New “Drama-Free Real Estate” series on FrontDoor.com helps you take the drama out of real estate

I’m trying to buy a condo in Manhattan and you know that’s nothing but drama. Running around the city via subway and cabs. Dealing with sellers who haven’t accepted the reality of the market. Trying to get financing with loan terms I want. And hello! Did you know New York City has the highest closing costs in the country, averaging $4,016, according to a survey by Bankrate?! DRAMA!

Well, now there’s a guide for anyone tired of the stress of buying, selling or financing a home. (drum roll please)

Introducing the new “Drama-Free Real Estate” series on HGTV’s FrontDoor.com. FrontDoor Freak-Out Prevention Specialist and real estate expert Tara-Nicholle Nelson offers more than 100 timely stories and tips to help you take the drama out of your homebuying, selling and financing experience. Check it out at: http://www.frontdoor.com/dramafree

Tara’s breaks down the “Top 10” action steps, strategies and insider secrets you must know; offers “Don’t Freak Out” tips to tackle the main sources of frustration; and shares her experiences and lessons learned with real-life clients in “Been There, Done That.”

If you’ve got drama you can’t handle, consult Tara’s guide and leave a comment here. We want to hear about it!

FrontDoor offers tips and advice amid increased foreclosure activity

Tips and advice to help you

With foreclosures instantly at the top of the news again, we’ve pulled together tips and tools for homeowners struggling with their mortgages. For one, contact your lender immediately and ask about your options, whether it’s a refinance or loan modification.

Also, investors looking for opportunities should check out our 10 steps to buying a foreclosure. Did you know properties can be in one of three stages of foreclosure? Find out which one is right for you. Plus, search for available foreclosures on FrontDoor.com.

According to RealtyTrac, the foreclosure picture remains bleak, with February foreclosure filings in the U.S. up 30 percent year-over-year. Among the top 10 hardest hit metro areas, in order: Las Vegas, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Riverside-San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Reno-Sparks, Phoenix and Vallejo-Fairfield. The news comes amid President Obama’s $75 billion dollar efforts to keep struggling homeowners from losing their homes.

FrontDoor Insider Rick Sharga of RealtyTrac predicts even more challenging times this year. Several analysts and economists have said that Obama’s refinancing and loan modification programs aren’t enough to buoy an economy plagued with an 8.1 percent unemployment rate and lagging consumer confidence.

And with foreclosures sure to make headlines again, FrontDoor is working on a new foreclosure resource center, with more helpful guides and tools. Stay tuned!