How did they know you were in trouble?

I originally wrote this during the Holidays.
I wanted to preach a little to the general public about something that is near and dear to my heart.
Foreclosures. Or more specifically NODs (Notice of Defaults).

Here's the scoop.
When you are anywhere between 15 days and 12 months late a lender can start the foreclosure process. This starts by filing what is called a NOD or "Notice of Default" with the county recorder office.

That's just the beginning of the process. The Trustee will set a date in the future to hold the Trustee Sale. You have from now till the sale date to rectify the situation.

Unfortunately, by recording the NOD, it becomes public record that you are in "arrears".

Each week I get a list of the newly filed NODs.
My list comes from a title company who wants to earn my business.
As this is fresh news I can send them a letter explaining how I as a broker can help bail them out. When I do, I'll want to use the title company that provided my list - that makes sense right?

Here's the problem with the system.
As a public record; you, me, and the crook next door all have the same access to the data.
I don't have to go down to the recorders office to get it like you may have to but we all have equal access. The point is that the info is readily available to anyone. The crooks and swindlers are bold and unethical. So bold and unethical that they will drive and knock on the doors of these poor people! Imagine that!

Many times when I get a phone call from a NOD, they have already signed their title over to some unknown person in an effort to save their home. No money exchanged, just empty promises. These would be the previously mentioned swindler types.
By the time I get the call it's usually too late.
SEE: Foreclosure Scams

But that doesn't mean they all fall for the scams.
Foreclosure happens to all sorts of people.
I have million dollar homes and tumble down shacks on the list.

I see wonderful people and I see people just trying to "put one over on the Man".
I see people who deserve a second chance, and I see people who should have never owned a home in the first place.

I also see people who listened to the wrong "Professionals" and bought off way more than they could chew.

My Advise:

For the homeowner close to going into foreclosure:
Call a trusted mortgage professional right now!
Everyday you wait, another door of opportunity closes.

For the homeowner already in foreclosure:
Do not sign your title over to anyone.
Do not let someone talk you into anything.
Like above, everyday you wait another door of opportunity closes.

A Hard Money loan may make - you can do it without an appraisal, or credit score.
But just because you can doesn't mean you should.

A Deed in Lieu, a Short Sale, or a restructuring also may make sense.
Remember: It has to make sense though.

Make someones life a little better today.
Or better yet, why not strive to make someone else's life better each and every day?
I hope I help make yours better today.