short sale specialist: FTC aims to stop Idaho short sale and loan modificaton scams - 05/16/11 02:32 AM
A new rule created by the FTC to protect Idaho homeowners from mortgage debt relief scams may have an impact on real estate professionals helping clients with short sales.
In a nutshell the rule bans all upfront fees for renegotiating mortgage terms and mandates some disclosures are made to consumers if a short sale is negotiated with a lender for Idaho homeowners or when advertising short sale experience.
Companies or real estate agents advertising help with short sales are now required to include the following...Read more about the new short sales rule.
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short sale specialist: Please don't call me an expert, just call me when you want it done. - 11/03/09 09:25 AM
Please don't call me an expert, just call me when you want it done and hopefully sooner rather than later.
With the slew of certifications and designations flying around out there I think the word "expert" or "specialist" has started to develop a negative connotation with me.
That's not to say they aren't worth obtaining, but it's hard for a consumer to know which is valid.  Sure, their website says they're the Number 1 expert but how is the consumer to differentiate which requires some legitimate training/production and which you can pick up for $59.95 per month?
Don't get me wrong, … (55 comments)

short sale specialist: How blow your credibility before you even get started - 08/21/09 09:05 AM
In a day and age when email and social networking reign supreme I have to give props to anyone going"old school" on us.  I received this fax blast a while back and it is a great example of how not to position yourself as an expert.
It stars off alright but read closely and see if you can pick up on what I did:

If you didn't pick up on it I'll flip it over so you can read the footer:

The ad copy wasn't bad but leaving "Mitch's Carpet" on the fax footer shoots all kinds of holes in your credibility.   I said to … (9 comments)