing foreclosure needs my help or has questions, they can go to my website at www.CaHomesOnline.com and complete a questionnaire or contact me at (877) 841‐1031. The consultation is free and if I can’t help you, I’ll be honest about it.

Homeowner Warning: Whatever you do – DON’T wait to start some kind of dialogue with your lender and DON’T pay anyone an upfront fee before they’ve done their job and lastly, DON’T sign any legal documents before having someone review them.

Sincerely,
Shari Noriega

Thousands of homeowners across the US have one unfortunate thing in common… they are facing foreclosure. They all are facing the reality of losing the home that they have worked hard to buy, build and for some even design. Many real estate projections don’t show any sign of any positive change coming soon. Realtytrac.com reports nationwide, 1 in every 405 housing units received a foreclosure filing in January 2010. What’s even more mindblowing is that when you look further California and Florida lead in foreclosures with 1 in 185 housing units, Nevada with 1 in 92 housing units and Arizonia 1 in 126 housing units. Is there hope for homeowners?

For many homeowners that are that are going through this process it is only with the help of experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate Realtors that they are able to survive this life changing experience. Ambassador Julie Boyd of San Juan Capistrano is committed to helping families come from a “place of new beginnings” instead of “a place of loss”. Early on in Julie’s real estate career, she realized that she “needed to do something different”. What she discovered was by becoming one of Orange Counties top Real Estate Agents in both Residential and Commercial she would have more of a chance to touch lives and support people as the go through their transition.

Julie was compelled to make sure one family in Lake Forest, CA had the opportunity to stay in their home “one more Christmas” as the family requested. The family had become delinquent on their mortgage and were on the brink of foreclosure due to their lack of trust and bad experiences with past Realtors. After meeting with the family and feeling that “their home was bursting with love,” Julie says she was determined to help this family find peace and make this transition with dignity. Julie credits listening to her clients as one of her keys to easing this process and it is because of listening, the family wrote in and stated “Julie, you brought back our confidence and trust. We will always be grateful to you in assisting us during our stressful period.”

S. Witmer of Murrieta, CA. is grateful for the support Julie offered to him and his family. “What an enormous relief to have a professional who knows the ropes take charge and get it all done for us” says Witmer. With Julie’s expertise and knowledge of the short sale process, she was able to stop the foreclosure of their home the day of the sale. Witmer says that Julie was “so dedicated to helping our family… in a situation like ours, we didn’t know whom to trust.” The Whitmer’s also had some investment properties that Julie was able to help them short sale. “Working with Julie gave us the second chance we needed after I was injured at work and lost my job” says Witmer. “We have already started the process to rebuild our financial lives.”

As a highly credentialed 21 year Realtor in Orange County, Julie is dedicated to helping families make new beginnings. Julie feels real connected with the families she helps and with her community. When she is not meeting with families she is busy helping various community organizations and is proud that she “designed, built & maintains a Hiking Equestrian & Doggie Park in San Juan Capistrano.

Helping a Million Homeowners is honored to recognize the dedication and compassion Ambassador Julie Boyd has for her community and their families.

Thank you Julie… Who you are and what you are doing, really does make a difference!

To contact Julie visit:  http://www.REThinkREOSolutions.com or email her at Julie@REThinkREOSolutions.com

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By Matt Gil

The end of 2009 is only days away and I think we can all agree that this year has FLOWN by! I understand now why my parents and grandparents said that the older you get the faster time seems to go.

It’s exciting to hear everyone talk about their plans for next year and all the NEW resolutions that they are making. Everyone get’s excited about what they want to do and what they are setting their goals for. This year I want to do something a little bit different… I want to look back at the incredible year we have had and reflect on all of the lives that have been touched by our Ambassadors.

Today we have hundreds of Ambassadors spread throughout the United States that are making it their mission to stand up for homeowners and give them Hope, Encouragement and Educate them on options and choices they have, other than foreclosure! Our Ambassadors have done amazing things to help out families in their neighborhood. They have assisted families who were dealing with difficult and trying times. Families who had lost key family members and couldn’t afford to keep their home, families that were facing major health issues and were overwhelmed by the cost of medical attention & many military families that were not given a choice where to settle but are serving their country and goes where they are deployed to.

This year before you focus on your goals and visions for the upcoming year, take some time to acknowledge what you have already accomplished. Sit back and celebrate the challenges that you have overcome, the goals that you have achieved and the tasks that you  remain focus to complete. Honor yourself for who you are and what you have done. Take a moment to acknowledge family, friends or co-workers for the journey that you have seen them take this past year. Then write out your goals for 2010.

I am confident that 2010 will be a year of change for all us. May this next year bring you and your family and the families in your community much peace, love, health and success.

Thank you to each of our Ambassadors for who you are. REMEMBER: WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!