There is a valuable partnership not being described much…are you using this partnership? The partnership I am referring to is that of the short sale real estate broker and their local HUD certified housing counselors. Many homeowners in financial distress seek the assistance of their local HUD certified housing counseling agency. They come seeking the expertise and guidance of a housing counselor. They may have found this resource through the marketing efforts of the agency, they may have been pointed that direction by a family member, friend, colleague or their existing lender. How many are pointed that direction by the real estate agent they have talked to about selling their home for a price that will net less than they owe on their existing loan(s)?
Are you as Short Sale Brokers pointing your clients to your local HUD certified housing counseling agency for guidance?
With an experienced, well-trained HUD housing counselor, your client will receive impartial recommendations from a trained professional about the myriad of options available: from loan modification to forbearance to repayment… from refinance to principal reduction to unemployment programs… from budget counseling to recommendations to seek the assistance of consumer credit counseling or legal services… from short sale to deed-in-lieu of foreclosure to transition assistance. Often, combinations of these solutions may be recommended and considered by homeowners. This service is usually FREE to your client!
These counselors have established contacts and working relationships with the major servicers. They participate in up-to-the-minute training on the programs available in the fast changing world of loss mitigation. And guess what? They just might be there to help you when you run in to a snag as a listing agent negotiating a short sale.
If you haven’t gone down and met your local housing counselors at your HUD certified housing counseling agency, you are missing out on a valuable partnership. Do yourself and your short sale clients a favor - change that today! Give your short sale clients the service and attention they deserve.
See you out there!
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