“Making Home Affordable” was introduced earlier this year to reduce the alarming amount of foreclosures in the United States.

The $75 billion program provides mortgage lenders with financial incentives to reduce the amount that distressed homeowners owe on their principal home balances, which in turn reduces their monthly payments. It’s a plan that is designed to short circuit the foreclosure process before it begins.

Today, the Obama administration announced the program’s first milestone — banks have so far signed up more than 500,000 borrowers who need to re-work their mortgages. The good news comes three weeks earlier than expected because the deadline to hit a half-million was set for Nov. 1, 2009, according to the Washington Post.

Here’s a snip Shaun Donovan, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on the progress:

“We’re very pleased to have reached this goal of half a million borrowers almost a full month ahead of target, but we obviously have a lot more to do.”

Donovan is making reference to the program’s ultimate goal of helping 4 million borrowers by the end of 2012. It’s a lofty and certainly noble goal.

However, the big concern is whether or not the loans that are modified will be sustainable, meaning the homeowners do not find themselves in distressed situations again down the road.

Only time will tell.

To learn more about Making Home Affordable and determine whether or not you can refinance your home mortgage click here. The official “Making Home Affordable” Web site can be found right here.

Five states, six days.

This weekend signals the start of huge opportunities for house hunters and investors in the Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio markets looking to take advantage of the best real estate deals in their areas.

REDC, one of the nation’s most reputable and successful real estate auction companies, will conduct public foreclosure sales from Saturday (Oct. 10) through Thursday (Oct. 15).

That’s right: Six consecutive days of super sales on condominiums and townhomes, as well as single- and multi-family properties.

All told, 342 properties combined must be sold in less than one week. It’s the reason bids can start as low as $500 — everything must go!

Here are the locations (For complete details click here):

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WMBF News today put together a nice punch list of things that homeowners today “need to know” before buying a foreclosure … or any other type of home for that matter.

Check it out:

1. Double-check your credit — Check your credit report immediately to be sure it does not show any incorrect information.
2. Talk to lenders — Check rates and offers from several mortgage professionals to find one you with whom you want to work.
3. Home prices are still low — Now is an excellent time for a home investment.
4. Interest rates are still good — Mortgage interest rates have dropped again to about 5 percent annually.
5. You must have savings — A down payment is essential today.
6. Know all costs of ownership — A rule of thumb is to budget 1 percent of the home’s purchase price per year for upkeep.
7. Buyer beware — Invest in a home inspection before agreeing to purchase any home.

Foreclosure.com currently features more than 2 million distressed real estate listings in its nationwide database, including preforeclosures, foreclosures, Sheriff sales, bankruptcies, tax liens, auctions and much more. In short, we have a house for everyone … at the most affordable price.

So use the tips above, search our Web site for the best deals in your area and live your own American dream while the conditions are in your favor. Opportunities like this don’t come around very often.

To search for homes and other cheap real estate deals — often up to 50 percent off — right now click here.

• Brad Geisen to Bloomberg News: Banks may be more willing to accept foreclosure alternatives — http://bit.ly/4zau3T TM #
• Great article on “Tweets” for Real Estate professionalshttp://bit.ly/XSVaJ LY #
• Great collaborative meeting with Lynn University LY #
• Deal of the Day, desert edition: 3 bed/4 br 3,029 sq. ft. Arizona oasis. Pot. equity = $551,780 (122% under value!) http://bit.ly/gn3j2 TM #
• Cool social media pillows for your home http://bit.ly/NeDhq SC #

On Foreclosure.com, of course. Paul Owers from the Sun Sentinel explains:

“… there are many bank-owned properties here in Florida. Banks often offer reduced or no closing costs when these homes are purchased. All lenders are motivated to unload their inventories, so there are deals to be had out there. As far as financing, rates are still at historic lows and Federal Housing Administration loans allow for as little as 3.5 percent for down payments. You can contact different banks or check out websites such as Foreclosure.com.”

To search foreclosed homes in Florida, as well as preforeclosures, Sheriff Sales, short sales, bankruptcies and other distressed real estate for great discounts, click here. It’s free for seven days — more than enough time to find your perfect retirement/vacation home at an affordable price.