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It’s a confusing time, but lenders are putting remedies, like forbearance, in place to help homeowners. Mortgage lenders, and the federal agencies that regulate lenders, are putting coronavirus mortgage relief measures in place to ensure homeowners have options if they’re unable to make payments. Your first stop in the face of financial hardship is your lender or bank. Just keep in mind lenders are working to figure out and implement the new mortgage relief polices outlined by the regulatory agencies. So you might read one thing from the FHFA, a federal regulator, but your bank might be doing something else. In addition, due to the number of homeowners affected by the pandemic, lenders are dealing with a crush of calls and online queries. Be patient, persistent, and prepared to spend time on hold.   Here are the resources you need: Your Mortgage Federally Backed Mortgages If you have a mortgage backed by Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veteran’s ...

Technology and good-old-fashioned creativity are helping agents, buyers, and sellers abide by COVID-19 health and safety practices while getting deals done. Some buyers are touring houses virtually. Others visit in person while remaining at least six feet from their agent. Sellers are hosting open houses on Facebook Live. Appraisers are doing drive-by valuations. Buyers are watching inspections via video call. Masked and gloved notaries are getting signatures on doorsteps. We have had to make some adjustments,  to minimize face-to-face interactions. There have been some delays, but for the most part, deals are getting done. Here’s what home buying and selling during the pandemic looks like: Showings  Go Virtual The rules around in-person showings vary by city, county, and state. Some allow them and some ban them. Check with your state, county, and local government to get the latest on business closures and shut-down rules. Agents have conducted home tours via F...