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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do we obtain these records?
A: They come directly from the court.

Q: How often is the web site updated?
A: As often as the different county courthouses release their records.

Q: What is Pre Foreclosure?
A: Pre Foreclosure is a when homeowner has had a Lis Pendens filed against them.

Q: What is a Lis Pendens?
A: Pennsylvania is a Judicial Mortgage State. As such a law suit called a Lis Pendens must be filed by a Lender to start a foreclosure proceeding.

Q: How far behind on their mortgage payments are these homeowners?
A: Typically the homeowners are three to four months behind on their mortgage when the Lis Pendens is filed.

Q: What happened to these homeowners?
A: There are many reasons for homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage. Illness, injury, loss of a job, divorce are but a few. However, they must take some action or the Lender will end up taking their home.

Q: Who makes the decisions regarding the property at this point?
A: The homeowner still has full jurisdiction and makes all decisions regarding the property.

Q: What options do these homeowners have?
A: If they can no longer afford the payments, there are few options left for these homeowners. They can refinance if they can, they can sell their home, they can possibly declare bankruptcy, or the Lender will eventually take home.

Q: What is forbearance?
A: When a homeowner has been able to make their mortgage current by doing a work out, refinancing, or selling the home, a forbearance is issued by the lender canceling the Lis Pendens.

Q: Do the records contain the homeowner's phone numbers?
A: No, phone numbers are not filed with the courts.

Q: Am I taking advantage of someone in a dire situation.
A: Short answer, it depends on how you go about your business. These homeowners are in need of help. If you truly try to help the borrower and do the best for them that you can, you are not taking advantage and are entitled to be compensated for your effort.

Q: How do I contact these homeowners?
A: There are three basic ways to contact them. You can try to get their telephone number and call them. However, at this point they may not be answering the phone as many or all their creditors are calling. Also, they may be on a "Do not call list". You can canvass their neighborhood and knock on their door, which is the most direct path. And of course, write them letters. With the mailing label program included on the web site, and the sample letters we provide, this is simplified.

Q: How many letters should I write?
A: Advertising agencies will tell you that you need to get your name in front of people five times for them to recognize it. Do not be afraid to be up front and frank with these homeowners, especially if you have already put your name in front of them several times. Let them know what will happen to their credit if they go through foreclosure. Would they be able to buy another home one day? How they would feel to see their home auctioned on the courthouse steps. How it would feel to have the Sheriff come to evict them. Sometimes these homeowners need something to shock them into action. Inaction is the worst of all.

Q: Should I let the homeowner know that I am aware of their circumstances?
A: Actually yes and no. If you are a Mortgage Loan Officer, Investor, or Bankruptcy Attorney, you will probably want them to know you are aware of the situation and are there to help. If you are a Real Estate Agent, you may want to keep this knowledge to yourself until you need it.

Q: Should I contact the Attorney?
A: The Attorney makes absolutely no decisions at this point. They may not even speak to you until much later in the process. But you should certainly contact the attorney if you have worked out a deal with the homeowner.

Q: What if there is no equity in the property?
A: Explore doing a Short Sale.

Q: Can I export these records into another file?
A: You can export the mailing labels only into an excel file.

Q: How much does membership to this web site cost?
A: Less than a dollar a day. $89.95 for the first three months and $29.95 per month thereafter. There are discounts available for industry professionals.

Q: Is there special pricing for bundling this web site with other sites?
A: Yes, this web site can be bundled with Americanforeclosures.com (Bank owned foreclosures), NYLispendens.com ( Lis Pendens in NY) and NJLispendens.com ( Lis Pendens in NJ.)

If you would like more information about Pre Foreclosures, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Negotiating with Lenders and Homeowners and much more, join us at one of our Foreclosure Seminars in the area. Or, purchase a copy of the "How to Buy and Sell Foreclosures Guide."