Over the last several years the real estate market got relatively bloated. Everybody and their brother were rushing to get into real estate causing an inevitable bubble. Since, we’ve had a significant adjustment in the housing prices. This and a number of things will add to housing defaults. But it is really just the beginning.

It may be easier said than done, but there are a few ways to stop foreclosure. You can often work with your lender to stop foreclosure possibilities. Lenders really want to avoid you going into foreclosure. It doesn’t do them any good to have foreclosures on their books. It costs them handily, and that’s why they will often work with you to stop foreclosure.

In mid 2008 we’ll be seeing a large number of adjustable rate mortgages resetting at higher interest rates. This could really make things worse in the housing market. Higher payments and lower house values are a volatile combination. We will see foreclosure numbers like we’ve never seen before. You should always try to stop foreclosure at just about all costs; however, in some cases when you’re upside down hundreds of thousand dollars it makes sense to just walk away. And this issue alone may prove devesating to the overall housing market.

The days of discussing how to manage our 1031 exchange profits are over for the short term. But the softening housing market provides opportunity even better 1031 exchange opportunities. With lower purchase prices prevalent, this allows you to get into homes at bargain basement levels. Making this crises a long-term investment opportunity. After purchasing at lows and awaiting the eventual rebound, you can then execute a 1031 exchange. This simply allows you to lock in gains and defer taxes for a long time to come. So, the housing downturn may be a struggle for some, but in every struggle springs opportunity.

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