Real Estate Information

Everyone is talking about falling home prices, and a growing percentage of home owners are finding themselves owing more for their homes than they are worth. You’ve heard the terms: “under-water” or “upside down”, or maybe even “up the creek without a paddle” all, of course, denote a tone of helplessness.  Many homeowners who are in this situation can simply choose to stay put and “weather it out”, but what about Military homeowners who get deployed or get orders to transfer via a Permanent Change of Station (PSC) to other parts of the country or the world? How do military homeowners facing this dilemma get out of this housing market mess without damaging their credit or completely losing whatever savings they might have?  There is a way!

If you are a military homeowner, and you have been given orders to move you may be eligible for a program designed specifically for you. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes a provision to help Military homeowners in this situation. By expanding the existing authority under the Department of Defense’s Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP), the federal government will now cover a percentage of a loss if a service member is forced to sell.

The program applies to Members of the Armed Forces who purchased their homes prior to July 1, 2006 and whose reassignment, through a PCS of 50 miles or more was ordered between February 1, 2006 and September 30, 2012.

The sellers responsibility is to have the home aggressively marketed, and be able to demonstrate they sold the home at current fair market value. Realtors who are familiar with this program will document all marketing and advertising, show a log of MLS listings and pricing history, provide detailed showing activity including prospective buyer feedback, and provide comparable sales to support the sales price.

Under this program the government pays all of the normal selling fees, including Realtor fees.

In rare cases the government will purchase the property for 75% of the purchase price, or the mortgage payoff amount. Provisions for this program also include, for most properties, the home must have been marketed for at least 120 days before being considered for government purchase.

For more information, or a HAP application, contact Don DeHanas at DeHanas Real Estate Services at 301-870-1717 x106.  DeHanas Real Estate Services is family owned and operated and serves clients in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.

Mortgage rates are having a good week despite some positive economic releases.  The most critical piece of news for the week and month will be tomorrow’s December Employment Report which will include the unemployment rate and the number of jobs added or lost during the month.  Most economists think there will be zero change.  Any major variance from that may have a significant impact on the markets and rates. Mortgages are relatively unchanged so far this morning.

I am one of the many Americans who made a conscious decision to spend considerably less this year for Christmas. However, I was recently doing some Christmas shopping in a discount department store. There were plenty of registers, but not many cashiers, so I stood breifly in a line awaiting my turn to check out. The woman in front of me was in the process of checking out and I noticed she paid for her purchase in cash. It was at this point the cashier asked her if she would like to save some money by applying for a credit card. Her response was such as sign of the times...."No. The banks don't deserve my business".

The very next day, I heard President Obama call the bankers "fat cats" and saying "they just don't get it".  In yesterdays meeting with the President, several banks vowed to lend more money to small businesses, but I did not read anything regarding a pledge to help the ailing housing market. It was suggested by the President that the banks do more in the way of mortgage modifications, but I did not hear a "buy-in" from any of the bank leaders.

The banking industry has done more to hurt our economy and way of life over the last several years, and while I don't think some of the biggest offenders would falter much, the public is becoming increasingly angry with them, and they're bailing out of the banks altogether. I have heard of people canceling their accounts with banks because of what they have been doing, and quite possibly I would do the same if on-line banking wasn't so convenient. How realistic is it to give up banking altogether?

The unfortunate truth is that 'we the people' will have to continue to endure the unwanted discomfort and pain these bankers are putting us through. Or can enough of us take our business from some of the big players in an effort to make a statement and force some change?

I will always remember a quote I heard from International Educator & Motivator, Howard Brinton. And while it may not be his quote, he is the one I give credit to: "Change occurs when it is too painful to remain the same".

Some economists are predicting a "tsunami of foreclosures" to begin hitting this summer.....described as "a wave bigger than the last". Without any intervention by the banks, hundreds of thousands of Americans will loose their homes over the next several years.

I don't know if it would do any good, but if you think it is time for change to occur, please contact your elected officials and voice your concern.

Rachel DeHanas, Broker/Owner of DeHanas Real Estate Services in Waldorf, recently announced the top producing agents for the month of November. Stephen Nichols was the top lister with more than $1.2 million in residential home listings, and Don DeHanas was the top producer with more than $1.6 million in settled transactions.  In addition, Stephen Nichols held the top spot for new pending transactions, having written 9 new contracts during the month of November.

“The final quarter of 2009 is proving to be an extremely good end to what started out to be a difficult year in real estate”, says Rachel DeHanas. “The extension of the tax credit as well as the added incentives for current homeowners who buy is certainly fueling our local home sales”, she added.

Don DeHanas has been accredited with the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, and specializes in helping home sellers avoid Foreclosure. “There are many families affected by the downturn in the economy, and a great many homeowners owe more on their homes than they are worth. Any number of unforeseen circumstances can cause a homeowner to quickly fall behind”, says DeHanas. “There are several ways to avoid foreclosure and salvage credit, including having your loan modified or short selling the property. It is not really as complicated as it is made out to be if you know what you are doing”, added DeHanas.

Stephen Nichols specializes in all aspects of residential resales as well as new construction. Many of his clients include investors and first time home buyers. He is licensed in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia, and works as a full-time, full service Realtor.

DeHanas Real Estate Services is family owned and operated. The DeHanas Team has been serving Southern Maryland for nearly 30 years.

Under new management, and with the support of the top-producing agents in North America, StarPower continues its 20-year tradition of elevating the standard of care in the real estate industry.

Waldorf, MD – 12/07/2009 – StarPower, the number-one brand in real estate education, announced a transition of leadership to Alex Charfen, a leading trainer, author, coach, speaker and StarPower Star. The announcement was made at Star Advance, the organization’s annual leadership meeting at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada.

“StarPower will remain the most relevant, recognized leader in real estate education,” Charfen said. “With the dedicated involvement of our StarPower Stars, the contributions to the advancement of the real estate industry and our success as an organization are assured.”

Founded by industry icon Howard Brinton, StarPower is an organization focused on elevating the standard of care in the real estate industry. Each month a new StarPower Star is selected based upon achievements in sales, leadership, business acumen and a willingness to share the lessons of their success with others. This has helped StarPower Stars typically average more than $35 million in annual sales volume and more than 200 transactions per year. Less than 300 real estate agents have achieved the distinction of StarPower Star, making it the most exclusive designation in the industry.

After news of the transition was presented at Star Advance, StarPower Stars Don DeHanas and business associate, Stephen Nichols of DeHanas Real Estate Services in Waldorf announced support of the new management and strategic direction of the StarPower brand.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the future of StarPower, and to increase our positive impact upon the real estate community,” DeHanas said.

“In the current economic climate, I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the personal and professional lives of countless real estate professionals,” DeHanas added. “As a StarPower Star and leader in my market, there is a responsibility to share the lessons of my success with others. In this way, StarPower Stars are actively improving the industry we have chosen to be a part of.”

DeHanas has been a Star Power Star for more than 10 years, working with the Star Power organization to educate real estate professionals all across the country. This was Nichols first experience with Star Power. “The entire event was extremely motivating. I feel even more empowered to take my customers and clients to the next level in customer service,” says Nichols. “I am looking forward with a continued relationship with the Star Power organization,” he added.

DeHanas Real Estate Services is family owned and operated, serving home buyers, and sellers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. For more information, call DeHanas Real Estate Services at 301-870-1717 or toll free at 800-842-0190. Or visit the companys website at www.dehanas.com

Finally....Legislation to standardize the chaotic world of short sales.

For more than a year now Real Estate professionals have been trying to do the impossible!  To successfully negotiate through the jungle that is known as the banking "short sale process" towards a merciful end for our clients and to produce revenue for our real estate business... not to mention helping to clear the glut of short sales & foreclosures that are choking our Real Estate market and preventing it from stabilizing and becoming healthy again!   We can EVEN help the banks get what THEY want.... more money for toxic assets and smaller deficiencies!

I can assure you, these transactions have been FULL of headaches, not only for us the Real Estate professionals, but also the buyers and seller involved in the transactions.

The United States Treasury announced a new initiative to standardize and reform the banking short sale process.

Foreclosure Alternatives

The HAFA program simplifies and streamlines the use of short sale and DIL options by incorporating the following unique features:

1.  Complements HAMP by providing viable alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP eligible.

2.  Utilizes borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis.

3.  Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms prior to the property listing.

4.  Prohibits the servicer from requiring, as a condition of approving the short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement.

5.  Requires that borrowers be fully released from future liability for the debt.

6.  Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers, and investors.

These are just a few of the "BIG IMPACT" changes that are scheduled to begin April 5th 2010 and end December 31, 2012. 

If you or someone you know is in a situation where they may lose their home, please have them contact me. I have earned my designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, and have successfully completed many short sale transactions. There are also other alternatives to Foreclosure, which include loan modifications allowing you to keep your home. Call me today at 800-842-0190 x106 or 301-870-1717 x106

I am very exited that Dawn Bush has decided to join our Brokerage. I just completed a home sale transaction with her. I represented to seller and she represented the buyer through her previous real estate company. Dawn w displayed an exceptional sense of professionalism. Her contract was very well written, and her timeless was impeccible. She will be a huge asset here at DeHanas Real Estate Services.

Dawn Bush is a licensed Realtor and has nearly 20 years of sales experience. Dawn specializes in first-time home buyers, helping them to achieve the American dream for little to no money out of pocket. Thinking of a new home, Dawn can negotiate you a one-of-a-kind price that will knock your socks off. With so many homes going into Foreclosure, you may be concerned about your options as a homeowner or homebuyer. Dawn will show you how to protect your interest while securing your financial future. She has been awarded top sales person for many years and puts her negotiating skills to work for you. Dawn has been trained by Johnny Loewy, one of Wall Street Journal's top 50 Realtors and has successfully completed, "The advanced individual training series."
In her off time Dawn enjoys spending time with her 8 year old daughter, Angelina, singing, acting, theater, and playing softball. Originally from Southern Maryland, she can't wait to show you why she chose to remain here to raise her family. She loves a challenge and takes a proactive and optimistic approach to everything. Dawn believes in giving back to her community and actively volunteers her time on mission trips to the "hollers" of Kentucky every year. She also collects clothing and toys for less fortunate children in the community, and entertains for the teams at the Cancer Society's Relay for Life events.
When you hire Dawn Bush, you are hiring a network of 50 thousand agents to go to work for you. Her information is worth millions, her support and dedication, PRICELESS.

Associate Broker and Manager for DeHanas Real Estate Services, Don DeHanas, recently announced the affiliation of Marsha Moreland with the Waldorf based brokerage. “Marsha joins our company with a background knowledge of land and development, and we are very excited to add her expertise to our family of agents” says DeHanas.

Marsha is a Southern Maryland native who has enjoyed living, working and raising her family in this beautiful area. 

Marsha’s life experiences coupled with the support of her husband Derek, 3 kids and 1 grandchild have all added to her decision to help people buy and sell real estate.  Marsha truly enjoys meeting new people and discovering what their needs are for real estate.   Over her many years of living, working and co-running her husband’s excavation business, she has made many friends, and business associates.  Through these associations she is able to keep her hands on the pulse of land and real estate in Southern Maryland.  These invaluable connections and benefits are brought right to you in every aspect of your real estate transaction. 

Marsha prides herself in being an organized, motivated, helpful agent who will work diligently to find your next home or your dream piece of land to build your new home.

Furthermore, Marsha is thrilled to be teaming up with DeHanas Real Estate Services since they too are a staple in Southern Maryland real estate.  She knows that the experienced team she is joining with and all of their advertising possibilities can vastly improve her success and is eager to pass these benefits on to you.  She is dedicated to finding you “more” land,” more” house, “ more” customer service, and “more” of a personal touch.

DeHanas Real Estate Services is family owned and operated. They service Homebuyers and sellers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.

Don DeHanas, Associate Broker/Manager of DeHanas Real Estate Services, recently announced the addition of another full-time, full-service agent to the Waldorf based brokerage. “I am proud to have Melinda Prehoda joining our company. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.” Says DeHanas. “ Having worked with her on several transactions, I can attest to Melinda’s great attention to detail. She will certainly be an asset for any home seller or home buyer to have on their side.”

Melinda was born and raised in Southern Maryland and currently resides in Charles County with her husband and 2 children. She attended Lackey High School and the College of Southern Maryland prior to entering the workforce. She has worked in the real estate industry for over 10 years and has over 20 years of customer service related experience. Melinda’s extensive knowledge of the area, experience in the field and passion for helping people enable her to provide exceptional service to her clients. “Really listening to the client’s wants and needs is a major component in helping them to achieve their goals”. Whether you are buying or selling, Melinda will guide you through the entire real estate transaction with friendly service and true professionalism.

DeHanas Real Estate Services is locally owned and family operated, specializing in smooth residential home sales in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.