LP,

This is a niche area,where as you mentioned majority of realtors don`t quite understand..

Fortunately we do not have nearly as many as in most markets, but it is a segment that is growing.  I have considered it also.  I got in the business to not only make money but toi help people and this is a great way to help people in a tough time.

Good luck to you, if you need a notary to handle your transaction, I would appreciate if you used www.needAnotary.net.  We have notaries nationwide to help you with your short sales.

2008 will probably be a busy year as Florida was a hot market and lot of stated adjustable rate loans are scheduled to adjust and there will be no where for those people to turn to as the borrowers credit has not improved, their income won't support the increased payments and the LTV was too high.

It is nice to see that you have a heart for what you do.  More people need that.  Awesome job.

Scott, you're right it really is a niche area that is seeing a lot of attention. For those who have the desire it's a great area to highlight.

Randy, it's true that there are certain areas in our country that are really seeing the segment grow due to the rise in Foreclosures. I'm here in Florida that is high up on that list however, you in Hawaii aren't seeing the impact I'm sure. Thanks for your comments.

Ntsike, good to know about your notary services.

Dave, thank you very much for your kind words.

Does anybody have a story to share about how a short sale resulted in something good for yourself and the homeowner?....come and share it with us!

Mmmm, it's tough to think about the good that happened to me (other than a paycheck & the feeling of a job well done) and the good it did for the homeowner (other than the short sale mitgated the damage a foreclosure would have done) but what did come to mind are the folks that I have helped STAY in their homes.  These are the homeowners that I get the most gratification from (definitely not the biggest paycheck though LOL) - these are the homeowners that write heartfelt thnk you letters to me and that I know I am truly their Realtor for Life.  I have received referrals from many homeowners that I helped keep their home.

Right now I am working with a senior citizen that was duped earlier this year by an unscrupulous mortgage broker who put her into a refinance with a private lender who refuses to allow her to reinstate.  I think this was a set up from the start because her DTI is over 70% with the mortgage payments.  This loan was destined for default and her equity will wind up in THEIR pockets!   Oops, that's not a happy story - I think you were looking for happy stories.  Sorry.

Lynn..You are my kind of agent!

I am getting ready to assist a client of mine who purchased his home with my assistance.  He is now facing hard times and called me for help.

Thank you for your encouraging words.  Not too many of us out there that want to get this involved.

I will keep looking to you for advice.

Thank you!

Wendy, you're so right....what better thing to do than to be able to keep a homeowner in their home if you can. However, when that fails, a short sale can be the next best thing.  And oh the horror stories we hear about how homeowners were qualified to get into their home to begin with, is a whole other story...those situations are all too common and just disgusting. Thanks for your comments even with the sad story!

Edee, it's good to hear that you are emphathetic to these clients.  God bless you.

Lynn, there are so many people in need of representation for just this type of situation. It's a great feeling to pull some one "out of the fire" (if you will). Not to mention that banks typically pay more than the sellers would be willing to.

Vincent, you're right as there are so many people facing foreclosure who have no idea of what their options are and who can help them. So when you're able to reach these people and lessen their pain, I feel fortunate enough to be able to provide some relief. Thanks for commenting.

I'm in it for the same feeling I get when a first-time homebuyer gets the keys to their new home -- appreciation.  It's really that simple.  When I doorknock on pre-foreclosure properties I'm always pleased to find out when a homeowner has figured out a way to stay in the property and actually doesn't need my services.  But for those who don't have a clue what to do -- they are the ones that I am most happy to have talked with because they finally understand that they have options.  And not just an option to list and sell the property.