Decline in Ingham County sheriff sales a positive sign, officials say

MASON -- Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing and Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel say Sheriff's Deeds in Ingham County are decreasing steadily - a postive trend for the local housing market.

October 2011 compared to October 2010 sheriff deed sales decreased 44 percent.

Overall for 2011, the trend is also a significant decrease in sheriff's deeds. As of October 2010, 1,629 sheriff deeds had been filed.

In the same time period this year, 1,254 have been filed -- a decrease of 23 percent.

In the mortgage foreclosure process, a Sheriff's Deed typically starts a six month redemption period for the property.

Ingham County Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel said, "Anyone who needs help with their mortgage needs to ask for help. I encourage citizens who are having trouble making their mortgage payments to call 211 or www.holdontoyourhome.org for a referral to financial counselors."

"This is certainly good news for 2011 and I am optimistic the positive trend will continue into next year," said Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111127/INGHAM01/111270435/Decline-Ingham-County-sheriff-sales-positive-sign-officials-say