I don't have the experience with short sales that you do, and I think after reading your post I don't want to, sounds like a whole lot unhappiness to me. I will be checking back to see what others post though as I am interested in other peoples opinions on the subject. -cem

 The feng shui principles of harmony through the use of earth, water, metal, fire and wood can be a great help in creating a calming atmosphere in your business place.  Colors, pictures, sculptures, even placement of furniture in your negotiation area are all to your advantage. Use all of the elements with out over using any one thing.  Keep the room in balance.  A small amount of black is grounding, a little red is stimulating and blues and greens are browns are relaxing. Get the idea? The best part is that usually those that are affected by this calm are not aware that their surroundings are influencing them.  Don't forget to seat yourself in a position of power. [Facing the entry door.] :]

Sheryl,

Working in loss mitigation for a short period, I know that there can be hard feelings.  Maybe buyer's hear the term "short sale" and associate it with quick. I think that the buyers' agent should do more to explain to the buyer that this can be a much lengthier process than buying a new home, but the advantages are well worth it.  They have to have some understanding of that or they wouldn't be looking for a short sale in the first place.  Buyers are getting a home that probably has equity and doesn't need alot of work.  So they are saving money and gaining alot, focusing on that should increase their patience.

I would say to just keep pointing out the positives in the situation for everyone. The realtor is still getting a sale which is better than nothing in this current market.  Banks are rough to deal with and there is no way around that.

If they don't already, make sure that the sellers have their home in show condition (clean and neat) just as if they were selling the house themselves.   That should help the buyers feel like they are getting a well-kept home and reduce some animosity.

Just remember that you are doing the sellers a great service.  So let the buyers and their agents keep the bad spirits to themselves. I think Stephen Covey said "When your focus shifts, what you focus on shifts."  Keep them pointed toward the light and the end of the tunnel. But most of all....

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, THOSE SELLERS NEED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting as we have thought the same thoughts. We have dealt with short sales that are anything but short and there is inevitably negative energy that happens with the various parities along the way. Not sure what the answer is.