Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country (see current examples at gmnews.com/?s=%22by+erik+j.+martin%22). I’m looking to interview realtors/agents, lending experts, and home sellers/home buyers for the following article:
FORECLOSURE RATES ARE FALLING: HERE'S HOW YOU BENEFIT. This story will investigate the latest RealtyTrac findings, which indicate that foreclosure filings are down 20 percent in the first 6 months of 2016 and down 11% from the first six months of 2015 (details at realtytrac.com/news/foreclosure-trends/midyear-2016-foreclosure-market-report), and explore why this is good news for homeowners (who can explore foreclosure relief options) and home sellers (who may be able to unload their previously underwater properties and benefit from fewer foreclosure properties in the neighborhood dragging down home values). Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central, Monday, August 15.
QUESTIONS: 1. (QUESTION #1 IS FOR HOME SELLERS/OWNERS): How were you recently able to avoid foreclosure on your property? Why were you at risk for foreclosure? What factors helped your situation and prevented foreclosure? What related tips can you provide to other home owners? 2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR PROFESSIONALS) What are the key/important findings of the RealtyTrac report (at realtytrac.com/news/foreclosure-trends/midyear-2016-foreclosure-market-report), in your opinion, and how should they be interpreted by homeowners/consumers? 3. Why is this news, of foreclosure filings down 20%, good for the real estate/housing market in general? How does it benefit each of the following: homeowners, home sellers, home buyers? 4. What is your prediction: will foreclosure filings continue to decrease in the coming months/years? Why/why not? 5. What options can owners pursue today who are facing foreclosure, including HARP, HAMP, and MHA (Making Home Affordable) programs? Who is eligible for each, how can these programs help, and when do they expire/what are the deadlines? 6. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic? 7. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
realtors/agents, lending experts, home sellers/home buyers
