Brett Buys Roc Houses expands homeowner education initiative in Rochester

Rochester, NY Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC is expanding its homeowner education initiative to help property owners better understand tax foreclosure, bank foreclosure, inherited properties and other situations that can place a home’s equity at risk.

The initiative focuses on giving homeowners practical information. Topics include understanding foreclosure and tax-auction deadlines, requesting accurate payoff statements, communicating with mortgage servicers and taxing authorities, evaluating payment agreements, resolving estate and title issues, and comparing the costs of keeping, renting, listing or selling a property as-is.

“Too many homeowners believe their only choices are to pay everything immediately or lose the house,” said Brett Iwanowicz, owner of Brett Buys Roc Houses. “That is not always the case. Depending on the situation and the amount of time available, there may be payment agreements, lender solutions, financing, legal options or a traditional sale worth exploring. Selling the property should not automatically be the first answer.”

The company’s educational effort also addresses the importance of acting early. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance continue while a homeowner or family decides what to do. Deferred taxes can also include interest and penalties, making the amount required to resolve the problem substantially higher than expected. Inherited homes are another major focus. Although an inherited property may appear to represent significant family wealth, the heirs may still need money for probate, insurance, utilities, property taxes, cleanout, maintenance and repairs. When nobody opens the estate or has clear authority to manage the property, these expenses can continue for months while the home deteriorates.

“When a property sits because nobody knows who has the authority to act, the costs do not stop,” Iwanowicz said. “A roof leak, frozen pipe, insurance problem or unpaid tax bill can quickly reduce the value the family hoped to inherit. Our goal is to help people understand the complete cost and timeline before the property makes the decision for them.” The initiative also encourages homeowners who are considering selling during foreclosure to retain independent legal counsel and determine whether New York’s Home Equity Theft Prevention Act applies. Covered transactions can require specific contract language, disclosures and cancellation rights intended to protect the homeowner. A potential buyer who fails to discuss these protections or discourages the seller from obtaining independent legal advice should be treated as a serious warning sign.

Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC emphasizes that every homeowner’s situation is different. Keeping the home may be the best outcome when an affordable solution is available. A traditional real estate listing may be appropriate when the property’s condition and available timeline support it. A direct as-is sale may become a practical option when repairs, financing, title complications or an approaching deadline make other choices difficult.

“We want homeowners to understand every reasonable option,” Iwanowicz said. “We are available as an educational resource first. If the other solutions do not work and selling becomes necessary, we can then determine whether purchasing the property directly makes sense.”