Quote from @Shawn Questa: Hi all,I am curious what some of the Pros would do to Help a Seller in this situation while making a Deal happen.I found a 200+ day old MLS Listing where the Agent said the Seller is in Financial Ruin, hasn't Paid the Mortgage in a year, owes about 180k on an approx. 210k House and multiple Buyers have backed out.I don't know how someone could not Pay their Note in a year and not at least be in Pre-foreclosure. 

@Fred Robertson, I was actually reading a little about this sort of thing today and it is absolutely the kind of thing where you get a CPA or certified financial planner involved!

It's the same skill set but the financial returns and community impact are exponentially greater for everyone.There’s no reason that we can’t and shouldn’t be the ones revitalizing our communities instead of outsiders OR worse nobody at all.There are less opportunities in smaller towns and who is in the best position to truly understand the needs of the community?

During the 2008 financial crisis, both entities were placed under conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to stabilize the housing market.

This is much lower than the costs associated with refinancing.Benefits of Mortgage RecastingLower Monthly Payments: The most immediate benefit is a reduced monthly payment, which can free up cash for other financial goals.Save on Interest: By reducing your principal balance, you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan, potentially saving thousands of dollars.No Credit Check or Appraisal: Unlike refinancing, recasting doesn’t require a credit check, income verification, or home appraisal, making it a quicker and simpler process.Keep Your Current Interest Rate: If you have a favorable interest rate on your current loan, recasting allows you to maintain it while still lowering your payments.Drawbacks of Mortgage RecastingRequires a Lump Sum: Not everyone has the cash on hand to make a significant lump sum payment, which can make recasting inaccessible for some homeowners.Doesn’t Shorten Loan Term: While your monthly payments are lower, recasting doesn’t reduce the length of your loan.

A lot of agents don't want to have to educate someone who is broke and has dreams of financial freedom through real estate just to find out you can't buy.

Here are some trends that could play out, or further develop in 2025.Leasing & Tenant Experience AI-Powered Leasing: Chatbots and AI tools will streamline leasing processes, from answering tenant inquiries to scheduling tours.Virtual Tours & Digital Leasing: These will become even more standard, making it easier for tenants to rent remotely.TechnologySmart Property Management: IoT devices (smart locks, thermostats, etc.) will become more common, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction.Property Management Software: Platforms will integrate more AI for predictive maintenance, rent collection, and financial reporting.SustainabilityGreen building practices and energy-efficient upgrades will be a major focus, driven by tenant demand and potential incentives.AI & AutomationAI will play a bigger role in tenant screening, rent pricing optimization, and even predicting market trends.Automation will handle repetitive tasks like maintenance requests and lease renewals, freeing up PMs for higher-level activities.I'm sure there are plenty more shifting trends that I haven't mentioned and that are sure to evolve over the next year. 

Key Questions:Would it be more financially prudent to sell the rental property and pay off a chunk of my high-interest primary mortgage (7.375%), and use the remainder for a fix and flip?

I’ve put together 7 steps to help you decide, stay focused, and get that much closer to achieving your financial goals.

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.