Lanham & Associates Offers Free Short Sale Seminar for Hispanic Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

OAKLAND PARK, Fla., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The topics of foreclosure and short sale headline a free bilingual seminar being hosted by Lanham & Associates on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, 4 - 6 pm at the Oakland Park library. A panel of experts from the mortgage, real estate and legal professions will present information and materials to help homeowners understand the short sale option to foreclosure.

"We know that a large percentage of homeowners affected by the mortgage crisis are Hispanic," says Broker-owner Gary Lanham. "Nationwide, about 1.3 million Latino families will lose their homes by 2012, according to a study by the National Council of LaRaza and the University of North Carolina," notes Lanham.

Realtor Sales Associate Leida Alicia, who will moderate the seminar, cites the results of a National Housing Survey which shows that 74 percent of Hispanics, compared to 59 percent of all Americans, say owning a home is a good way to build wealth. "We need to help Hispanics with distressed properties. As the largest, fastest growing minority group in the US, my demographic is key to recovering market stabilization," says Alicea.

Lanham and his team of experts will explain the legal and financial requirements for a short sale, such as: Can I avoid foreclosure with a short sale? Do I qualify and what does it cost? What documents do I need to apply for a short sale? How does a short sale affect my credit? How soon can I buy another house?

Attorney and Florida State Representative George Moraitis, Jr. will talk about the short sale versus foreclosure process in Broward County. "From a legal standpoint, a short sale offers the possibility of obtaining a release from further liability in connection with the loan and is a much better alternative than allowing a home to be foreclosed and sold at auction," says Moraitis.

"Negotiating short sales requires a great deal of persistence and skill," says Brian Karney, who is a short sale negotiator with the Moraitis law firm. "We are grateful to have helped many of our clients get a new start through the short sale process," adds Karney, who will explain the complex negotiations involved in a short sale.

Paralegal Patricia Salois with Moraitis, Cofar, Karney & Moraitis law firm will have bilingual materials available for homeowners who wish to begin the application process. "It is important that no language barrier exists to increase anxiety, as a short sale can be a long and arduous process---that's where I can help," says Salois.

Ivette Lipp from FEMBi Mortgage, a Hispanic-owned company, will talk about the effects of foreclosure and short sale on a homeowner's credit and how soon they will be eligible to purchase another home.

To view the agenda in English or Spanish, go to www.lanhamassociates.com. The seminar is free, but seating is limited. To register, email [email protected], or call Leida Alicea at 954-530-8198.

About Lanham & Associates

Lanham & Associates, Inc. is a boutique real estate firm offering sales, leasing and brokerage services to residential and commercial clients in Oakland Park, Wilton Manors and the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Broker-owner Gary B. Lanham has extensive experience in sales, marketing and business development.

Contact: Gary B. Lanham
Lanham & Associates, Inc.
3242 NE 12 Avenue
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-530-8198
[email protected]

SOURCE Lanham & Associates, Inc.