Hauser Estates Realty Team at Keller Williams helping Wisconsin Homeowners on Verge of Foreclosure

In early 2008, Tim G. of Madison, Wisconsin was facing a home foreclosure. Back then he had his home for sale in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin while renting a home closer to where he worked in Madison. After losing his job Tim could no longer make the mortgage payment. Compound that with a stagnant housing market keeping the house from selling and before long he was facing a potential foreclosure.

Hauser Estates Realty Team at Keller Williams Owner Ginger Hauser recalled working with Tim during that time. They looked at all their options and decided that a short sale was the best choice. "We started the short sale process in May 2008," said Hauser.

"Once we chose to do a short sale on our house, Ginger completely took over and even became the contact person for the banks, that up until then were calling me every day," said Tim. "Not only did she relieve the pressure on a very stressful time in our lives but she sold our home and was able to negotiate the deficiency with both my first and second mortgage holders as satisfied. Immediately upon the closing of our house we were free and clear of any judgments, foreclosures and bankruptcy. Trusting Ginger to get us through the most difficult time of our lives was the smartest decision we ever made."

There are a lot of people out there like Tim, say Hauser. "So many people who are on the verge of losing their homes or facing a foreclosure. They need to know that they are not alone and that there is help available for them."

And there will be many more people in the next couple years. Homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) will soon face unpleasant increases in their monthly mortgage payments. Seeing their payments go up will be a common occurrence, says Hauser. "The good thing is that we can start helping them right now before it gets out of control."

What is causing the issue with ARMs is that the homeowner has the option to pay less than the monthly interest and principal for a while. But the trick is that the interest and principal they decided to waive paying doesn't go away. Rather it is just tacked back on the loan. And when these loans that were granted during the housing boom begin to mature en masse in the next two years, homeowners will see their housing payments skyrocket, while the home values continue to drop. Hauser says that as this starts to occur there will be a tidal wave of people facing the possibility of losing their homes. In some cases, she says that homeowners may see their monthly payments double. "That's why time is of the essence. The sooner I can reach these people the better I can help them."

And she certainly can help. Hauser's Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation means she is more than just a real estate agent. She is a distressed property expert. She has helped a number of homeowners in these tough positions. Many of them are there through no fault of their own, because of medical disabilities, job loss, divorce or other personal circumstances that have led them to fall behind on their mortgage payments. Hauser's team of seasoned foreclosure prevention specialists are trained in working with distressed property owners. There are choices out there for people and Hauser says they examine nine possible options to find the best fit for each client.

"There are so many hard working, proud homeowners out there. Some of them, because of unforeseen circumstances, have fallen on hard times. That's normal. It's part of life for all of us. And it's okay to reach out for help. These are the people I want to help. These are the people I can help."

The short sale is the most powerful tool being used today. And for Tim G. the short sale is a real life saver. A short sale is where the home is sold at a reduced price to a new buyer, and the bank takes a discount on the original amount owed on the mortgage. This is a good option in cases where the home's value has fallen below what the homeowner still owes on the home. "This way the seller avoids have a foreclosure appear on their record," says Hauser.

When she was first introduced to short sales Hauser was a bit apprehensive. Her personality is such that she builds close relationship with her clients and as a result she takes their situations to heart. This is good for her clients because it means she is bending backwards to make things work, but as Hauser realized it can become a challenging experience for her. "It's a very emotional thing. You're working with people nearing foreclosure. They've defaulted on their mortgage and need help to stop from being foreclosed on." It is a challenge for Hauser to keep from becoming too involved, but it's that genuine concern for her clients that has made her so good at what she does. And that apprehension she felt in the beginning has since turned to a feeling of satisfaction as the positive results she has witnessed in successful sales has made it all worthwhile. "Yes, I'm going into an emotional situation, but I can help diffuse it a and give them hope that we have this option down the road."

Hauser's passion for helping people is a big part of who she is. As a business owner she has learned what is needed to succeed and prosper in certain and not so certain times. Starting her first business as a single mother raising two young children, she knew that she needed to make it work. Today, Hauser Estates has partnered with Keller Williams, one of the most respected and trusted names in the real estate community. "Through our partnership with Keller Williams we have been able to open up so many doors of opportunity. We have every tool necessary to help people reach their goals."

For Hauser what it boils down to is building solid relationships with her clients through honesty and hard work. "I want people to know that they have someone that they can trust, talk to and open up to. So when times are tough they know they have someone to rely on and who can help. I want to do whatever I can to help."

Contact:

Hauser Estates Realty Team at Keller Williams

Phone: 608-825-3244

E-mail: ginger@gingerhauser.com