Now is the time as a buyer to have a broad choice of homes to choose from at very reasonable prices and low mortgage payments. Lenders are loaning out money with as little as no money down with a USDA mortgage, or 3.5% total down paymentfor a FHA mortgage with help coming form the home seller in the form of a cash contribution. There are plenty of programs out there to choose from.

Call the Pilgrim Team of Professional Realty Associates will we will help you to either buy or sell a home in a stress free way.

1. How much money do I need for a down-payment?

 It will depend on your income and debts and credit score. With a USDA backed loan the down-payment is $0. With FHA it is 3.5%, Conventional 5%. You can ask the seller of the home for closing costs assistance if you need the extra cash. That typically is about 5% of the loan amount. Keep in mind that there are income limits, mortgage limits for each area depending on the type of financing.

It is wise for you to contact an experienced Realtor here at the Pilgrim Team of Professional Realty Associates who can help you wade through the home buying process. We will also be able to suggest to you on mortgage loan officers who have the ability and the experience to make it less stressful mortgage application process.

Check our blog soon for the second question you need to ask yourself.

This is the fifth community The Pilgrim Team and Jerry Pilgrim has been involved in the area over the last 10 years. The other communities we have now completed were Cranbrook Acres, Ashcombe Farms, Ashcombe Farms West in Dover. Shiloh Farms is located in West Manchester Twp. We also have another community that has been quite successful in Dover Township called Fox Run Creek Estates where prices begin in the $160,s. Stop by our model homes located in Fox Run Creek Estates located off Cardinal Lane on Fountainhead Drive. We do have have a Sunday open house form 1-3pm. If you would like a private showing call or email us and we will be happy to accommodate you.

Nobody would go without health insurance, if they could avoid it, would they?

The cost of repairing our bodies is just too high to bear, without financial help. But what if health insurance was free? Wouldnt you sign up for it? Of course you would.Were like a lawn in need of an application of rain or fertilizer. We need more protein. To get the feeding you need, be sure you get enough meat, fish, cheese, beans, nuts and other protein-containing foods. If you cant get cottage cheese, wheat germ or peanut butter while youre on the run, then hit a drive-through and grab a milkshake.

Yes, its true that most of us get enough protein, but anyone over age 65, preteen girls and anyone facing surgery or other stress could use more protein, just to be safe. Thats just the insurance you need!

For all the right stuff in your diet, be sure to include protein. And in your next real estate transaction, be sure to include me!

Call The Pilgrim Team at Professional Realty Associates for all York PA real estate needs whether buying or selling!

There are a few reasons for short sale not to be approved by the Lenders.

1. The Realtor who has the listing has NO knowledge of the process and shouldn't have taken it to begin with. Not only did the house did not sell to the buyer but they also may have jeopardized the homeowners chance to keep the house from foreclosure.

2. The Realtor listed the house at a very low price to get an offer from a buyer, knowing full well the offer would most likely be countered back at a much higher price which the buyer will not accept or can't accept because they cannot be approved by their lender to get a mortgage for the property at the higher price. Now the Realtor who listed the property thinks they have an approved price (but they really don't) and re-lists the house at that price and they change the price and now claims it is approved. Wrong! Once another offer comes in the offer must be approved again even if it is the "approved" asking price.

3. The Realtor does not know what the Lenders want during the negotiating process and cannot present a complete short sale package. What happens is the negotiator may totally reject the offer.

4. The Realtor may continue to take back up offers and forward them to the bank. Just in case the 1st offer falls through. This confuses the Lenders negotiator and they stop processing the offer.

5. The offer may contain many contingencies that the Lender does not want to see. There should not be any contingencies to make it a strong offer.

6. Believe it or not some real estate agents will take a listing as a short sale and not even know whether it can even be approved as a short sale based on necessary criteria. So what happens when an offer is submitted to the Lender and it will not even be considered because the seller has the ability to make the payments and nothing has changed that would keep that seller from not making that mortgage payments. The Seller just wants to sell because the house has lost equity, this is not a reason for the short sale to be approved.

Bottom line make sure if you want to buy a short sale use an experienced agent who has successfully negotiated sold short sales and helped buyers buy short sales. The Pilgrim Team is specially trained to help both Sellers and Buyers achieve their home goals. Call Jerry Pilgrim at Professional Realty Associates at 717-757-5955. You will be glad you did!

I wanted to provide information to you about some startling statistics regarding the latest distressed property trends.

In a recent study by Lender Processing Services (LPS), 6.38 million people were at least 30 days late on their mortgage payments. If you or someone you care about is feeling the stress of an unaffordable mortgage, please take the time to review the free foreclosure avoidance guide I’ve place on my website: www.YorkShortSales.com

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I can navigate a homeowner through a variety of options. I’ve listed some of the most common alternatives to foreclosures that homeowners can take advantage of to get back on the path to financial stability.

I would truly appreciate your taking the time to refer any homeowners you know that may need my assistance. I’m sure that they would appreciate it, too! The sooner they contact me, the more time we’ll have to develop a strategy to avoid foreclosure.

With gratitude,

Jerry Pilgrim

CDPE, CRS, E-pro, Broker/Owner

Break Free From Unaffordable Mortgage Payments!

A recent study in Nevada (a state that holds the nation’s highest foreclosure rate), found that only 5% of distressed homeowners knew they had alternatives to foreclosure, and only 3% took advantage of them. It was also found the 1 in 4 homeowners chose to “strategically default,” or allow their homes to be foreclosed upon on purpose!

The Realtors Association of York and Adams County (RAYAC) and the local Multiple List Service report for York County that there are currently 3236 (Active) properties on the market as of May 24^th, 2011.  There are 371 Short Sales included in that total, and there have been 276 Bank Owned Properties that have closed or are pending settlement and 260 properties have sold since January 1^st. These numbers represent 536 total distressed properties or 27% of the properties sold.

Clearly, too few distressed homeowners know their options and the fallout of foreclosure. If they did, they’d soon realize that there’s nothing ‘strategic’ about foreclosure, and that avoiding foreclosure is always the best plan to create financial stability.

Millions of Americans feel alone and trapped by mortgage payments they can no longer afford. In fact, 27% of Americans with mortgages now owe more than what their home is worth. However, more and more of them are finding education on the responsible alternatives to foreclosure is helping them move toward financial stability.

Education is key. The more distressed homeowners know about solutions, the more likely they are to overcome their financial challenges. I’ve seen this firsthand.

I can help with the education part—it’s up to you to contact Jerry Pilgrim Broker/Owner of the Pilgrim Team of Professional Realty Asscociates.

If you are currently putting off buying a home here in York PA, you better thin again! This has been one of the best times ever to buy a home due to historically low interest rates, low home prices and a tremendous amount on homes to chose from. If you put off the buying decision until the prices have hit the bottom, you will have missed out because by the time you decide to jump into the market you will have missed the bottom and prices and interest rates could be much higher. With interest rates as low as they are and as volatile on a daily basis due to market conditions changing worldwide don't wait until it's to late.

You will need an experienced Real Estate Professional who can guide you through the decision making process based on our experience, knowledge and personal goals to make your home buying a dream a reality. Call or contact The Pilgrim Team here at Professional Realty Associates so you will allow us to serve you in a way second to none in York!

For more information, please contact: 

                                                                                                                              Jerry Pilgrim

                                                                                                                   jpilgrim@pilgrimteam.com

Local Agent Takes a Stance Against Strategic Default

Online report outlines the realities of “strategic default”—or walking away from a mortgage—and provides solutions for homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments in York County, PA.

York, PA -  Local CDPE-designated agent, Jerry Pilgrim of Professional Realty Associates, has developed a website report providing information regarding the truth about a mortgage trend called “strategic default,” where homeowners walk away from their mortgages.

“There is a growing trend of distressed homeowners who have heard that a strategic default may be their best option,” Pilgrim said.  “With this report, I’m showing homeowners that there are alternatives to foreclosure that can actually help them move on to a more stable financial future, rather than further damaging their credit, security clearance, or current or future employment.”

This community resource is available at www.YorkShortSales.com and explains the benefits of short sales, or selling a property for less than the current mortgage amount owed. Benefits include less damage to credit scores, and the ability to qualify for a future mortgage more quickly.

In a recent study, the Chicago Booth/Kellogg School Financial Trust Index estimated that 36 percent of Americans would consider walking away from their mortgage if they were “underwater,” or owed more than the property was worth. Now that one in four Americans is currently underwater, Pilgrim sees the need for greater education.

“Individual homeowners as well as our entire community would suffer the consequences of strategic default,” Pilgrim said. “I can share solutions and alternatives that can help preserve the financial stability of distressed homeowners and the values of our neighborhoods.”

The CDPE Designation Pilgrim has acquired provides a specific understanding of the complex issues confronting distressed homeowners.  Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPE-designated agents are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing financial hardship in today’s market.

To learn more, visit www.YorkShortSales.com.

For more information about the CDPE Designation, visit www. CDPE.com.

IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT DISCLOSURE: You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender (or servicer). If you reject the offer, you will not have to pay us for our services. The above brokerage is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

More people have lost their jobs, they have to keep a roof over their heads, and they need a car. If they can find food, that's a huge expense off their back.

At Our Daily Bread, they've served about 67,000 meals in 2010. That's the most in more than a decade.

While the recent cold snap has driven additional people indoors to the warmth of the soup kitchen and other charities, the good news is there's a lot of help available during the holiday season because more people take the time to volunteer or donate this time of the year.

Our Daily Bread accepts food donations, but money is most needed to help pay for utilities. Call Paula Koch at 848-1674.

York Rescue Mission is collecting nonperishable food items, including pastas, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, soups and meats, oatmeal and grits. Call Ada Hite at 812-1692.

The United Way of York County is collecting money to be used for service programs at 73 partner agencies. Call executive director Robert Woods at 843-0957 or go to unitedway-york.org.

The best way to get there is by driving I-83 to west on route 30 to right on Roosevelt Ave, and bear right on Greenbriar Rd, go approximately 2.5 mile past Cousler park and it located just past The Outdoor Country Club and across from Brittany II. 

This are is one on the more desirable area's in the county due to the excellent schools, recreation and parks nearby. One of the main attractions would be the Outdoor Country Country Club with a membership of over 500 and is still seeking new members designed in 1959 by Ed Ault and it is a par 72 and 7000 foot course.

Cheltenham is surrounded by high end homes and the communities would include Brittany, Brittany II, The Outdoor Country Club, Country Club West and Hepplewhite Estates. It is not a large community consisting of approximately 107 home sites. The home sizes average from about 24 sq. ft. to over 3800 sq. ft.  Lot sizes average about 1/3 acre. All Utilities are underground and include public water, sewer, natural gas and CATV.

As of this writing there are a few lots remaining that could be built on. If you would like information on those lots and what Builder would be available to build your custom home, please don't hesitate to call us here at The Pilgrim Team at Professional Realty Associates as we have the experience to make your build an enjoyable one. If you are looking for an existing home prices range form $234,000 to $299,900. If you would want us to provide further information contact us and we will be more than be of service to you.

                                                                                                                                               Jerry Pilgrim

                                                                                            The Pilgrim Team of Professional Realty Associates

                                                                                                       717-757-5955 or jpilgrim@PilgrimTeam.com

Local Agent Provides Resource on Foreclosure Alternatives, Short Sales

For homeowners struggling with mortgage payments, website explains differences between foreclosure and short sales.

 York, PA – 11-15-2010– Local CDPE-designated agent, Jerry Pilgrim of Professional Realty Associates, has released an informational report comparing the consequences of a short sale and foreclosure.

 The report can be found at http://www.stopyorkpaforeclosure.com and provides a thorough explanation of how a short sale may potentially improve a homeowner’s future financial stability.

 “Considering how damaging foreclosure can be for the homeowner and the surrounding community, it is important that everyone knows all of the alternatives available,” Pilgrim said. “This report is the latest addition to my website, which gives distressed homeowners a way to inform themselves on their best options.”

 Currently, one in seven mortgages is in some stage of delinquency. Once a mortgage payment has been missed, the lender has the ability to begin the foreclosure process. A short sale can potentially minimize the damage to one’s future loan eligibility, credit score, employment, security clearance and more.

 “We often see homeowners enter the foreclosure process without any visible means of professional guidance,” Pilgrim said. “My hope is to inform the community that there are legal, dignified alternatives to foreclosure.”

 The CDPE designation provides real estate agents with the tools and knowledge needed to efficiently, ethically and effectively pursue foreclosure alternatives, specifically short sales. In addition to their initial training, CDPE-designated agents are connected to a network of professionals via the Distressed Property Institute, allowing them to remain regularly updated on the complex and quickly changing real estate market.

 For more information about the CDPE Designation, visit www.cdpe.com.

Take advantage of these prices and incentives now while interest rates are at all time lows. Special financing is available to those who qualify.

Contact The Pilgrim Team with any questions, or for more information.

Today I want to talk about the Community of Fountainhead located in York Township. It is a small neighborhood that consists of 26 lots that range in size from 1/3 acre to the largest being nearly 3/4 acre.

Home prices are typically in the low $300's to over $450,000. The predominant house style is the two story colonial with some brick and stucco exterior on the fronts and beaded vinyl siding making up the balance. Ray Markey Builders is and was the Builder of the neighborhood. The Builder is know for his innovative building materials that keep up with the latest trends in new construction. One of Ray's better known standard features include the ICF foundations. It is a foundation that comes nearly completed for drywall and is very energy efficient and also very water resistant. the quality of construction is second to none.

The neighborhood of Fountainhead is located near I-83 south of York PA, and is an easy commute for Baltimore bound people. It is also located near Apple Hill Medical Center which is a Well-Span campus that is more reminiscent of a indoor mall than a medical facility. You will find many indoor walkers using the area for their daily exercise and then stopping for a meal and sit down to meet neighbors. OSS is another medical facility that is within a mile that is primarily where Orthopedic Surgeons treat patients with back and spinal, and joint problems. They have recently opened a new wing that allows for overnight stays for patients.

Fountainhead is alos located in the Dallastown Area School District. The District is known for its achievements in Academics in particular Science and Math. There are just about any sports offered the students that range form Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Golf, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Lacrosse and more.

So if you are looking for a charming neighborhood in a excellent setting with nearby ameneties check it out you won't be disappointed.