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Losing Sleep Over Keeping Your Home? Me Too, That's Why I'm Laboring on Labor Day

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group

As I write this I reflect back on my earlier days in taking on short sale listings and advising clients as to how to prepare their paperwork for submission to their lien holder.

Getting the word out that I tend to be a tireless Realtor who will pretty much go to any lengths to see to it that the lender has every document in place and am relentless in follow up to gaining a positive outcome was and still is next to impossible.

Client trust needs to be gained because so much is at stake and some of my clients had the unfortunate experience of working with "expert loan modifiers" only to had over thousands of dollars in savings to a scam artist.

I think the critical key point in question to the homeowner is "Who do I trust?"  For me that question is easy to answer as none of this process (including foreclosure) happens overnight. MEET with any prospective professional and interview them before signing anything.

In the state of California it's illegal to ask for upfront fees for loan modifications. Many consumers are still unaware of this.

As a dedicated professional that enjoys a solid reputation my goal is to counsel to the best of my ability the potential client. It's like being a lawyer, either you have a case or you don't, it's that simple.

I also tend to believe that some people think that there's no such thing as free. WRONG. Realtors do not collect commissions from the seller on short sales. The lien holder assumes all responsibility as it's obvious that if you're in a position to short sale, you more than likely do not have the funds to pay the costs associated with the real estate transaction and that's where I come to bat for my homeowner. I negotiate everything with the bank and the buyer's agent so that my seller doesn't endure additional hardship.

If there are any other distressed property specialists out there, I'd love to know how you reach your public and your experiences in this arena.

Oh, by the way, Happy Labor Day!

Avoid Foreclosure in California

                                               www.AvoidCamarilloForeclosure.com

 

Carol West
Carol West Real Estate, LLC - Hillsboro, OR
Real Estate Agent, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland

I know what you mean Sheila, I'm working too. I rec'd a call from a buyer with cash and I'm busy looking up properties!

 

Sep 06, 2010 02:49 PM
Tish Lloyd
BlueCoast Realty Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Broker - Wilmington NC and Surrounding Beaches

Sheila:  Hats off to you for your dedication in helping homeowners during one of the darkest times they will face.  It's not easy, and that you are so successful at it is a testament to your expertise, determination and heart. 

Sep 06, 2010 02:55 PM
Don & Cyndi Shurts
Keller Williams Advisors Realty: Don & Cyndi Shurts - Beavercreek, OH
Your Dreams Are Our Priority!

Thanks for being one of those Realtors that make us look good....going the extra mile to serve your clients!  I appreciate your "Whatever it takes to get it done" attitude.  Cyndi and I feel the same way with all our clients, especially those dealing with a distressed property.

Sep 06, 2010 03:00 PM
Sheila Rasak
Keller Williams Realty-California Coast Property Group - Camarillo, CA

Carol,

I hope you were able to put something together for your clients! I once sold a property on Mother's Day.

Tish,

Your recognition shows you're the same type of professional. These may be hard times, but putting our distressed property owners first goes a long way. I've had to wake early to hit the office by 6:00 am to get in touch with asset managers in order to keep the ball rolling on a short sale. We work these situations because we have a moral obligation to the outcome. If I can go to bed knowing I've done my best for my client, then I can rest easy.

Don & Cyndi,

I take it you've seen plenty of distressed situations as well. These are trying times, but as long as we put one foot in front of the other and push the banks toward the best possible outcome, maybe we can see our clients through to the beginning of their recovery.

 

Sep 07, 2010 12:12 AM