Delaware Valley Overlook

LARRY YERKES EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Larry Yerkes, of Harper Real Estate in Southeast Pennsylvania, has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Delaware Valley area, many more homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said Yerkes. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Lawrence Yerkes with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

 
For more details about Larry Yerkes and his distressed property services, visit: Certified Distressed Property Expert.

LARRY YERKES EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Larry Yerkes, of Harper Real Estate in Southeast Pennsylvania, has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Delaware Valley area, many more homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said Yerkes. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Lawrence Yerkes with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

 
For more details about Larry Yerkes and his distressed property services, visit: Certified Distressed Property Expert

Wishing all of you a ...



... and a Prosperous and Healthy 2009!


We are thankful and feel blessed that, despite it's many challenges, we have survived 2008.

We now look forward in 2009 as we have made many significant adjustments for the changing market are in the process of implementing many enhancements and upgrades to continue expanding our effective market coverage and our ability to provide the best service to you!

We're we are excited about the benefits these changes will provide in 2009!

Come along with us!

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Hoping you and your family have a warm, wonderful, Southeastern Pennsylvania Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The Christmas season holds special meaning unique to each one of us.

Here are links to resources we have provided in previous articles celebrating from different persepctives the meanings, traditions, literature, music, food, fun, faith and family gatherings associated with this time of the year. Enjoy!

Christmas Holiday Music On The Internet
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Celebrate: The Christmas Holiday Season
The Holiday Season - Christmas Carols and Songs
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 1 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 2 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 3 of 3
Christmas Holiday Fun

 

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Many of us, who are contemplating buying or selling real estate in Southeastwen Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, are trying to predict the real estate market and reduce our risk of making a bad financial decision.

A question is usually asked, "Is now a good time to buy or sell real estate, especially a residence?"

Those wanting to buy may be concerned about purchasing a residence that may continue to lose value.  Those wanting or needing to sell are worried about trying to get out at least what they have invested plus some appreciation.  If they don't have to sell now, they be considering holding off until the market improves and stay in the house or rent it.    So, what's the best answer?

The simple answer is, "It depends."

Please let me explain...

Is Now A Good Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate?

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Foreclosure means more than just the loss of your family home.  It means that you will lose any equity that you have may have in the house.  It also means that your credit with be severely effected for a long time and may even keep you from purchasing a home again.

However, there are alternative steps you can take with the help of an experienced real estate agent who is also a foreclosure prevention specialist (FPS).  These options range from modifying your mortgage to selling your home even if you have no equity and moving into a new home.  In short, you don't have to lose your home to foreclosure.

You can stop foreclosure on your home and save your credit, but you have to act quickly and learn what options are available for your situation. 


Contact Me for a brief special report: "How To Avoid Foreclosure On Your Home" or to discuss in more detail the next steps you may be able to take and avoid foreclosure. 

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

If you live in Delaware County or Chester County or anywhere else in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, you have many opportunities to enjoy fireworks displays put on by local communities.

Check out Philly.com's 2008 Fireworks Finder for the location, date and time of fireworks in you area of the Delaware Valley.

Keep in mind that some areas will have fireworks tonight or during the weekend, instead of on the 4th, so be sure to confirm the date. 

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Bucks County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

This shows that while the trend is still downward, it is slowing and hopefully will soon start to level and even reverse direction.

The current inventory is 4256, with an average monthly Sold of 485, yielding a backlog of 8 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Delaware County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

See previous article for prior year 01/200X year-to-date comparison.

This shows that while the trend is still downward, it is slowing and hopefully will soon start to level and even reverse direction.

The current inventory is 3345, with an average monthly Sold of 515, yielding a backlog of 6 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Chester County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

See previous article for prior year 01/200X year-to-date comparison.

This shows that while the trend is still downward, it is slowing and hopefully will soon start to level and even reverse direction.

The current inventory is 4073, with an average monthly Sold of 414, yielding a backlog of 9 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.